I have a question. Sugar ignites the dopamine pleasure rush.
At the beginning of May I stopped eating all sugar and front loaded veggies and high nutrient dense foods and supplements before going into a medically assisted detox for opioids.
Luckily, inside the recovery I do not crave sugar at all (thank you Olipop and berries).
What food or drink raises dopamine levels? I'm certain my dopamine circuit is severely depleted from years of taking medication.
Any thoughts or suggestions? (I'm not on Suboxone or Methadone to assist so the road is long and arduous.)
Hi Patti, while I can’t offer personalized recommendations since I don't know your full history and am not working with you directly, it sounds like you’re already doing so many incredible things! The dopamine system takes time and consistent support to rebalance, and you’re on the right track. Focus on colorful whole foods, protein, fermented foods, natural movement, and breathwork to boost natural dopamine and nourish gut health—since so much of our mood chemistry is made in the gut. Dopamine Nation is a great read on the pleasure-pain pathway and the power of slow, steady habits, if you're a reader! Keep going, and if you’re not already, consider working with a practitioner for more tailored support along the way. :) You got this!
Ah, Anna Lembke. I've read all her books and listened to podcasts she's been on. I actually contacted her for help when I decided to tackle the opioid issue head on. She did respond. But little to no help. Very common when seeking help from opioid addiction. Sadly, there is a standard American protocol the industry sticks to inside this arena. I have to be my own advocate and research alternative solutions, especially in the area I live in. It is behind by 20 years or more. I didn't mean to ask for anything personalized. But I don't understand neurotransmitters and how to heal this particular system at all... so I seek general advice. Adaptogens and nootropics are an art and science in and of themselves. Since I'm only 60 or so days into recovery I'm focusing on basics. But it's complicated for someone like me who has little formal higher education and few resources at my disposal. That, and there is little information and/or research on seniors and recovery from opioids.
I have a question. Sugar ignites the dopamine pleasure rush.
At the beginning of May I stopped eating all sugar and front loaded veggies and high nutrient dense foods and supplements before going into a medically assisted detox for opioids.
Luckily, inside the recovery I do not crave sugar at all (thank you Olipop and berries).
What food or drink raises dopamine levels? I'm certain my dopamine circuit is severely depleted from years of taking medication.
Any thoughts or suggestions? (I'm not on Suboxone or Methadone to assist so the road is long and arduous.)
Hi Patti, while I can’t offer personalized recommendations since I don't know your full history and am not working with you directly, it sounds like you’re already doing so many incredible things! The dopamine system takes time and consistent support to rebalance, and you’re on the right track. Focus on colorful whole foods, protein, fermented foods, natural movement, and breathwork to boost natural dopamine and nourish gut health—since so much of our mood chemistry is made in the gut. Dopamine Nation is a great read on the pleasure-pain pathway and the power of slow, steady habits, if you're a reader! Keep going, and if you’re not already, consider working with a practitioner for more tailored support along the way. :) You got this!
Ah, Anna Lembke. I've read all her books and listened to podcasts she's been on. I actually contacted her for help when I decided to tackle the opioid issue head on. She did respond. But little to no help. Very common when seeking help from opioid addiction. Sadly, there is a standard American protocol the industry sticks to inside this arena. I have to be my own advocate and research alternative solutions, especially in the area I live in. It is behind by 20 years or more. I didn't mean to ask for anything personalized. But I don't understand neurotransmitters and how to heal this particular system at all... so I seek general advice. Adaptogens and nootropics are an art and science in and of themselves. Since I'm only 60 or so days into recovery I'm focusing on basics. But it's complicated for someone like me who has little formal higher education and few resources at my disposal. That, and there is little information and/or research on seniors and recovery from opioids.