Dopamine, is a chemical messenger in the brain, that plays a crucial role in how we experience pleasure, motivation, and reward. It helps us get up in the morning, enabling us to initiate tasks and get things done.

It also drives us to seek out things that make us feel good, from food and social interactions to more modern stimuli like social media, video games, or even addictive substances. However, overstimulation of dopamine pathways can lead to addiction, depletion, and a range of negative mental health consequences. This is where the concept of dopamine detoxification, or “dopamine detox,” has gained popularity. Let’s explore dopamine addiction, its effects on the brain, and how to manage it through a dopamine detox.

Understanding Dopamine Addiction and Depletion

What is Dopamine Addiction?
Dopamine addiction is not a formal medical diagnosis, but it refers to the compulsive need to engage in activities that stimulate the release of dopamine. Many of these behaviors give us a short-term reward or a sense of pleasure, causing the brain to seek them repeatedly. These activities can include:

• Social media scrolling (likes, comments, shares, videos),
• Video gaming (unlocking rewards, achievements),
• Watching TV or binge-watching series,
• Consuming fast food, caffeine, or sugary snacks,
• Online shopping,
• Gambling or risky behaviors,
• Sex,
• Substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, nicotine).

The more frequently you engage in these activities, the more dopamine is released. Over time, this can lead to a craving for the dopamine “hit” and the need to engage in these activities more often to feel the same level of satisfaction. This is because the brain becomes less sensitive to dopamine (tolerance), and the same stimulus no longer produces the same effect.

While dopamine isn’t the sole cause of addiction, its motivational properties are thought to play a role. Remember, the reward center in your brain releases dopamine in response to pleasurable experiences. This part of your brain is also closely linked to memory and motivation. Rewards are things we both like and want. The liking and wanting of these things is separately assigned, and dopamine is responsible for the wanting.

To break down this dual system, take the example of a text notification sound. You hear the sound go off, and you want to see what the text says. That’s because the notification sound has triggered dopamine. These [social media] cues are perfect little triggers for dopamine systems—whether we’re liking these things or not.

While getting a hit of dopamine from a new text can be invigorating, it can become distracting and distressing if it goes too far. If you feel drawn in by social media, which continually retriggers a state of desire, or another source of constant dopamine, it might be the time that you need to distance yourself or escape the source.

Dopamine Depletion

When the brain is constantly bombarded with high dopamine-releasing activities, it can cause long-term problems. Overstimulation can lead to dopamine depletion, meaning your brain struggles to release enough dopamine in response to regular, non-stimulating activities. This can result in:

• Low motivation,
• Difficulty feeling pleasure (anhedonia),
• Decreased focus and productivity,
• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
• In essence, activities that used to bring joy or satisfaction—like going for a walk, reading, or spending time with friends—may no longer feel rewarding. This can lead individuals to seek even more intense dopamine-releasing activities, further exacerbating the cycle.

What is Dopamine Detox?

Dopamine detox is a modern practice designed to “reset” the brain’s reward system by temporarily reducing or eliminating activities that overstimulate dopamine release. The goal is to give the brain a break from the constant influx of stimuli and help it regain its sensitivity to normal levels of dopamine.

How Does Dopamine Detox Work?
The idea behind dopamine detox is to temporarily abstain from activities that cause intense dopamine spikes. During this period, people avoid high-stimulation behaviors and instead focus on less stimulating, often more reflective activities, such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness,
• Reading (non-digital),
• Journaling,
• Nature walks,
• Spending time with loved ones without distractions,
• Practicing gratitude or self-care.

