The Secret Behind Resisting Dopamine

Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Get up to 60% OFF your subscription ➡️Here: go.babbel.com/t?bsc=1200m60-y...
In today's video, we explore how dopamine drives our interest and wants in life, how to reduce its dependency, and how to tackle the need for dopamine all the time. Dr K starts us off by discussing the nucleus accumbens, a study about dopamine in rats to give us an example of dopamine's effects on rats, and more.
When someone develops dopamine resistance, they may experience reduced motivation, decreased pleasure from activities they once enjoyed, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions. This can contribute to issues like depression, apathy, and addiction.
▼ Timestamps ▼
────────────
00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Nucleus Accumbens
04:41 - Dopamine in rats
05:54 - Sustained effort
11:55 - Amygdala and Limbic System
14:57 - Prefrontal Cortex
17:55 - “Play the tape through to the end”
21:33 - Opioid circuit
24:29 - Balance of pain
27:21 - Conclusion
────────────
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @healthygamergg
DISCLAIMER
Healthy Gamer is an online community and resource platform for gamers and their families. It does not provide medical services or professional counselling, and it is not a substitute for professional medical care. Our coaches are peer supporters, not professionally trained experts, and they cannot provide medical service. If you or a loved one are experiencing an emergency, please call your nation's emergency telephone number.
All guests of Healthy Gamer are informed of the public, non-medical nature of the content and have expressly agreed to share their story.
#mentalhealth #healthygamergg #dopamine

[@HealthyGamerGG]

Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Get up to 60% OFF your subscription ➡Here: go.babbel.com/t?bsc=1200m60-youtube-healthygamergg-dec-2023&btp=default&KZbin&Influencer..healthygamergg..USA..KZbin

[@MimouFirst]

Babbel is always 60% off. It's 60% off from the single month price if you buy it for a year :p

[@vortraz2054]

Dr K, I think that, just knowing that SCIENTIFICALLY, the easiest time to get things down is when we would rather lay in bed. If were conscious of the fact that when we first wake up, we have dopamine on tap and THATS when being productive can actually get it flowing, I think that knowledge alone will change a lot of peoples behavior overnight. So it turns out when were laying in bed and we first open our eyes, THATS when our brain gives being productive the green light? SAY NO MORE man this is the fun fact iv been needing for about the past 15 years. Even if it turned out to not be sound science I believe this enough to ride the placebo and actually get somewhere. Opening my eyes is a green light. Shower cook clean and go out. I suddenly have a plan I trust. All I have to do is remember, a shower instead of laying in bed another hour is gonna be the single best decision I could ever make. My brain doesnt think so, but I know our eyes are gonna light right up afterward.

[@borisgolubovic4533]

When I watch you on full screen, the hand movements are visible in the reflection on the metal part of the microphone and attract attention, just an observation of a detail you may not have noticed. Notice on 8-13th second of video for an example of my observation. Maybe some black ducktape to fix this, it is noticable for some period but I just didn't want to be like negative or something ... best mental health content for sure btw :D

[@21stcenturyscotsadvertisin24]

What about serotonine?

[@solaris736]

Yoo I've been on a kind of self healing, & learning sort of journey, I'm not sure if I'd still be called a seeker, *shrug* but this just connected so many dots for me. Sooo many dots. Thanks so much for a great lesson🖤🤍

[@acegikm]

My car broke down for good when I was already depressed and hating life. I had too much anxiety to take the bus so I walked everywhere. All that brisk walking was soon pulling me out of my depression, so I felt even better than before I lost my car.

[@sidesonx]

You reminded me of a quote from the father of stoicism "“I made a prosperous voyage, when I suffered shipwreck.” Zeno of Citium

[@Madchris8828]

So I've been using my weight vest and walking around my neighborhood for a bit and I can honestly say I've not felt this good in maybe half a year even. So I 100 percent believe you. Physical discomfort for a while elevates the senses. It's bizarrely almost magical to me.

[@Madchris8828]

​@@sidesonxI'll have to look into that. Sounds very interesting. I probably should check out stuff on stoicism. Got any good books to check out?

[@HeartFeltGesture]

Good to hear. Anxiety causes us to shallow breathe which then compounds anxiety. There is a lot to be said for oxygenated blood and mental / emotional wellbeing. The Wim Hoff breathing technique (available on KZbin, deep diaphragmatic breathing) achieves the same, coupled with regular exercise in the sun, its a win-win.

[@user-wy1br4le3i]

For the past five years: got engines broken in two cars, one car was demolished by an eldery alcoholic on a parking lot, one car was crushed by another car controlled a young junkee. Was driving one car for like 10 years before that without any problem. This is just happens sometimes, factor of many probabilities and you can't really do anything with it. And yes, after some of these incidents I haven't left my room for weeks, now everything is "just fine".

[@trinsit]

I don't care if you explain it a million times. Each time hits different from another angle. It IS helpful.

[@kaufmanat1]

We are forgetful creatures us humans. We get the same talk over and over, and each time, it hits a little different, it makes a little more sense. It's why I keep going back to these. Even though I've heard it all before, I've never heard it from this perspective at "this current time in my life", which counts for a lot.

[@csupor1046]

Sooo truuee

[@prod.deadproxy7876]

ayyYYYYOoOOO

[@ar156]

True, sometimes we just need to be reminded

[@jonathansuresh615]

That’s the novelty of the hippocampus kicking in

[@aynapaisley]

Everyone is like - don't engage with your phone first thing in the morning, but no one ever explains this so comprehensively as you did. I will now make an actual effort to do productive things first thing in the morning for as long as I can. Thank you for this video.

