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Addiction and Dopamine in the Digital Age
[/vc_column_text][bsf-info-box icon_size=”20″ icon_color=”#ffffff” title=”SUMMARY” pos=”square_box” box_border_style=”solid” box_border_width=”4″ box_border_color=”#045689″ box_bg_color=”#ededed” title_font_style=”text-decoration:underline;,font-weight:bold;”]Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that motivates us to engage in enjoyable activities by linking them to pleasure. It plays a key role in the brain’s reward center, increasing with the anticipation and receipt of a reward. In our digital age, instant gratification and distractions are just a tap away. Understanding how ‘digital dopamine’ impacts us and how to ‘detox’ from it can benefit our mental health.[/bsf-info-box][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]You’ve probably interacted with the screen of a digital device multiple times today, responding to message notifications, emails or mindless social media scrolling. You might wonder why it can be so hard to stop checking your phone. The answer lies deep within our brains with a neurotransmitter called dopamine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2692″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”5″ el_width=”30″ css=”” accent_color=”#045689″][vc_column_text css=””]
Dopamine: The Reward Chemical
Dopamine plays a key role in the brain’s reward center, increasing with the anticipation and receipt of a reward. Pleasures such as eating chocolate, drinking alcohol, or engaging in sex are all liked to dopamine. After receiving a ‘reward’, a temporary dip in dopamine can trigger a craving for more. For most people, the brain quickly normalizes dopamine levels, allowing logical thinking to resume, like deciding to stop drinking alcohol when you need to drive home safely.
For people with addictions such as substance use disorders or behavioral addictions, the unnaturally increased flow of dopamine creates a stronger pull and a more intense crash when the addictive stimulus is unavailable. It is this destructive cycle that makes dopamine a critical factor in the development of addictions.[/vc_column_text][dt_quote type=”pullquote” font_size=”normal”]
“Most of us recognize our dependency on digital devices, but few understand the science behind their allure and the profound effects they have on our brains.” – Oliver Chip
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The Rise of the Digital Dopamine Addict
Dopamine’s link to technology is significant. The rate of media consumption has drastically increased in recent years with so much of our lives revolving around entertainment and validation – both of which stimulate the brain’s reward center. Modern technology provides almost limitless opportunities for immediate gratification, with just a click, swipe, or scroll. Features like autoplay and ever advancing algorithms can lead to hours of passive consumption without effort.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]While smartphones do not produce the same dopamine levels as drugs or alcohol, they are always accessible. Many of us have experienced losing track of time while browsing through online content. The constant availability of games, shopping, porn, and social media keeps us in a state of anticipation – and seeking the next dopamine hit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2748″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”5″ el_width=”30″ css=”” accent_color=”#045689″][vc_column_text css=””]
A Digital Dopamine Detox
A ‘dopamine detox’ restores the brain’s natural dopamine levels, improving attention span, sleep quality, productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. By promoting healthy stress relief methods like mindfulness and exercise, we can restore the bodies natural balance.
Nutrition is also an important factor. The dopamine diet at One Step is designed to assist with recovery from addictions by boosting dopamine levels as part of a comprehensive treatment program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Reducing Our Reliance on Digital Devices
While a detox from drugs or alcohol involves medical supervision due to the risk of physical withdrawal symptoms, a digital dopamine detox involves abstaining from digital devices. Some guidelines include:[/vc_column_text][dt_vc_list bullet_position=”middle”]
- Setting a schedule for phone use outside work hours
- Eliminating device use during meals, social events, and before bed
- Disabling non-essential notifications
- Deleting social media apps
[/dt_vc_list][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text css=””]A digital detox can last from days to weeks, with the first 12 hours often being the hardest. Initial withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and stress will ease over time as dopamine levels normalize.[/vc_column_text][dt_quote type=”pullquote” font_size=”normal”]
“When your smartphone starts to harm you on an emotional level – it’s time to take a break” – Jez P.
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Digital Addiction Treatment in Thailand
One Step Rehab offers a unique and affordable inpatient addiction treatment experience focused on person-centered recovery.
With a professional clinical team experienced in the delivery of custom treatment plans for digital addictions, we provide mental, emotional, and physical healing through behavioral therapies, fitness, mindfulness and yoga.
From our addiction treatment center in Northern Thailand, you can unplug and relax during your free time with resort amenities that include a swimming pool, extensive gym, Muay Thai fitness center and badminton court.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2617″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Dopamine Boosting Therapies at One Step Rehab in Thailand
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[/dt_vc_list][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]Please contact us for more information about our proven addiction treatment program or to learn how we can assist you or a loved one with recovery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”double” border_width=”2″ css=””][vc_column_text css=””]
References
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction – National Institute on Drug Abuse
Constant craving: how digital media turned us all into dopamine addicts – The Guardian
Can You Be Addicted to Dopamine? – Verywell Mind[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]