Steps for a Dopamine Detox1

1. Identify High-Dopamine Activities: The first step is to assess which activities are overstimulating your brain. These can include the use of digital devices, consumption of unhealthy foods, or any other behavior you suspect may contribute to your dopamine overload.
2. Set a Time Frame: Dopamine detox can be done for varying lengths of time. Some people try it for a few hours, while others may engage in it for 24 hours, a weekend, or even longer. The key is consistency and self-discipline.
3. Replace with Low-Dopamine Activities: During the detox, replace dopamine-triggering activities with ones that stimulate thought and creativity but don’t lead to constant spikes of pleasure. For example, instead of watching TV, go for a quiet walk or engage in reflective writing.
4. Practice Mindfulness: A dopamine detox also serves as a time to be present and mindful. Practicing mindfulness can help increase your awareness of how different activities affect your mood and mental state.
5. Gradually Reintroduce Stimuli: After completing the detox, the idea is not to completely avoid pleasurable activities but to engage with them in moderation. Reintroducing stimulating activities gradually can help you regain control over them without falling into addictive behaviors.

Outcomes of Dopamine Detox

Regained Sensitivity to Normal Dopamine Levels
One of the primary benefits of a dopamine detox is that it allows your brain to reset its dopamine sensitivity. After the detox, activities that may have felt dull or uninteresting—such as enjoying nature, reading, or engaging in meaningful conversations—may start to feel rewarding again.

Improved Focus and Productivity
By eliminating distractions like social media and gaming, many people report an increase in focus, productivity, and mental clarity. Without the need to constantly seek out the next dopamine hit, the brain can allocate more resources to essential tasks and creative thinking.

Better Emotional Regulation
Detoxing from dopamine-driven habits can lead to better emotional regulation. People often feel more in control of their emotions, less reactive, and experience fewer mood swings. This can also lead to greater emotional resilience and reduced stress.

Improved Mental Health
Many people who experience dopamine depletion due to overstimulation suffer from anxiety, stress, or depression. A successful dopamine detox can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing the overstimulation of the brain’s reward system and encouraging healthier habits.

Specific Activities Related to Dopamine Release

Not all activities trigger dopamine in the same way. Some cause large dopamine spikes, while others produce smaller, more consistent releases. Understanding these activities can help in planning a balanced lifestyle:

1. High-Dopamine Activities:
   • Social Media: Likes, notifications, and interactions produce quick bursts of dopamine.
   • Video Games: Instant rewards, achievements, and interactive engagement flood the brain with dopamine.
   • Food and Drink: Sugary, fatty, and high-carb foods trigger strong dopamine releases, leading to cravings.
   • Substance Use: Drugs, alcohol, and nicotine directly affect the brain’s dopamine pathways, causing addictive patterns.
2. Moderate-Dopamine Activities:
   • Exercise: Physical activity releases dopamine over time, which can boost mood and energy levels.
   • Social Interaction: Meaningful conversations and social bonds lead to consistent dopamine release, enhancing well-being.
   • Learning: Acquiring new skills or knowledge provides a steady source of dopamine as the brain rewards progress.
3. Low-Dopamine Activities:
   • Meditation: A calming activity that helps reduce the constant chase for dopamine, encouraging balance.
   • Creative Hobbies: Painting, writing, or knitting can engage the brain in a more reflective and rewarding way.
   • Gratitude Practice: Acts of kindness and gratitude help release dopamine steadily and encourage long-term happiness.

Conclusion

Dopamine addiction, depletion, and detoxification are concepts that reflect our modern society’s overstimulation. While dopamine plays a vital role in driving pleasure and motivation, it’s important to be mindful of how certain activities can lead to addiction and mental health issues. A dopamine detox can help reset the brain’s reward system, improving focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. By balancing high-dopamine activities with more mindful and creative practices, we can cultivate a healthier, more sustainable relationship with the pleasure centers of our brain.

If you feel you or your loved one struggles with low dopamine related to depression, check out our Reclaim Your Happiness online nutrition program.

Is a Gluten and Dairy-Free Diet Best for Someone with ADHD?

I have long been fascinated by the relationship between nutrition and brain health, particularly how it affects children who are neurodivergent, such as those with Autism and ADHD. My desire to work with this population stemmed from the recognition of its complexity, which required extensive training and education. I was fortunate to complete comprehensive training through Julie Mathews’ Bio Individual Training in the U.S., and I have been working with this group ever since. The array of specialized diets available for this population is fascinating, but the appropriate diet often depends on the child’s underlying etiology, behaviors, food cravings, physical, cognitive, and emotional reactions, digestive issues, and blood work.