[@jenniferpearce1052]

Right? "Don't do it" is just a rule to follow. Grrrr. Don't wanna. But Dr. K explains the mechanism of what is happening and how it will help so that maybe I do want to try it.

[@dend1]

Becoming resistant to dopamine circuitry by embracing pain is probably the strongest motivator Dr k listed

[@borussiadortmund6558]

My summary: 1. Don’t release too much dopamine too early, you will need it throughout the day, e. g. start with working (out) early, don’t turn on your phone too early or other dopamine rich entertainment devices 2. Decrease the need for dopamine, let go of negative emotions (e. g. thru walking, therapy, meditation etc.) 3. Add new things to your goal, the newer, the more motivation you’re gonna have (triggering the hippocampus) 4. Add pain, but not too much, to make the goal worth more to achieve 5. Be really aware of what you’re doing and what consequences it is going to have on you(r motivation)! (Btw a good advice in life no matter what). Thanks HealthyGamerGG🙏 In my word I stand May I be judged or not By myself or not I’m off for now Byee

[@sirus312]

Whoever comes up with a pill that gives us unlimited dopamine will be the wealthiest man on earth

[@veganforthechicks465]

@@sirus312 it already exists. Called ecstasy

[@kapparaaliach]

@@veganforthechicks465 It tells your brain to release all of your serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline if I understand it correctly. Which means you're depleted of those neurotransimtters after taking it, you would then need a pill that rejuvunate all those transmitters ^^

[@ScreenTheSun-mr9zm]

It's drugs, Social Media like KZbin or facebooks watch is coming close to that

[@MintDecavitator]

@@sirus312 basically any drug that exists

[@UninstalledLeague]

I JUST CLEANED THE ENTIRE HOUSE!!!! 🎉😄

[@UninstalledLeague]

Fffffffffffff aaahhhhhhhhh seratonin

[@sage7441]

Heck yeah!

[@deotexh]

GGGGGG!!!

[@darkswimmi]

WOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!

[@isisseger7320]

Nice!

[@donaldoutterson3071]

I am 69 now and ride my bicycle twenty miles per day three times a week year-round. I feel healthy and in tune with nature. I see folks much younger than me that look older than me and for all that they do they don't seem happy. I study the plants and animals as I ride past them and tune to their wave lengths. Our brave veterans are told to spend time in nature to cure their PTSD. I see them out on the trail with the wind in their faces, some with special bikes adapted to their needs. Nature will cure your PTSD too. Your family will be proud of you as you set a positive example for a positive future. If you can afford to smoke or drink you can afford $350.00 for a box store bike that will bring back the pure joy, you had as a child on a bike. The type of riding I do is called "rolling meditation". Happy trails!

[@brushstroke3733]

Hell yeah!!

[@waterfallz3768]

Gramps what are you yapping about

[@kingmahan5261]

@@waterfallz3768 dude the sad thing is i was scrolling away after the first sentence cuz didn't wanna waste my time reading it but then came back thinking i might miss a life lesson 😭... NOT EVERYBODY LIKES BIKING DONALD!🤦‍♂

[@762dreams]

69th like

[@zaydgill545]

@@waterfallz3768 gramps is right though still. Doesn't even have to be biking specifically. For me it was motorcycling that dragged me out of depression. For my brother it was hiking. For my youngest brother it was weed. We all have our different ways of finding peace with life and getting in tune with ourselves. Moral of gramps story is by practicing some healthy hobbies/activities to ground yourself with, you can get to truly appreciate each day and focus yourself better on improving your life

[@arturoone77]

Ngl this is changing my life. I have been able to detect bad habits depleting my dopamine and arrange my schedule in order to actually do stuff without abusing my will power in the precess. I have never been more consistent as a life-long procrastinator and I want to thank you for this. Pairing this up with Huberman's episode on Dopamine is really useful too in terms of coming up with actions/foods that help sustain and raise dopamine levels.

[@stephaniebell5049]

Can you link the Huberman episode or tell me where to find it please? I would really appreciate it.

[@Blake_McGuire]

@@stephaniebell5049 @arturoone77 i second this notion!

[@ChadkinsShow]

My god, now i understand why i never paid attention in school. I literally cannot get enough of these lectures, it genuinely feels like im listening to Living Life 101. So many basic concepts i just completely missed the boat on. Imagine if something like this was taught in schools? The benefit for children would be incredible.

[@eatpoopy]

Students would defo benefit from something like this being taught in schools... kinda makes you think about why they dont do it

[@merkuree]

It truly is criminal that this kind of lateral thinking is not taught and fostered at a young age- skills like this being taught at school would do an incredible amount to curb the mental health crisis.

[@themysticalgg]

Facts@@merkuree

[@mynameisjeff9124]

How does this explain that you were not paying attention in school? Isn’t school in the morning and effectively the first thing you do?

[@zf-xi6ds]

​@mynameisjeff9124 I personally avoided school. Stayed up late. Played games till sleep and emptied my dopamine.. mornings were the hardest. It's almost like a car without an engine.

[@jupo9928]

When I was struggling to write up my PhD, I found opening the laptop and getting the task started before I was properly awake was the best way to have a productive morning.

[@skittybee]

True! Before you can even register that it’s boring lol

[@LamAnopro_]

Omg gonna try rhis

[@rochreech3173]

I figured out that the easiest task is to just sit and procrastinate or worry just near the task, and finally you'll be bored to just do the task, with an exam the first thing I did was to just sit near the book and open the first page and I sat there and left and sat there and left again until I started sitting longer and finally the task of starting my lectures wasn't very daunting ...

[@TheErgunPascu]

Doing my 2nd MS in Psychology and 75% through but burnt out so I am taking a break for at least a few months.

[@hiinsanity]

You ever started a book and then realized you just finished reading? It’s like sleeping awake.

