Dopamine detox. Has anyone tried it? It worked for me

[iloverachel]

I went on a dopamine detox (I will explain what it is below) since May 19. Prior to my successful recovery from mental health issues, mainly severe anxiety and depression, my dopamine receptors were messed up. I got dopamine from so many bad sources, hours of video games, hours of watching movies and doom scrolling social media, junk food in large amounts, alcohol and drugs. As a result, I did not enjoy exercise at all and noticed any improvements. Why? Because my brain is already receiving dopamine hits from all these bad sources, which I need more and more of. So I went on a dopamine detox.

When you put down the pizza and chocolate and start eating fruits and vegetables, it does wonders for your mind (I speak from experience being borderline obese for many years and now at a healthy BMI and no longer feel depressed)


Here's a breakdown of the core idea behind the concept:

• The Core Idea:
  • The concept generally involves abstaining from activities that provide immediate gratification, such as social media, video games, and even certain types of food.
    
    
  • The goal is to reduce exposure to these stimuli, which are believed to excessively stimulate the brain's reward system, leading to a potential "overactivation" of dopamine.
    
    
  • By reducing this stimulation, the idea is to allow the brain to reset and become more responsive to natural rewards.
• What it Often Involves:
  • Limiting Screen Time: Significantly reducing or eliminating time spent on social media, watching TV, playing video games, and browsing the internet.
    
    
  • Dietary Restrictions:Avoiding highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and other foods that can trigger dopamine release.
    
    
  • Social Isolation: In some extreme cases, it may involve limiting social interaction.
    
    
    
    
  • Regarding the effectiveness for exercise enjoyment:
    
    • Indirectly:
      • By reducing distractions from activities that provide immediate gratification (like social media), a "dopamine detox" might indirectly make exercise more enjoyable.
      • This is because it can free up time and mental space for physical activity.
      • It can also help you appreciate the intrinsic rewards of exercise, such as the sense of accomplishment and improved physical well-being, rather than relying on external validation or rewards.

 

[timf]

Anna Lembke has written books and done videos on this important topic. Recovery can be difficult enough without having to fight your own body.

 

[EvisceratedJester]

Dopamine detox? Looks like somebody is looking to start showing symptoms of early-onset Parkinson's disease and a decreased attention span and issues with working memory.

 

[ForgottenAgain]

I didn't know that had a name. I noticed certain activities impacting me negatively because of instant gratification, the ones you mention: social media, scrolling, etc. So I cut those out.
The last few months I started reading books again and doing other non screen related activities that I like but never did. I feel better yes, the small satisfaction I feel from reading some pages of a book feels like it's of higher quality than scrolling and lasts longer.

Exercise is a different beast to tackle, but I do agree with what you said as I've felt the benefits of exercise in the past and it wasn't as hard to do after my mind adjusted to not being so chronically online.

I really like this post, you made me remember things I haven't really thought about as life has been so utterly unbearable. I hope you continue getting better, I'd love to read more on this topic from you. I like the way you explained things.

 

[iloverachel]

I didn't know that had a name. I noticed certain activities impacting me negatively because of instant gratification, the ones you mention: social media, scrolling, etc. So I cut those out.
The last few months I started reading books again and doing other non screen related activities that I like but never did. I feel better yes, the small satisfaction I feel from reading some pages of a book feels like it's of higher quality than scrolling and lasts longer.

Exercise is a different beast to tackle, but I do agree with what you said as I've felt the benefits of exercise in the past and it wasn't as hard to do after my mind adjusted to not being so chronically online.

I really like this post, you made me remember things I haven't really thought about as life has been so utterly unbearable. I hope you continue getting better, I'd love to read more on this topic from you. I like the way you explained things.

Yeah when i was addicted to junk food, alcohol, drugs and bad sources of dopamine, i did not enjoy my hobbies or passion (lifting weights, exercise, martial arts). I was in a constant negative mindset, exercise felt pointless, my blood work came back and i had low testosterone.
I fixed it slowly by eliminating bad dopamine sources, haven't touched alcohol or drugs since May 19 last year, and exercising daily and now my sleep and mood is better than ever. First few weeks or months are super hard, giving up junk food after being a heavy addict for years is tough but if you want to improved bad enough you need to go through the tough times