Dopamine Detox: Too Much Happiness Makes You Sick?

Researchers with strong criticism

Created: 09/23/2022, 20:30

By: Jasmine Farah

Juice cleanse, abstinence from alcohol and now comes lucky fasting: the latest craze from the USA.

Too much for our brain.

That should recover.

But is that possible?

Can you be too happy?

If American psychologist Cameron Sepah has his way, then yes.

He even advises dopamine fasting.

A difficult adjustment, especially since the pursuit of happiness is anchored in us.

Today's environment satisfies this need, whether it's through enticing advertisements, shiny Instagram pics, or exciting adventure trips.

But Sepah, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, sees the never-ending hunt for the kick as problematic.

He even believes that it can make us sick in the long run.

Dopamine Detox: Too Much Happiness Makes You Sick?

Researchers with strong criticism

Seoah is the inventor of the new fasting trend that is now spilling over to us from the USA.

Dopamine fasting is about escaping the constant sensory overload that constantly (over)stimulates our brain.

After all, dopamine is a messenger substance in the brain, which is also considered a “reward hormone” and is released when we have positive experiences.

This happens, for example, during sports, during sexual intercourse or when we buy something nice or someone likes our picture on Instagram.

Shopping and liking pictures on Instagram: All of this releases a lot of dopamine.

© MANU RUIZ PHOTOGRAPHY/Imago

This makes us happy, but if it becomes too much, it can stress us out and do exactly the opposite.

The constant sensory overload makes us feel drained.

At the same time, an addictive effect should develop, with the result that we want more and more of what makes us happy.

However, this can also lead to inner numbness and, in the long run, not being able to cope so well with boredom.

Don't want to miss any health news?

You can subscribe to the Merkur Health Newsletter here.

Dopamine detox: Harvard researchers are skeptical about the trend

On the other hand, those who carry out a "dopamine detox" withdraw themselves from all the stimuli that ensure that the messenger substance is released in the body and that the reward mechanism is activated.

At the same time, this should also reduce the risk of physical and psychological dependence.

This should work, among other things, by leaving out the cell phone, not watching TV or limiting social contacts.

But it's not that simple, say Harvard researchers.

also read

Lose weight quickly and healthily - up to 10 kilos in 6 weeks are possible

Constant neck pain?

This is the best sleeping position on the other hand

Dopamine does not work like drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

You can't just take a "break" from it.

While the messenger substance is increasingly released during pleasant experiences, it cannot simply be reduced by avoiding overstimulating activities.

In conclusion, according to the researchers, a "happiness fast" does not help to reduce dopamine levels according to one's own wishes.

This is what happens to your body when you hate your job

View photo gallery