[@hauro8420]

I wish I heard this waaay earlier. To often I feel bad and I'm like "Ok, first I care about myself and then do the things I need to do when I feel better". But in the end of the day I depleted all my energy (dopamine) and can't start to learn. And even if I start to learn, it does not feel effectiv, because there is no more motivation left. Thanks a lot for this video! Reflecting myself I had the best experiences of doing the things I NEED to when I was putting the "pleasure"-activities to the end of the day.

[@brahmanwithin6623]

Dopamine isn’t even much of an emotion. It feels more like you can’t stop doing something, not necessarily because it feels good but because it is extremely addictive mentally, it’s like each time you do it you get a click in your mind. At least on regular adhd meds.

[@MongoGamer]

Fellow ADHD-er yeah I feel this a lot. Yes I will pass my time playing video games but it's like I don't enjoy them like when I was a kid and it was nearly magical the joy back then lol

[@peripheralparadox4218]

This should be taught in high school.

[@downbntout]

Sooner

[@numbsweety]

I agree

[@Bear2th]

Or by, you know, your parents, who are responsible for your upbringing and initial formation of your mental health. But ya, let's try to make it public schools responsibility 💀

[@fatfurry]

@@Bear2th unfortunately, parents aren't perfect

[@tommynoble1801]

​@@Bear2th Could you imagine the average parent trying to teach this? Shit id mess it up explaining it to my daughter. Leave the academic stuff for the teachers but parents should be teaching respect and be kind and all that shit

[@andrewforte2018]

The most joyful, productive, and motivated I have ever been in my life was last year when I rode my bicycle cross country. Despite insane discomfort from sore muscles, horrible sleeping conditions, danger, and adverse weather, I started each day with profound purpose and zeal. It was such an incredible experience that taught me really valuable lessons (which are so easy to forget, unfortunately) about motivation, goals, and regulating stress.

[@ahem8013]

i have always wanted to do this! how far did you go, where did you sleep, how long did it take?

[@richardbeare11]

Having walked the Camino de Santiago (walk across essentially the entire north of spain), I can relate! While i was there, almost immediately, my brain shifted gears. And 1 week in, it was a substantial shift. One foot in front of the other, experiencing the world go by slowly, and the rhythm and quiet allowed my mind to do amazing things such as healing, vivid imagination, appreciation, inspiration, easy joy. And I think thst was in part knowing that it was a journey with a predetermined destination - one I didn't need to plan. Along the way there were mini goals that i could choose (which town/village do I want to stay in? Maybe detour through that historic site? Will I go to cafe for beers with that new peregrino from Italy I met today?) etc. I think if there was no destination (goal) and no "going home" it probably wouldn't have the same meaning. Because, I think, my subconscious knows I will learn, grow, heal (etc) on the journey - and bring that new perspective into my life. When I was there though, I was fully in the moment, and wjen I arrived finally at Santiago, I didn't want it to end 😄 . There's NOTHING like it.

[@jalthiratruenooblord7770]

This has been the MOST accurate description of how I have to force myself to do things. Games only at end of day, things that feel the worst at start of day.

[@henryeowens]

Before diagnosis it took me getting to severe hyper-vigilance while driving. Every road was about to have a sink hole. Every tree was about to fall into the road. A deer was always about to jump in front of me. Every bridge was about to collapse. I was constantly formulating emergency responses to very unlikely events. That’s what it took for me to realize I had an anxiety problem. It wasn’t formally diagnosed until that combined with other work and life stress to make me barely functional as a person. Hopefully recognizing those patterns and symptoms can help other get help before they reach that point.

[@tylerhanson3156]

The "bank" of dopamine analogy makes me think about how I feel after playing pvp games. If I stop playing right after a good win, I'm pumped and motivated for other activities. If I stop right after a bad game, I don't want to do anything. It's like I'm gambling and the currency is my dopamine account.

[@MySkilletfan]

Yeah..... had to quit because I became addicted to the winning feeling. Just one more, or I can't end on a loss. Those were dark days full of anger and hate, but I was going through serious substance abuse and winning a match of Smite was about the only wins I was getting in life... and my win rate was not above %50😂😂

[@zf-xi6ds]

So what's the summary? Be okay with change?

[@-CornDawg]

lol, that's a wrong fvcking take bud :D

[@MySkilletfan]

@@-CornDawg denial isn't just a river in Africa my friend

[@GiegueX]

That's when you know you gotta uninstall.

[@TwistedSoul2002]

I feel like I need to run “Disk Defragmenter” on my brain.

[@nanasloves]

Amen! I watch toooo many interesting informational videos and now it’s all a big scramble…..

[@marcusvrcosta]

I feel the same. Stand strong friend!

[@Nickelodeon81]

/format brain

[@finraziel]

I wish I could just install an SSD 😂

[@IIStanIII]

Sleep and meditation are probably the biological versions of disk defragmentation

[@icyclestick178]

AND THIS INFORMATION IS FREE??

[@noobslayer10101]

I'm sorry this video isn't available in your country hahaha

[@bellebiaz]

i didnt think i would get any thing valuable out of this vid bc i thought i already knew a lot about dopamine but holy shit i feel like my whole world is being shattered right now. im so glad i found this video

[@jalalinfernox4117]

No he gets paid

[@warfster]

@@bellebiaz it felt like he was actually talking to me like every example he used hit me and stuck

[@charleschartrand6122]

This shoud be thought at school to all the kid. The system is aware of this. They are Evil for Hidding it

[@carlkligerman1981]

So how many of you guys are watching this before breakfast? 😂

[@Tootbook]

Im shitting. Would recommend 👌.

