Do People in Recovery Have to Live With Low Dopamine Levels?

Dr. Peter Coleman, who is Board-certified in Addiction Medicine and has been in recovery from opioid use himself since 1984, responds to a question we received from viewers of our recent video about what makes some people more likely to get addicted than others. Several viewers asked, "Are you saying that I just have to live with low dopamine levels after I stop using?" and "So I have a brain that loves dopamine but it's 'my responsibility' to be happy without it?"

-Safe, Comfortable Outpatient Detox
The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine has been a leading outpatient addiction treatment center since 1998. Our innovative withdrawal management programs, often referred to as The Coleman Method, have helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction to Alcohol, Opioids, and Benzodiazepines. Originally founded in Richmond, Virginia, our network has expanded to cover 14 cities across the US.
-3 - 8 Day Opioid Detoxification Process
For short-acting opiates like oxycodone, most patients complete their detox and begin Naltrexone therapy within 5 days. Longer-acting opiates like Suboxone and Methadone typically take 8 days. Our standard opioid treatment package in Richmond, VA, Wellesley, MA (Boston area) and Willoughby, OH (Cleveland area) includes the detox and 6 months of case management and Naltrexone therapy. As a non-addictive opioid blocker, Naltrexone dramatically reduces cravings so that patients can focus on their recovery. We have a 98% success rate for completing detoxification and starting Naltrexone therapy. During the detox, we work with patients and their families to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. We also offer a convenient, 3-day outpatient alcohol detox and a Rapid Benzodiazepine Detox.
-Caring, Empathetic Environment
Dr. Peter Coleman understands first-hand the challenges our patients are facing due to his own personal struggle with the disease of addiction. He has been in long term recovery since 1984. Dr. Coleman has dedicated his career to treating addiction patients and creating a team and an environment conducive to long term recovery for his patients.

[DestoRest]

I’ve been sober from opiate addiction for ten years now but my dopamine levels have never come back. It’s pretty depressing living that way but I’ve learned to deal with it. Still hoping it changes someday. 👍

[Raymond-cz]

I been 20 different meds and I've haven't been hospitalized in over 20 years

[mariannemejia]

How long does it take for dopomine to replenish itself ? I had a d2 blockade in the hospital 4 months ago .. I have no joy pleasure or motivation since … will I heal eventually?

[lolbruah]

Thanks for this Video!

Question: Did you ever get into the topic of potential beneficial effects of certain Psychedelics on recovering Brains?

Would love to hear about this. I‘m in a late recovering state and thinking about a microdosing cure. Can give you my full story if that‘s a question worth answering in a video.

[jordanbatka]

I’ve been smoking weed for 9 years and 3 weeks in and I still feel weird. I’m not in bad shape either

[Mmcermes]

Addiction is caused by pain, society is sick