ADHD became a personal interest when both of my children were diagnosed this year—my daughter at 17 and my son at 8. Medications can play a role in managing ADHD by improving focus, controlling impulses, and reducing hyperactivity. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for school are also instrumental in providing extra support and accommodations. However, diet is often overlooked as a treatment approach to address, manage, and potentially eliminate certain ADHD behaviors so I wanted to take this time today to review this.

What is ADHD/ADD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are three types: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined.

• Inattentive Type: Individuals experience issues such as not paying attention to detail, making careless mistakes, failing to stay on task, not listening, struggling to follow or understand instructions, avoiding tasks that involve effort, being easily distracted, being forgetful, and losing necessary items.
• Hyperactive Type: This includes fidgeting, squirming, getting up frequently when seated, running or climbing at inappropriate times, having trouble playing quietly, talking excessively, interrupting others, and being “on the go” as if “driven by a motor.”
• Combined Type: Some people exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive types.

What are the Dietary Recommendations for ADHD/ADD?

A common dietary approach for ADHD is to follow a gluten- and dairy-free diet, along with removing color dyes and preservatives, as individuals with ADHD tend to be sensitive to these substances. Food sensitivities and intolerances can also contribute to ADHD symptoms. Food allergy testing or completing a food elimination diet can help identify problematic foods. Dairy and gluten are common culprits, which are often staples in children’s diets, making it challenging to pinpoint their impact without removing them for a period of time. Other allergenic foods include soy, nuts, corn, and citrus fruits, though any food could potentially be an issue.

Children often crave and are addicted to the very foods they have problems with. Consuming these foods, such as gluten and casein (often common culprits), can create opioid peptides in the brain, leading to addiction and a strong desire to consume those foods repeatedly. This can severely limit their diet, making them very picky eaters.

How Do I Know if My Child Needs to be Gluten and Dairy-Free?

The best approach is to eliminate gluten and dairy from your child’s diet for a month and then reintroduce them slowly while monitoring symptoms. Signs and behaviors that a gluten- and dairy-free diet might benefit your child include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Loose stools or constipation
• Red cheeks and/or ears
• Runny nose
• Night sweats
• Sleep disorders
• Eczema
• Sensory issues (e.g., sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, clothing tags, preferred textures)
• Limited diet and refusal to try new foods
• Frequent meltdowns or extended crying fits
• Anger, anxiety, or fear
• Violent behavior
• Difficulty with change
• Walking on toes
• Lack of eye contact
• Obsessive behaviors
• Poor social skills
• Language difficulties or abnormalities
• Speaking loudly
• Preference for much younger or older children or adults
• Acting like a “policeman” by giving orders or pointing out others’ mistakes
• Difficulty understanding idioms or social cues

I Think My Child Needs to be on a Gluten- and Dairy-Free Diet—Where Do I Start?

To see if a gluten- and dairy-free diet is beneficial, you need to be 100% compliant. This is because even a tiny amount can cause a reaction. Results from removing casein are usually seen within 1-3 weeks, while gluten may take 1-3 months. You can remove both simultaneously or start with one and then remove the other later. Research shows that removing one food group (gluten or dairy) can result in a 55% improvement in symptoms, while removing both can lead to a 69% improvement. (James Adams, 2013)

Although complete compliance is crucial, start slowly by introducing gluten- and dairy-free replacements and alternatives first. This will help ease the transition and prevent overwhelm. Be aware that your child might initially experience worsening symptoms due to opioid withdrawal from gluten, dairy, or both.

If you don’t notice improvements upon reintroducing these foods, then gluten or casein may not be the issue, and you can incorporate them back into the diet.

Other Considerations

While a gluten- and dairy-free diet is a common approach for managing ADHD, other dietary issues or health factors might also be at play. These include sensitivities to salicylates, oxalates, or glutamates, and conditions such as leaky gut, poor detoxification, gut dysbiosis, poor methylation and sulfation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nutrient deficiencies. For a comprehensive evaluation and personalized approach, it’s best to seek support from a trained clinician specializing in this area.