[@kylometers7]

DAAAMMMNNNNN!!! Why you gotta call me out like that?!?! 😂

[@brandongonzalez7427]

Shitting as well

[@Tootbook]

@@brandongonzalez7427 💩 gang sound off

[@Jack-oc2fc]

after a workout

[@damianzaleski9209]

The community here is amazing. I always check the comments after watching the video and I always learn new concepts

[@paulkia8444]

I was just thinking earlier today about the difference between understanding something's value, and valuing something. You can know something's worth it but not feel like it is. And only when you value something yourself is when you persue, keep, and appreciate it.

[@whatsnew955]

Well said. You summed up perfectly how it feels as I’m going thru the same dilemma right now🎉

[@ClanDosCanalhas]

I have been thinking of this, but related to optimism and pessimism. You can logically argue with yourself that things will turn out fine, but soon, that work gets automatically undone because you can recognise the thing is working out, but you can't feel it yet. My hope is that, by repeatedly talking myself into optimism will make it my brain's go-to thinking strategy. Also, with things actually working out, my reward system might get used to these positive outcomes and start making more positive predictions of the future. But, gosh, it's a lot of conscious effort right now

[@paulkia8444]

@@ClanDosCanalhas I wonder if it would help to practice actively noticing and taking note of the progress you've made and positives from your effort. Once that is automatic it might offset the effort of trying to psyche yourself up from the jump. Just a hypothesis, I haven't tried this myself but I'm meaning to.

[@ClanDosCanalhas]

@@paulkia8444 it sounds to me like this tactic could help ease the effort in talking oneself into positivety. I don't think it applies to my current scenario because what's feesing the pessimistic thoughts is actually a lack of positive outcomes lately. But i do think your strategy makes sense and i will experiment with it when i have the chance to.

[@ChetanJoshi-le4oo]

well said

[@fiuh3grvfcde2d]

Thank you Dr. K, I feel like this video came in at the perfect time. I have an addiction and I felt like I have no energy at all most of the week (waking up at 2 PM, feeling down). This video gave a lot of insight on how dopamine inputs work in our heads. Because of this knowledge, I can be more aware of my actions and I better understand myself.

[@bobmcbobby5211]

been watching you guys since like 2 years, although some concepts here were talked on before, this was one of the best videos so far, so good, so huge, absolutely life changing. I am extremely grateful for this channel. It is really life changing. Thanks a lot.

[@Dreykopff]

I used to play video games for hours every day, and now I have a bloody hard time to actually start gaming...and I am very curious what the deal with that is. It literally feels like my brain determining "don't engage in degenerate shit"...but then I still procrastinate on everything ever, so the life benefits aren't as great as they could be, unfortunately.

[@isaacgarzams]

I went through the exact same thing. Quit gaming, got addicted to youtube etc. I'm trying acceptance principles from ACT therapy, I'm now able to play games without hating myself, at all. But still I can avoid it. I think that's a win.

[@ghnaf1819]

Haha, same with me. I try to start a game, then "naahhhh it´s a waste of time and i don´t get anything out of it", but i don´t do anything else.

[@Vaffanculoilluminati]

Seems like you had figured out only a side of the solution, maybe put other things at the same level of videogames . For me it was also videogames aaaand metalcore/death core and some thought reevaluations

[@isaacgarzams]

@@ghnaf1819 it's very interesting, i think it's due to the small level of effort that games still require that it's easier to put them down than social media.

[@raraavis7782]

Yeah. What to do, when nothing really seems all that exciting to you?

[@lorekeepermo]

Congrats on 2m subs thanks for the content

[@luiginocharles9990]

You're welcome

[@PoLongman]

@@luiginocharles9990 lmfaooo

[@Nickelodeon81]

​@@luiginocharles9990😄

[@Lavos251]

I'm a software engineer so this is a double edge sword for me. Works want coding for 6 hours+ a day. I go home and can't play games lol

[@jeztrplays]

As someone with ADD. This is the most important video I’ve ever watched for myself and thank you so much

[@dameanvil]

00:00 🧠 Dopamine controls our motivation and behaviors, making it challenging to resist pleasurable activities. 02:47 🧬 Nucleus accumbens generates motivation through dopamine, which reinforces behaviors, but it's not directly controllable. 04:22 🔄 Dopamine detoxes may be counterproductive; maintaining high dopamine levels aids in sustained effort. 10:05 🌞 Engage in productive activities early in the day to leverage high dopamine levels for sustained effort. 12:38 😔 Negative emotions increase vulnerability to dopamine-driven behaviors, while reducing them improves resistance. 14:32 🚶‍♂ Address negativeemotions through activities like walking to enhance resistance to dopamine-driven impulses. 16:12 💭 Conscious value assessment influences behavior; "play the tape through" to foresee consequences and alter motivation. 18:59 🔄 Subconscious shifts can gradually alter behavior, even if immediate change isn't observed. 19:38 🧠 The hippocampus, responsible for memory, favors novelty, boosting motivation for new activities. 21:44 🎭 Pain and pleasure are closely linked; increasing pain in an activity can amplify pleasure. 23:52 💊 Utilizing the opioid system involves embracing a balance of pain to enhance motivation. 26:40 🌟 Adding novelty to goals can increase motivation, leveraging the hippocampus circuitry.

[@GameOver-ou1ge]

What app did you use for this?

[@dameanvil]

@@GameOver-ou1ge You know, I have noticed the same thing. If it is an idiotic question, with few words, it must be a human. And if the post is smart, articulate, it must be a.i. because that is way beyond what a youtuber could do.

