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Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort

Huberman Lab

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The Role of Dopamine in Addiction

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.

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