Media addiction is quickly growing to be the number one addiction in the world. Addiction has a tendency to shift (to gambling, sex, drugs, smoking) if not addressed at the root cause which is the dopamine deficit. There is a saying that the absence of dopamine is the presence of addiction. Addiction disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, especially the neurotransmitters. One of the most affected neurotransmitters is dopamine. Dopamine is critical to several facets of both cognitive and physical function.

Dopamine plays an important role in our ability to think, plan and concentrate. It influences our mood, ensuring we remain optimistic and resilient. Dopamine is also referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine is released during pleasurable situations prompting us to seek out the behavior or activity that led to the pleasure.

Addiction is a search for a dopamine rush in order for the addict to “feel good”. A constant engagement in addictive behaviors such as gaming, social media and gambling just to name a few, leads to an artificial surge in dopamine levels, giving rise to feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The brain then becomes reliant on these engagements for its dopamine rush, and its natural production decreases. The brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors or its sensitivity with prolonged addictive behavior. This means more of the behavior is required to achieve the same pleasurable effect which leads to more engagement. It’s critical to break this cycle and to reset the dopamine system to ensure a return to normal functioning and reduced cravings.