Dopamine and Recovery
Humans, mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish all have it. Dopamine is the molecule of motivation and reward, imbued with a paradoxical nature. It fuels our creativity and madness, influences our addictions, and is key to our path toward recovery.
Published in 2018, The Molecule of More by Dr. Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long explores dopamine’s dual nature—its role in pleasure and pain. Lieberman, a psychiatrist at George Washington University, and Long, a physicist and screenwriter, uncover how dopamine influences six core aspects of humanity: love, drugs, domination, creativity/madness, politics, and progress.
Supporting the conversation are insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s Dopamine Nation, which emphasizes dopamine’s role in addiction. Dopamine’s primary function is to act as an early warning system for survival—prompting us to seek out pleasure and avoid pain. However, during addiction, this system is hijacked, leading to compulsive behaviors.
Lieberman and Long describe certain personalities—“dopaminergic personalities”—more inclined toward novelty, risk, and movement. From early American pioneers to modern-day risk-takers like startup founders, high dopamine levels have been linked to a pioneering spirit.
Why do achievements leave us unsatisfied?
Why do people do things they know will harm them?
These questions point toward dopamine’s influence in our lives.
The Science of Dopamine
Discovered in 1957, dopamine was initially dubbed the pleasure molecule due to its link to reward. Yet, its true role is more nuanced, involving anticipation and motivation. A key concept discussed is how dopamine peaks during anticipation—desire—rather than the reward itself. Once the reward is obtained, dopamine levels drop, often leading to craving and a cycle of pursuit. Dopamine is the motor that drives us toward the horizon, urging us to plan and move into the future. In contrast, stress chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin keep us anchored in the present moment. Dopamine fuels our survival instinct—seeking new food, new experiences, and novelty.
The Impact of Substance Use and the Myth of Willpower
Reducing dopamine through substances like caffeine, cocaine, or heroin interferes with this natural balance. These drugs alter how quickly dopamine is reabsorbed, creating artificially high levels and addictive potential.
One powerful recovery strategy is a 30-day dopamine fast, highlighted in Lembke’s work, which aims to restore the body’s natural homeostasis—its ability to rebalance dopamine levels. During this period, abstinence from stimulating behaviors and substances helps reset the brain, reducing cravings and restoring pleasure from everyday activities.
While willpower plays a role, Lieberman and Long emphasize that reliance solely on it is insufficient. Willpower is like a muscle that fatigues over time. True change requires understanding the biology—recognizing dopamine’s dual roles and harnessing the brain’s control mechanisms via the prefrontal cortex. Awareness allows individuals to combat unconscious dopamine-driven behaviors, like cravings for sugar or impulsive snacking.
Dopamine and the Future of Recovery
Looking ahead, scientific advances hold promise for revolutionizing addiction treatment. From improved understanding of neurotransmitter dynamics to innovative therapies targeting brain plasticity, the future of recovery stands to become more personalized and effective.
Dopamine is both a kryptonite and a superpower—essential for survival but dangerous when hijacked by addiction. Understanding its function provides a pathway to greater self-awareness and more effective recovery strategies. By tuning into the science, we can better navigate our behaviors and build healthier, balanced lives.
If you're interested in exploring these topics further, consider reading The Molecule of More by Lieberman and Long or Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke. Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to understanding ourselves and the mechanisms behind addiction.
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