Understanding The Dopamine Detox: Is It Real or Hype?

Ever find yourself lost in an endless sea of notifications, falling down the rabbit hole of social media, or maybe reaching for just one more sweet treat more often than you'd like? If you can relate, then you may be interested in a topic that's got people talking lately - the 'Dopamine Detox.' What is it? How do you do it? What’s the results of it? Is it backed by science? These are the questions that will be answered in this video.

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References
Daniyal M, Javaid SF, Hassan A, Khan MAB. The Relationship between Cellphone Usage on the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 30;19(15):9352. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159352. PMID: 35954709; PMCID: PMC9368281.

Wacks Y, Weinstein AM. Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults. Front Psychiatry. 2021 May 28;12:669042. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669042. PMID: 34140904; PMCID: PMC8204720.

Chen, Chunmei et al. “The relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction among college students: The chain mediating effects of social avoidance and peer relationships.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 14 1137220. 13 Apr. 2023, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137220

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[ameliahenderson]

I feel like I am detoxing when I watch TV instead of scroll on my phone. I always feel so much better when I watch a 90 minute documentary without even once picking up my phone.

[i-r_-]

The bottomline is nice and clear, "dopamine detox" means eliminating unhealthy activities and habits, the production of dopamine isn't going anywhere, just get it from healthy beneficial activities and habits.

[hanrockabrand]

I've abused many substances, but sugar (especially chocolate) has been the hardest thing to quit. I gave in to stress last night and bought a bunch of candy. 😕

[alexisfeynman]

Being someone who struggles with both ADHD and depression, the idea of a "dopamine detox" is so so funny to me. Like yeah let me just reset my brain by wallowing in hell for a few days.

That being said, taking breaks from specific sources definitely helps! I get really bad diminishing returns if I do the same thing for too long, and I find it really helps my mental well-being to alternate activities on a semi-regular basis, and especially if I find myself feeling obligated or compelled to do a thing. So this advice is spot-on.

[aisling]

I'm going through a "dopamine detox" right now. I'm addicted to my phone & find myself disassociation even more using it. One thing I've found helpful is uninstalling apps because they have the infinite scroll. There's no end to the stimuli and entertainment. Whereas if I go through the website on my phone, I get bored pretty easily.

I've been feeling pretty depressed though. I don't know if it's due to the "detox", or a break in my antidepressants, or because I'm not working right now.

Really good and relevant video!😊

[HUeducator]

I believe this why we’re seeing challenging behaviors in children when taking their phones (see schools). It’s also amazing that those who create these products, won’t allow their children to access them.

[rochreech]

I just want to run away to a mountain monastery and stop living in my reality.

[BigIndianBindi-jycz]

if i take a break from something, that thing becomes ruined and then i no longer care about it if i try to go back to it, which causes me depression because i need to have joys. once i have an attachment to something, i have to stick to it for all its worth. one break, and the thing is ruined. then i'm left alone, and lost, waiting for something else to appear.

[TechieSewing]

Omg, I just felt this heat wave of anxiety looking at those notification numbers animated in the video.
I had to permanently 'detox' from Twitter recently, and severely limited others because I just couldn't look at those feeds with many unrelated topics covered in short posts one right after another. Someone's morning coffee, some US political news reaction, full of acronyms I don't understand, then something about programming languages, trans rights, pretty picture, someone selling something, I could go on. At one point I developed nausea from looking at lines of text written by different people, and had to take a break even from my favourites.

[monicarenee]

I love the new editing style. The videos were already really good but it got turned up an extra notch visually. You’ve been so helpful on my mental health journey because you make things simple and clear to understand. Thank you!

[kpec]

I think confusion exists because doctors or books say "there is always dopamine in the brain". But what the dopamine detox really aims is to stop "behaviour-related dopamine SPIKING". There is a very large difference between the small, ambient amount in the body and how much that comes from a behaviour-related spike from PMO, sugar, coffee, video games, etc.

[theologytherapist]

Thank you for this informative video! Taking breaks is important to do, but yes, you cannot stop the production of dopamine. And I love the comparison to a double-edged sword!❤

[jknock]

Love your videos Dr Marks!
You stay super relevant and helpful, bless ❤

[philpell]

I can’t think of a more important topic than dopamine awareness. The myriad of addictive habits are just too accessible now. Thanks for this video 🙏🏼

[Jimd]

Your presentation style is excellent! You take complex topics and distill them down to a clear explanation!

[cottontails]

Long time subscriber. First comment. As a registered nurse, thank you for your well informed content. I gave up sugar, but not as a detox but a personal choice.

[angelolivares]

The name Dopamine Detox just causes a lot of confusion, we need dopamine for many things. The correct name should be "compulsive dopamine highs detox"

[tashastarling]

I've always had heightened senses, more anxiety and very active thoughts. I noticed this: I got very depressed in my late teens and it coincides with my use of computers. I suspect it is the combination of Visual stimulation with thoughts/problem solving(I will refer to a problem solving state as a 'depressed' state). I got much healthier through my early 20s when I abandoned tech. in 2018 I moved and started using my cellphone to access the internet. My health took a major decline. I am trying quit my use of tech again, or at least get out of high use that borders onto addiction.

I started writing this at the start of the video. Yes I support that it's the Visual nature of tech that makes it effect me so much. I need radio, it makes me calm unlike a screen which makes negative side effects.

[drzable]

I love your videos. This one is so relevant for me. Thank you for covering it. 😊😊

[brandonm]

I just wanna say... you are so helpful and inspiring as a woman of color who is so knowledgeable. you have helped me so much through your passion for educating others!!