Can’t stop texting your ex or eating junk food? You need a dopamine detox

In our hyper-connected, digital age, the constant barrage of stimuli can leave our minds overwhelmed, fatigued, and seeking respite. Enter the concept of a dopamine detox – a rejuvenating journey designed to recalibrate the mind, reclaim focus, and rediscover the joy in simplicity.

As we navigate a world flooded with notifications, screens, and instant gratification, the transformative potential of a dopamine detox is what you need to detoxify your mind and revitalise the spirit.

Dr Keerthi Karanam, psychiatry consultant, CARE Hospitals, explained that this phenomenon involves abstaining from activities that trigger dopamine release, such as social media, video games, and sugary foods. “The goal is to reset the brain’s reward system and reduce cravings for these activities from which one derives pleasure, she tells indianexpress.com in an interaction.

This current surge in popularity can be attributed to a collective awareness of the potential downsides of excessive technology use and the pursuit of immediate gratification, noted Dr Mazher Ali, consultant -psychiatry, CARE Hospitals.

How does dopamine work in our bodies?

Think of your brain as a giant network of tiny communication lines. Dopamine is like that messenger that travels along these lines, carrying information and instructions, explained Dr Karanam.

It makes you feel good when you do something enjoyable like eating delicious food or spending time with loved ones. The good feeling motivates you to repeat these actions, helping you learn and survive.

In medical language, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, and creates a sense of reward and reinforces the behavior, making us more likely to repeat it, Dr Ali said.

Can not having enough dopamine benefit you?

Having deficient dopamine can certainly feel discouraging. It can make you lose interest in activities you once enjoyed and make it difficult to find the energy to get things done. But, here’s a surprising fact: having slightly less dopamine can be good!

“It can help you become less impulsive and more focused on long-term goals. In other words, mildly low dopamine can help you resist those tempting distractions and make you focus more on the long-term goals,” Dr Karanam said.

Additionally, it can help resist impulsive behaviors and distractions, allowing individuals to concentrate on their ambitions, ensuring a more deliberate and measured approach to life, and enhancing resilience and patience, according to Dr Ali.

Are there any risks/side effects of a dopamine detox?

When you suddenly stop engaging in activities that normally trigger dopamine release, your brain has to adjust. This can lead to some withdrawal symptoms, like feeling anxious, bored, and irritable.

“It’s like your brain is missing the “feel-good” chemicals it used to get from those activities. That’s why it’s important to approach dopamine detox gradually, so your brain has time to adapt. If you try to quit your “favourite pizza,” you’re more likely to experience these side effects,” said Dr Karanam.

Can it be good for your mental health?

We all get a little dopamine boost when we get a text, scroll through social media, or indulge in our favourite sugary treat. It’s like a quick hit of pleasure. But sometimes, these quick hits can keep us coming back for more, even when they’re not good for us in the long run.

“Dopamine detox is like hitting the pause button on these instant gratifications. It can help us break the cycle and turn our attention towards healthier habits that provide more lasting satisfaction,” said Dr Karanam.

It’s not always easy, especially if you’re struggling with deeper issues like addiction or anxiety. But with the right support and guidance, a dopamine detox can be a powerful tool for reclaiming your time, attention, and ultimately, your well-being.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/dopamine-detox-mental-health-9050312/