The Role of Dopamine in Addiction

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The short time gap between the stimulus and the rise of dopamine in the brain reinforces the association between the drug and the feeling of euphoria. This makes it difficult for individuals to pursue activities that take longer for dopamine release, such as hard work or education programs. The steepness of the dopamine peak after drug use is critical, with faster and higher peaks leading to a deeper drop below baseline once the drug wears off. This drop below baseline triggers the desire for more dopamine, creating a vicious cycle that fuels addiction. Avoiding cocaine and understanding the prolonged effects on dopamine levels are crucial in avoiding addiction. After big increases in dopamine from drugs like cocaine, it takes longer for dopamine levels to return to baseline, and subsequent consumption of the drug leads to lower peaks and deeper drops in dopamine levels.

In this episode, I explain how dopamine dynamics — meaning changes and interactions between our baseline and peak levels of dopamine drive our cravings and sense of motivation. I also explain how to leverage dopamine dynamics to overcome procrastination. I cover behavioral, cognitive, nutrition-based and supplementation-based tools to optimize baseline and peak dopamine levels to ensure a persistently motivated state. I also discuss how to boost motivation when you are in a rut, why you might not want to stack behaviors/substances that spike dopamine and how to build and maintain a “growth mindset” for pursuing goals of any kind. Dopamine is an incredibly powerful neuromodulator involved in basic functions (e.g., hunger, romantic attraction, etc.) and feats of cognitive and physical performance; by understanding the dynamics of dopamine, listeners ought to be better positioned to overcome procrastination, maintain motivation, and improve confidence.

For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.