[@GameOver-ou1ge]

@@dameanvil this is not the first time I've seen comments like this I've seen countless with the same format which makes more sense that it's not coincidence and that ppl are probably using the same application to do it

[@Lorenzo-rg2rp]

@@GameOver-ou1ge You can either do it yourself, or use Google Gemini with the payed subscription

[@LarsaXL]

I have seen multiple therapists over the years to help me with my abysmal productivity and inability to do anything before the last minute. Why hasn't any of them explained this to me? This is great advice, and I'm going to do my best to follow it.

[@lillianbarker4292]

Dr. K uses the latest brain research so that may be why we just learned it from him. Have you been tested for ADHD? It doesn’t have to mean you’re hyperactive but waiting till the last minute is a symptom.

[@LarsaXL]

That makes sense, the cutting edge will be cutting edge. I have actually, and I am always terminally waiting to the last minute. They said that was no need to diagnose me as I showed several autistic traits that cancels out ADHD.@@lillianbarker4292

[@StillYHWHs]

Because they don't know it. Or the are making money by you not knowing it.

[@suparcamel5852]

@@StillYHWHs Dr.k has stated that "for profit" or any sort of ill intent is more than likely not the case, and he wouldn't necessarily teach what he is doing in this video to a patient.

[@cookiecookielookies]

I could be wrong, but I don't think they know this. Dr. K is a psychiatrist, not a psychologist. He also clearly reads a lot of research. I have yet to encounter a therapist who references research during the session, even if I request for it lol. I literally mention Dr.K to them, but they just tell me that it's not their approach in therapy. They always talk to me as if they're just friends, which I didn't find that helpful bc I have amazing friends already. I really appreciate Dr. K's style where it is actual teaching, and when he brings research, it solidifies it for me. I don't just think "Oh he's trying to make me feel better" or "he randomly came up with this." I also have a bachelor's degree in psychology, and I really love it, so it's fun for me to watch his videos :)

[@phillipdugan5130]

This guy is THE TRUTH! He describes my daily thoughts and struggles with gaming and studying. I’m an IT who has to continually study the changes in tech but I love, love, love video gaming! Especially call of duty. Daily I tell myself I’m going to study and not get online but ask it takes is one message from one of my friends and I hop right on. Then I justify it by saying I can do it later or tinnitus then by the end of the day or night, I’m feeling guilty and like I wasted my day. Vicious cycle. It’s fun and I get good money working from home but the time invested in gaming is too much!

[@bhavanova2849]

Thanks so much. I’ve listened to dozens and dozens of talks on dopamine and habits, and this is by far the most insightful and impactful !!!

[@yewknight]

I am struggling with addiction that I don’t feel like I can get help with. Content like this gives me hope that I have some strategies I can use alone.

[@jaboy150]

Agreed, now we both have some tools to use, which we previously didn't

[@dracorexyz]

not a doctor but a thing that helps with getting over it is having a nice life. then your brain doesn't want the drug so much

[@kmassful]

Your on methadone

[@yewknight]

@@kmassful *you’re*

[@realMartinHamilton]

The addiction of anything is decreased sensitivity requiring more to get less. Lay off it for a while by realizing you're in a downward spiral. You will introduce pain like he talks about, yet you can work through it realizing the negative impact of the substance and the fruits of laying off the substances.

[@bohabbibab5858]

Dopamine detox doesn't mean reducing your dopamine. It means detoxing from activities that deplete dopamine.

[@alexandernava9275]

I think the all or nothing approach is too much for a lot of people struggling. Cold turkey can work, but often doing slightly less each day is better.

[@bohabbibab5858]

@@alexandernava9275 Maybe, but I was referring to Dr K mis charactering what people mean when they talk about dopamine detox.

[@dante7430]

yeah i was confused by that too bcs i thought dopamine detox would actually give you more Dopamine Levels since you are not using it on Dopamine addictive behaviors

[@alexandernava9275]

@@bohabbibab5858 Ah yeah I miss read that. Though I don't think detox generally is a good term here, and has alot of history on just stopping all together for an extended period to become more sensitive. Where this is just dopamine regulation.

[@hamsteratemyhomework618]

@@bohabbibab5858 I've heard it explained both ways. Either as, "Completely removing dopamine from your life" or "Reduce dopamine through reducing activities that are pleasurable" Both concepts always felt like they came from misinformed origins, as neuro-chemicals don't really work like how some people might theory craft them (understandably) out to be. So, it's not as though Dr. K's preface was mis-charactered per say. Just generalized (Also, understandably). Now it feels like I have a better grasp of how it works because of this video

[@sbaby-nv1dd]

I really needed to watch this. I’ve seen a bunch of videos on this topic, but your breakdown has made it hit home the best.

[@trevorbrent8185]

First off, I'd like to say thank you for providing such deep insight and well-organized content for us. I have some questions that I am looking for a little more clarification on: 1. What determines whether an activity is increasingly dopaminergic? Is this based on childhood experiences/genetic disposition? Is it based on how immediate the dopamine is released such as when we play video games or scroll on social media? 2. If we complete a "productive" and less dopaminergic task early in the day while our reserves are high, is the logic that more dopamine will be released upon completion, essentially training your brain to view this task as more dopaminergic in the future? 3. When discussing dopamine storage, through what activities can we replenish our dopamine? Do these reserves have a general timeline of when they are replenished and depleted i.e. every day/month/3 months? 4. When discussing PFC value generation, what is the "value" we are discussing? Is it the amount of dopamine our subconscious "thinks" will be released when we complete the task? It almost seems like an apples to oranges comparison. At the very least it seems that the PFC prioritizes short-term pleasure over long-term goals. 5. When we talk about pain and the opioid system, do you mean any type of pain i.e physical or mental? Something causes you mental discomfort or is high stress. In my mind, pain and pleasure are not antonyms as we see in masochism. It seems more so the extremes of the emotions involved with pleasure and pain (good feelings vs bad feelings) is what gives a greater dopamine experience. But earlier in the video it was mentioned that dopamine blocks out negative emotions so I am just curious on maybe the order of operations... Task -> Incorporate pain -> Increasing dopamine experience? By no means do I expect you to answer any or all of these questions but before I plunge myself down the rabbit hole, I figured I'd ask an expert lol.

