The Truth About Dopamine Detoxes
Despite viral claims, dopamine can’t be detoxed. Real benefits come from replacing quick rewards with meaningful, slower pleasures.
Modern life constantly bombards our brains with stimulation, through scrolling feeds, video games, email pings and sugary snacks. This keeps dopamine – the neurotransmitter linked to reward and motivation – in steady circulation.
Over time, this constant activation can leave us desensitised, chasing even more stimulation just to feel “normal”. Everyday life begins to seem bland by comparison.
you can never actually “detox” from dopamine itself.
A detox involves eliminating a chemical from your body. If you go through an alcohol detox, for example, you stop drinking and allow your body to rid itself of alcohol-related toxins.
Author's summary: Dopamine detoxes are not possible, but replacing quick rewards with meaningful pleasures can bring real benefits.