Dr. Trish Leigh
Episode #136: How Your Brain Gets Hooked On Explicit Matter - Dr. Trish Leigh
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- The cycle of porn addiction involves a four-stage dopamine pattern that makes recovery challenging and affects overall well-being.
- Successful recovery from porn addiction requires learning healthier coping mechanisms to better regulate moods and improve relationships.
Deep dives
The Dopamine Cycle of Porn Addiction
Porn addiction is deeply interconnected with the brain's dopamine system, beginning with the initial exposure that alters dopamine levels, creating a need for increased stimulation. When individuals first encounter porn, their brain's baseline for dopamine shifts, leading to a cycle of habituation where more frequent and intense consumption is required to achieve pleasure. This cycle consists of four stages: the dopamine drip, which is triggered by internal urges related to negative emotions or boredom, the ensuing dopamine deluge from actual consumption, and ultimately leading to a dopamine deficit that worsens mental well-being. This consistent pattern reinforces the addiction, as the brain becomes reliant on porn for mood regulation, pushing individuals deeper into the cycle when they attempt to escape uncomfortable feelings.
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