[@DRUNKonROOTbeer]

This one really put things into context. I started today playing some videogames and during the hour I had to do some responsibilities I felt very tired and foggy. As soon as my responsibilities were done and I could play more videogames I felt the tiredness go away. Makes perfect sense now.

[@Chanel31113]

Could you do a video on issues for people with low dopamine like PLMD?And how it relates to ADHD? How plmd and sleep relate to dopamine?How to fix or live with it?

[@reverendramen4463]

One for people with ASD would be nice too

[@codymichael2104]

You explained this so well. Thank you!!

[@OhYamz]

This video makes soooo much sense. I feel like this is exactly the video I needed to see to really understand what’s going on in my brain. I had no idea how bad it was to start your day with high dopaminergic activities. Need to stop looking at my phone first thing in the morning. Thanks Dr. K

[@blakie211]

Man this is such a good video. Explains the science really concisely but broadly. I know a lot of these things individually but tying it all together like this is really impressive. I appreciate it thanks.

[@ofekmizrahi3079]

Dr k can you please make a CPTSD and neglect video ? It's a very debilitating and misdiagnosed disorder that can cause symptoms of both mania and bpd symptoms which is very unique and makes it hard to diagnose

[@HawtLS]

He has a few interviews with CPTSD victims if you haven’t checked them out already

[@Fandomsoffffffffffffff]

He also has a trauma stream

[@justinmoore1136]

Dr K and team. Wow. Really high quality content. As a long time viewer, this is the kind of stuff that first got me hooked. Thanks so much for all you do!

[@Cristian-pz9kn]

Dude… THANK YOU for keeping this so real. There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet, but not everyone can deliver such high level studies in a way that people who have never opened the book can understand it. It’s digestible info, but you also aren’t just monologuing.. you are candid throughout this and it keeps my ADD brain engaged. Looking forward to diving into your content!

[@SavMortem]

This worked so well for me already, thank you! My mental health has been a bit off so I got in the habit of doom scrolling and being on my phone too much again. I was struggling to get my normal house chore routine done and it was taking me most of the day when it really shouldn't take that long. Tried this and got them all done at the start of the day in about an hour and a half so now I have a lot more time to do other more important projects I want to work on. I feel more driven and in a better mood as well! Going to keep trying to implement these things, thank you so much!

[@mauritsbol4806]

U kid me not, i should’ve heard this video three or four years ago. I always had problems with my NAcc, but i figured that as i would do the things that i shouldn’t do less, i would just get tired. I tried to explain this dilemma, but no one, even myself could understand it completely. But i also recognized that i needed the NAcc to stay doing what i was doing. Now i figured to start working on my hippocampus, and direct it away from gaming, combined with the amygdala and the limbic system. Getting my emotions under control, and entertaining novelty in routine is what really helped me get more productive. Also getting the prefrontal cortex under control (by working on the subconscious consciously) really helped me get to work. Now i still struggle with the opioid circuitry. In many activities, i am afraid to take risks because i might feel bad, but i recognize i therefore also fail to do good and don’t feel as good. Now that was a fucking impossible thing to explain. How can you have the language for this all, without getting a full psychology degree (or just luck your way onto the right video/right person/or right therapist). Finally somebody explains it in language i can get. Theoretical, because anyone would try and give me examples or direction, and in a way i cannot forget/can be focussed on learning. People would dismiss the theory and just be like do this and that and you’ll be better, but honestly no. Because as long as i don’t understand the entire map, the road is useless. I don’t need direction and the direction other people give me is invalid, even if it is the school or the government. It doesn’t suit my brain. I need to make the directions myself. In a way, i rather be inefficient, than guided into the right direction, especially because it is ‘our right’ and not my right.

[@StillYHWHs]

You must addedpolitics with an agenda to the end of your comment. You lost me.

[@ActivateTrueHealth]

Super powerful stuff. I'm so glad I found your channel from Dr. Mike!

[@cmac37420]

Absolutely amazing content. As someone diagnosed with adhd, I struggle with impulse control and motivation. Now that I understand the underlying mechanisms a bit better, I think I can start working towards a healthier lifestyle. Thank you for the excellent explanations and suggestions!

[@2smg]

Thank you Dr. k Congrats on 2 million subs, you’re channel is so helpful and very worth the watch :)

[@alejrandom6592]

Holy shit this is exactly what I needed. Man, you are with no doubts the most valuable channel on youtube, thanks for everything you teach us ♡

[@ChocolatePheonix]

Very helpful content, thank you for breaking it down for us!

[@hailmarycake62]

Thank you Dr.K for this vid, it really helped me reexamine how I tackle a day. For a while I thought I was just not enjoying anything anymore, but it turns out it was me stressing about work I kept putting off! Managing my dopamine really helped me get focused and organized! Thank you!

[@fluffy_claud9004]

19:10 reminds me of "if you're having a hard time, make it harder by blaming yourself for it"

[@shrimpel3542]

This is so helpful. I really appreciate that Dr. K goes into depth about the science to give us a deeper understanding. Thanks!!

[@mickzclouds]

this is one of the best and most eye-opening videos I watched on this whole platform. Thank you.

[@cynraelrekos2343]

Honestly, incredible video. This is helping me a lot in my crappy situation. You do great work, keep it up.