Looking for some Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipes? See below

• Buckwheat Pineapple Pancakes
• Green Monster Muffins 

Medication and ADHD?

My Personal Story

My 17 year old daughter and my 8 year old son were diagnosed with ADHD in 2024 and part of the treatment options for this diagnosis is medication. I work with children with ADHD and often with this population we implement a gluten and dairy free diet. Since ADHD medications was something that I did not have a lot of experience in I went to research the different types of medications and the pros and cons of these what the side effects were and thought I would share this with you.

Medical Disclaimer: Please note this article is just to provide general information and it is not to be used as medical opinion or to replace medical advice. Please speak to your health professional directly in regards to ADHD medication for your child. 

There are two main types of stimulant medications for ADHD: methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta, and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse, and other formulations). Both are available in short-acting and long-acting preparations. While most people respond well to either medication, some may respond better to one than the other. Typically, if one medication isn’t effective or is not well-tolerated, trying the other might be beneficial. According to doctors, about 33% of people respond better to Adderall, 33% to Vyvanse, and 33% can do well on either.

These medications work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that help improve focus, control impulses, and enhance attention at school or work. Approximately 80% of individuals notice symptom improvement with stimulant medications.

1. Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and are highly effective for many individuals. They work by increasing neurotransmitter levels, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for attention and behavior regulation.

• Methylphenidate-Based Stimulants
  • Ritalin: One of the oldest and most well-known ADHD medications, Ritalin is available in short-acting (lasting about 3-4 hours), intermediate-acting, and long-acting formulations.
  • Concerta: A long-acting form of methylphenidate that provides symptom relief for 8 to 12 hours. Concerta must be swallowed whole, as it cannot be chewed or opened. This requirement can be problematic for some children.
  • Focalin: Available in both short-acting and extended-release forms, Focalin is a refined version of methylphenidate and may have fewer side effects.
• Amphetamine-Based Stimulants
  • Adderall: A combination of amphetamine salts, Adderall is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, effective for 10-12 hours. It comes in a capsule with beads that can be opened and mixed with food.
  • Vyvanse: A prodrug of dextroamphetamine, Vyvanse provides a smoother onset and can last up to 14 hours, though it may take longer to start working in the morning. It can come is  a chewable form making it easier for younger children to take.
  • Dexedrine: Contains dextroamphetamine and is available in short-acting and long-acting forms.

Stimulants may cause side effects such as decreased appetite and weight loss. It is crucial for children on these medications to have a good breakfast, including protein and healthy fats, as they might not eat lunch and could seek out treats aggressively when their medication wears off at the end of the school day sending blood sugars soaring.

Other potential side effects of Adderall and Vyvanse include:

• Anxiety or jitters
• Insomnia
• Stomach pain
• Increase heart rate
• headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Mood swings
• Dry mouth
• Skin rash
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Tics
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Crankiness
• Hives

Are Amphetamine-Based ADHD Medications Addictive?

Stimulants are controlled substances, meaning they have the potential for misuse and addiction. Prescriptions are often limited for this reason. While it is possible to abuse or become dependent on any stimulant, the risk may be lower with Adderall XR and Vyvanse, as they are designed to release their active chemicals slowly. Vyvanse, in particular, is processed in the body before it becomes active, which can reduce the risk of misuse.

Can ADHD Medication Help with Depression and Anxiety?

ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety, and about 50% of individuals with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Certain ADHD medications, particularly stimulants, can cause physical anxiety symptoms like increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping, which might worsen anxiety symptoms in those with co-occurring anxiety disorders. However, ADHD medications may also help alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed, disorganised and distracted and with increased focus can help a person to experience less anxiety and stress.  

Conclusion

ADHD medications are a cornerstone of treatment for many individuals, significantly improving their quality of life. Whether stimulant or non-stimulant, the choice of medication is highly individualized, taking into account specific symptoms, potential side effects, and personal preferences. If you are looking for a more diet focused approach or nutrition strategies to implement in conjunction with medication then collaborating with healthcare providers experienced working with ADHD can help ensure a tailored approach to managing ADHD symptoms effectively.