Megan Foreman, MSN, RN, FNP-C

Meet Robert, a 35-year-old emergency responder, who seems to have it all together—until you take a closer look at his daily habits. Robert wakes up and immediately checks his phone for social media updates, seeking that quick hit of dopamine to start his day. Throughout the day, his phone is never out of his reach and he checks it constantly.On his commute home, he often speeds, enjoying the rush of adrenaline it gives him. In the evenings, he’s drawn to online gambling, enticed by the thrill of potential winnings. Weekends often involve social drinking, where the initial pleasure quickly turns into overindulgence. Robert’s day is a series of dopamine chases—from social media to alcohol use, speeding, and gambling—each leaving him craving more and struggling to find genuine satisfaction in his routine.

What is Dopamine Chasing?

Dopamine chasing refers to the compulsive pursuit of activities that release dopamine in the brain. While dopamine is a natural and essential chemical that helps regulate mood, motivation, and pleasure, excessive stimulation can lead to risky behaviors and addiction-like patterns. This can manifest in various forms, such as substance abuse, gambling, impulsive decision-making, and even high-risk behaviors such as speeding or extreme sports.

Common Dopamine Chasing Behaviors:

• Substance Abuse: Using alcohol or drugs to feel a temporary sense of euphoria or relaxation.
• Gambling: Engaging in betting or gambling activities to experience the thrill of winning.
• Social Media Scrolling: Constantly checking for likes, comments, and new posts.
• Binge-Watching and Procrastination: Delaying responsibilities by indulging in extended viewing sessions of favorite shows.
• High-Risk Behaviors: Speeding in a car or taking unnecessary risks to experience a rush of adrenaline.
• Binge Eating and Snacking: Consuming large amounts of food, especially sugary or high-fat snacks like chocolate, often through mindless snacking, to feel pleasure or comfort without realizing the quantity consumed.

Why Do We Chase Dopamine?

Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. When we engage in activities that release dopamine, we feel good, which reinforces the behavior. However, when dopamine levels are consistently elevated, our brains can become desensitized, requiring more of the activity or risk to achieve the same level of satisfaction.

Key Reasons Behind Dopamine Chasing:

• Instant Gratification: The need for immediate pleasure rather than long-term satisfaction.
• Stress Relief: Using dopamine-releasing activities like alcohol, gambling, or speeding as coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, or boredom.
• Habit Formation: Repeated behaviors that become automatic responses to certain triggers.
• Social and Environmental Influences: Pressure from social circles or environments that normalize or encourage high-risk behaviors.

The Impact of Dopamine Chasing on Health

While occasional indulgence is normal, chronic dopamine chasing can have serious consequences on both mental and physical health. Over time, it can lead to:

• Reduced Attention Span and Productivity: Difficulty focusing on tasks without constant stimulation or procrastination habits.
• Increased Anxiety and Depression: Overreliance on dopamine-driven activities like substance abuse or gambling can affect emotional regulation and overall mental health .
• Physical Health Issues: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and risky behaviors like speeding can lead to accidents, injuries, or substance dependency. Explore our services for Illness & Injury recovery and prevention.
• Decreased Motivation and Self-Control: A diminished ability to find joy or motivation in everyday tasks that don’t offer instant rewards or high-risk thrills.

How to Create a Healthier Dopamine Balance

At Lyon’s Health and Wellness, we advocate for a balanced approach to managing dopamine-related activities and behaviors. Here are some strategies to help mitigate dopamine chasing and promote healthier habits:

• Set Boundaries: Limit time spent on dopamine-releasing activities such as social media, gambling, or even fast driving.
• Find Healthy Alternatives: Engage in activities that provide long-term satisfaction, such as regular exercise, hobbies, or social connections that don’t involve substances or risks. Consider our Weight Management and wellness programs.
• Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Be conscious of your triggers and practice mindfulness techniques to manage urges and impulsive behaviors.
• Prioritize Overall Well-being: Focus on a balanced diet, regular sleep, and consistent exercise to support brain health and reduce the need for dopamine chasing.
• Seek Professional Support: If you struggle with managing dopamine chasing behaviors or substance use, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for guidance and support tailored to your needs. Learn more about our personalized men’s and women’s health services .

Dopamine chasing behaviors, including substance use, binge eating, gambling, and high-risk activities, can easily become habits that negatively impact our health and well-being. Understanding and managing these behaviors is foundational for maintaining a healthy balance. At Lyon’s Health and Wellness, we provide personalized care and strategies to help you achieve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Ready to take control of your health and wellness journey? Contact us at +(303) 498-5941 to schedule your appointment today!