[@JonathanJung]

Honestly I feel so honored to get such high quality educational content. Thanks Dr.K Please keep doing what you are doing. You are helping people sustainably

[@filoreykjavik]

As I'm struggling with dopamine detox lately, it's a perfect video, thank you Dr. K 💖

[@sircrashtonii9718]

It was actually very helpful to hear about how rolling the tape through to the end is best done in writing! I'd always tried to do it in my head before so I'm excited to approach it from a more effective angle!

[@jayadevadasthevoiceoftheso6585]

This channel is so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@ShenobiYT]

Lots of nice edits in this video, Merkuree you the goat.

[@merkuree]

My king I see you

[@eebbaa5560]

this video does a nice job of succinctly and accurately explaining dopamine and how our brain uses it. i had a lot of misconceptions about dopamine and how it worked before watching this video. self-improvement content on the internet describes dopamine as the complete opposite of what it actually is.

[@nisithamirihagalla7505]

Most of the self improvement content creators doesn't have any idea what they're talking about. Nor does they live the life they usually shows off.

[@celtcelt2669]

OMG! I love that video! I watched it 1,5 hour taking 3 pages of notes! 4 years of therapy and huberman didn't provide me such good konwledge like you Dr K. You are the best! TY GG!

[@AkitaNeruFTW]

I can’t believe I found such an informational and helpful video here on KZbin. I am subscribing and liking. I hope my feed starts transforming to more research focused vids like this one!

[@BossRox88]

Thank you Dr. K ! The videos I am watching of yours are changing my life. It is complementing the success I’ve had with therapy. I am forever grateful and appreciative. ❤

[@alexanderd8398]

I feel like this is the best video of yours. It's even better than the dr. K guide (I haven't finished it yet, so I might be wrong but still). I've learned so much from this video, this is great! Thank you dr. K!

[@synqvoltage]

I’ve been struggling for about a year now and pushing back tests/failing tests because it’s so hard for me to study, my anxiety skyrockets thinking of tests and then I get get questions wrong while studying and can’t motivate myself to continue studying. I’ve talked to my doctor, talked to therapists, and nothing as helpful to understand why I have such a hard time with these things. I worked out 3 days a week for about 7 months and it never felt like it really helped. This video really has explained everything so well

[@johnbiltaji9554]

You have just blown my mind with what I've always felt but could never articulate. Thank you for sharing the logical scientific reasoning for why we fall into these cycles and don't realise it. I will take away some very key points and apply them to my life. I shall also share them to my little brother in the hope he recognises now what I've always tried but failed to explain to him; life is a balance of pleasure and pain but also that life can be experienced and loved so much more with a full tank of dopamine. Thank you

[@chillin201]

I am not kidding when I say that this is one of the most valuable videos I have ever watched. Thank you healthygamerGG.

[@youwokeuplate]

I’m alc. sober over a year because I felt so out of control with it. After watching your video about how bad weed is for sleep, I quit for 30 days.. I implemented again with a goal of using once a week, but that became a slippery slope, boredom was quickly becoming more unbearable, noticeably when I was using again- even if just a little. Now I am a few weeks off again and have been walking, drawing, cleaning, reading, and meditating every day. Please, videos about meditation, I will check if you have any already..

[@Rollgott]

Good job! Keep it up. Weed will be great for a few weeks. Then take u only to baseline. And after that into a depressing hell way waaaay below baseline

[@Pogonip_]

Love the explanation and delivery. Definitely eye opening, thanks for the content 🤙🏻

[@royalpunk]

Its amazing how you explain such highly complex things so easy and relatable!

[@pankajloit63]

00:00 - Introduction to the struggle of controlling dopamine-driven behaviors. 01:51 - Explanation of the nucleus accumbens and dopamine's role in motivation. 03:41 - Discussion on dopamine detox and its impact on motivation. 05:48 - Overview of dopamine's role in sustaining effort and the importance of dopamine reserves. 07:41 - Explaining how highly dopaminergic activities deplete dopamine reserves. 09:36 - Importance of maintaining dopamine levels for sustained motivation. 11:40 - Emphasizing the connection between negative emotions and vulnerability to dopamine-driven activities. 13:41 - Strategies to control motivation by addressing negative emotions. 15:30 - Utilizing conscious value assessments to influence behavior. 17:21 - The role of the hippocampus in novelty-seeking behavior and increasing motivation. 19:10 - Using pain as a tool to modulate pleasure and increase resistance to dopamine. 21:00 - Understanding the opioid circuit's influence on pleasure and pain. 22:59 - Discussion on adding pain to increase resistance to dopamine-driven behaviors. 24:51 - Summary of strategies to weaken the nucleus accumbens' control over behavior. 26:46 - Highlighting the importance of dopamine reserves and controlling motivational circuitry.

[@noamchemla]

Dr K you are a gift. Always perfectly putting thoughts I "know" into words for me to better grasp tangibly. Thank you for all your output, it is absolutely appreciated!

[@Pharaohmolo]

This is such a great talk. I’ve noticed for years the quality of my day could vary wildly based on what time I start playing video games. If it’s the first thing I do, I’ll feel burnt out and weird by the afternoon. If it’s after a productive workday, it’s a very pleasurable hobby that helps me unwind. On that same note, this is why I push myself to study as soon as possible in the morning - it’s like the strongest version of my brain is available at the start of the day.

[@brunoballack]

Thank you, I really needed that

[@yellowsaurus4895]

Last week i started doing this by not listening to music or podcasts for as long as possible while I'm at work, and ngl it's been great for my mental health. Makes the shifts go by faster too!

[@alexanderhuynh7591]

The lemon analogy for dopamine is amazing. It really adds context to the saying, "The juice isn't worth the squeeze" A highly dopaminergic activity like playing video games is like squeezing with a hydraulic press. It's super easy to squeeze so it'll always be worth it. But a low dopaminergic activity like studying is like squeezing with a pair of chopsticks.

