Note: The purpose of this thread is to gather information, and or scientific theoretical knowledge to help treat the underlying issue of this addiction. Feel free to post and share information regarding this topic as well as citations so that others may be able to dive further into information.
DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, NOR WILL I PRETEND TO BE. INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS IN NO WAY A CONCRETE SOURCE FOR MEDICAL ADVISE OR A FORM OF PROFFESIONAL TREATMENT. PLEASE VENTURE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
So for starters, the human brain contains what's called neurotransmitters which can contain chemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, and the big killer, Dopamine. Now going down the list, serotonin is said to play the role of a mood stabilizer, while showing a relatively close relationship between reducing depression and keeping anxiety levels in check. Meanwhile oxytocin, "supposedly" is one of the love chemicals responsible for emotions along the lines of empathy. Now our true nemesis and friend is dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released during pleasureable activity, when this occurs, the brain puts rememberance on said activity the body was performing so that it can know which activities were fun to do. However, in the case of addiction, the body undergoes a forced stimulation with Dopamine approximatley upwards of up to ten times the amount than that of it being released naturally.
This is the part where we get screwed by Darwinism; the human body then proceeds to adapt to this forced change. And from my understanding, the body may choose to produce less dopamine, or shut down some dopamine receptors, which in turn causes that once level of high pleasure to be less effective over time. Thus causing the need to seek out more powerful dopamine releases. But, this is where Darwin comes to the lighter side. Because the human body is still capable of adapting more than once.
Now, I have a theory. If Dopamine levels play such a distinct key in the case of addiction, then what happens if we affect the production levels pre forced-stimulation. Now comes the question as to how to change the levels in the first place. I believe this is where the common, almost daily ingestion of caffeine comes into play. Supposedly, caffeine greatly increases dopamine production with eventual consumption, and we already know that dopamine plays a critical role when forcefully released. What were to happen if we offset this supply of caffeine, in turn affecting the production levels of dopamine? Theoretically, if we upped the production, the brain might (emphasis on might here), take on this "healthier" source of dopamine. On the other hand, it could lead to further damage on the body's dopamine receptors, which could dig a deeper hole for those in recovery. But, it could be a glimmer of hope. Which is why I'll attempt to affect my caffeine intake and record my findings over the course of a set period of time. Those who are intersted may follow suit and post their findings in this post alongside any other theories that anyone may have.
DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, NOR WILL I PRETEND TO BE. INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS IN NO WAY A CONCRETE SOURCE FOR MEDICAL ADVISE OR A FORM OF PROFFESIONAL TREATMENT. PLEASE VENTURE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex/2013/07/understanding-triggers-for-addiction/
http://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin#overview1
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165491-what-causes-dopamine-depletion/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462609/
DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, NOR WILL I PRETEND TO BE. INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS IN NO WAY A CONCRETE SOURCE FOR MEDICAL ADVISE OR A FORM OF PROFFESIONAL TREATMENT. PLEASE VENTURE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
So for starters, the human brain contains what's called neurotransmitters which can contain chemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, and the big killer, Dopamine. Now going down the list, serotonin is said to play the role of a mood stabilizer, while showing a relatively close relationship between reducing depression and keeping anxiety levels in check. Meanwhile oxytocin, "supposedly" is one of the love chemicals responsible for emotions along the lines of empathy. Now our true nemesis and friend is dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released during pleasureable activity, when this occurs, the brain puts rememberance on said activity the body was performing so that it can know which activities were fun to do. However, in the case of addiction, the body undergoes a forced stimulation with Dopamine approximatley upwards of up to ten times the amount than that of it being released naturally.
This is the part where we get screwed by Darwinism; the human body then proceeds to adapt to this forced change. And from my understanding, the body may choose to produce less dopamine, or shut down some dopamine receptors, which in turn causes that once level of high pleasure to be less effective over time. Thus causing the need to seek out more powerful dopamine releases. But, this is where Darwin comes to the lighter side. Because the human body is still capable of adapting more than once.
Now, I have a theory. If Dopamine levels play such a distinct key in the case of addiction, then what happens if we affect the production levels pre forced-stimulation. Now comes the question as to how to change the levels in the first place. I believe this is where the common, almost daily ingestion of caffeine comes into play. Supposedly, caffeine greatly increases dopamine production with eventual consumption, and we already know that dopamine plays a critical role when forcefully released. What were to happen if we offset this supply of caffeine, in turn affecting the production levels of dopamine? Theoretically, if we upped the production, the brain might (emphasis on might here), take on this "healthier" source of dopamine. On the other hand, it could lead to further damage on the body's dopamine receptors, which could dig a deeper hole for those in recovery. But, it could be a glimmer of hope. Which is why I'll attempt to affect my caffeine intake and record my findings over the course of a set period of time. Those who are intersted may follow suit and post their findings in this post alongside any other theories that anyone may have.
DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, NOR WILL I PRETEND TO BE. INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS IN NO WAY A CONCRETE SOURCE FOR MEDICAL ADVISE OR A FORM OF PROFFESIONAL TREATMENT. PLEASE VENTURE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex/2013/07/understanding-triggers-for-addiction/
http://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin#overview1
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165491-what-causes-dopamine-depletion/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462609/