[@ozok17]

now i want a lemon...

[@Reyrey-cn2qj]

very aptly put !!

[@krox477]

Studying is not much fun for brain😂😂

[@-CornDawg]

Is it true tho? According the Andrew Huberman, those activities that K mentioned drain your dopamine actually gives you dopamine (won't drain existing dopamine) but won't last very long and over time they cause reduction of your baseline dopamine (which is the dopamine that K mentioned we have when we wake up). So, not engaging in short term high dopamine releasing activities help you to increase your baseline dopamine level and you will have more energy through out the day for task you really need to do. That's how I had learned it and that what makes sense, but this video make it complicated.

[@UnstoppableVi]

​@@-CornDawgI had the same reaction. Now more confused than before. I think Dr Huberman and Dr K need to talk.

[@demurred314]

Wow! I have watched tons of content on motivation BUT this is the first FULL explanation I have ever watched. Thank you so much!!!

[@hamsteroncoffee]

This is pure gold ❤. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

[@mclainv]

My key takeaways: - Using the attack from a class against a character in the same class is ineffective! - Wanting to want something different is ineffective, being motivated to change motivation is ineffective - You must attack using a different class Nucleus Accumbence dishes out behaviorally reinforcing dopamine hits from its reserves, depleting them in turn - Be productive at the beginning of the day when you have high dopamine reserves, because once they are depleted dopaminergic activity is all that will feel enticing - *At least, don't blow the start of the day*. Instead, utilize the high reserves to feel good doing less dopaminergic things - For me, do not vape in the first 1 hour of the day. Difficult but doable start. What can help me do this? Let other circuitry interfere with and weaken NA's totalitarian control! - Understand that pent-up negative emotions exacerbate the impulse to do highly dopaminergic activities, so consciously digest some of this emotion by taking walks, therapy, journaling, meditation (Interfere with emotional circuitry that strengthen NA's control) - Our brain is always assigning value to possible actions we consider taking - When we consciously evaluate the results of our possible actions on a piece of paper, we give this subconscious process less control in the moment and over time (Interfere with Prefrontal cortex giving NA the greenlight) - Novelty will make an action more pleasurable (Hippocampus interferes with NA) - A balanced amount of pain in an action will make it more pleasurable (Opioid receptors interfere with NA)

[@leonardodavinci4259]

The video editor had fun with this one. Props to them :)

[@cerratonics]

huberman speaks on the baselevel being hard to reset to and this makes much more sense to me. thank you DR K!

[@TheErgunPascu]

Absolutely invaluable!!! Thank you so, so much, Dr. K, sincerely, Ergun.

[@cedarmaxwell-meyer-rainfor6152]

This video was exactly what I needed to get off youtube and start working on homework. Thanks healthy gamer.

[@jeremyevans710]

Literally exactly 1 minute in and you hit me with the old "in Soviet Russia..." Bit 😂😂😂👏👏👏

[@Buxton051]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

[@ThatOneDude594]

Probably the most important thing I’ve listened to from you, thank you! ☺️

[@ramonaoporanu3461]

Reading books really helped me out, long format entertainment is probablly the best way to go

[@TrueMinuteman]

So I basically deplete my dopamine during my first hours of the day

[@Robert.Marshall]

This is very informative and helpful, thanks Dr. K.

[@coringerresheim9078]

Tank you for what you do. I hope I can comment in a few weeks that your information really helped me . Keep up the good work

[@OrionBlaze]

i should be doing something instead of watching this vídeo

[@hassassinator8858]

Just this one video...

[@Nickelodeon81]

Me too, I had a burger, beer and 5 hours of Fortnite lined up.

[@invisibl3854]

You don't watch Dr K, Dr K watches you

[@katethegreat5947]

Just what I needed, thank you for making this information more approachable.

[@Maxmillan]

Thank you very much for covering this!

[@ZuziFox]

Made notes and i am gonna try this from tomorrow, no excuses

[@swas7083]

Why not today!

[@alucard4772]

@@swas7083 maybe he is about to sleep

[@ZuziFox]

Its late evening :( @@swas7083

[@Nebulous1225]

Sleep tight buddy

[@krea8402]

I've always been naturally artistic and smart in school. Graduated a few years ago in graphic design but didn't feel at all satisfied. Spent the last year teaching myself Blender (poorly, I might add). It was hell, unlike any other medium that I had tried... And I loved it. I've constantly wondered why I kept trying despite so many struggles and failures... I guess it was just the right balance of pain and reward that made me finally feel like I actually DID something. Now I'm pursuing a career in 3D modeling, which starts with continuing to torture myself in Blender but is still proving to be incredible for my mental health

[@AeroSmack]

Amazing video! I love that you highlighted that we get caught up with the idea of willpower and don't acknowledge the inputs that affect our behavior. As someone who spent so long steeping in insecurity, getting your life together can seem insurmountable when people around you are simply telling you to have more willpower without laying the groundwork of how you can achieve that first. In a way, it ends up being a perpetuating cycle because you start thinking you just don't have willpower and get focused on that rather than viewing it as a skill to be built. This is only a little bit related to my previous point, but I really appreciate this type of content, as well as your delivery. I grew up with bad friends and low self-esteem, which is the perfect recipe to end up at a place where you take most other people's positive statements as slights against yourself. Your tone and information presented here really go a long way in assuring that you care about the viewer's health, rather than simply judging them as weak, which can really be the key to getting through to someone whose behaviors are hurting themselves and others. Edit: a typo

[@stephaniefrancis6080]

You put this forward brilliantly. Thanks.