Dopamine receptors can heal from drug or alcohol addiction, but it takes time and comprehensive treatment. Dopamine is the biggest reason people find themselves addicted to things like drugs, alcohol, sex, and more. One of the best ways to curb a dopamine addiction is to seek help.
However, it’s also important to note that there are different activities and routines that you can engage in to reduce issues that your dopamine receptors may have. Discover what dopamine is, how it relates to substance use disorder, and how addiction damages these dopamine receptors.
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is considered a “pleasure chemical,” which is closely linked to the disease of addiction. When referring to a dopamine rush, many associate it with the brain’s natural reward system, which activates key neurochemicals during activities that bring happiness or pleasure.
The correlation between dopamine and addiction is very complex and is not yet fully understood. However, what is understood is that ongoing substance abuse can severely impact the natural function of neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Therefore, learning how long it takes for dopamine receptors to heal can be vital in uncovering the spectrum of substance use disorder (SUD) and its long-term impact on brain chemistry.
Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter. It acts as a chemical messenger for communications between brain cells, the brain, and the rest of the body. Dopamine is also involved in regulating body movements, emotion, learning, sleep, and memory.
Some people may yearn for more of this dopamine “reward,” brought on by engaging in pleasurable experiences, such as indulging in delectable cuisine, engaging in sex, succeeding at a game, and obtaining wealth. But unfortunately, dopamine surges are also caused by alcohol and many illegal and addictive drugs, which is one of the many reasons people become addicted to them.
What is Dopamine’s Role in Drug Addiction?
Not only can drugs alter how we think, but they can also change how we feel and behave by disrupting neurotransmission, which is the communication process between neurons (nerve cells) in our brain. Many studies have been conducted during the past several decades highlighting how drug dependence and addiction result from an organic brain disorder caused by drugs’ cumulative effects on neurotransmission.
The release of dopamine occurs when drug users consume their substances. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, happiness, and other comparable emotions. Over time, a drug addict starts to seek these feelings more and more — the dopamine sensation is what drives addiction or substance use disorders. But, in the end, the addict’s brain chemistry is harmed.
How is Dopamine Affected by Drug Use?
Drug use significantly alters the brain’s dopamine system. Many drugs, such as cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines, cause an abnormal surge of dopamine, leading to intense feelings of euphoria. This overstimulation reinforces drug use, as the brain associates the drug with pleasure.
Over time, chronic drug use leads to tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect. This happens because the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors or becomes less sensitive to dopamine, a process known as downregulation. Additionally, natural dopamine production decreases, leading to reduced enjoyment in everyday activities.
When drug use stops, dopamine levels plummet, causing withdrawal symptoms like depression and anxiety. Long-term drug use can result in lasting changes to the brain’s dopamine system, making recovery challenging as the brain slowly readjusts to normal dopamine levels.
Can Dopamine Receptors Be Repaired from Addiction?
It is certainly possible for dopamine receptors to recover from addiction. While it may take time, with the help of your doctor, support from friends and family, mental health professionals, patience, and consistency, it is certainly possible for dopamine recovery after addiction.
How to Restore Dopamine Receptors After Addiction Treatment
There are many ways that you can help reset and restore your brain’s dopamine balance after addiction. However, it’s important to note that this will not be easy. Some of the ways to do this include:
- Creating consistent and fun daily routines and activities: Of course, these daily routines and activities will vary depending on the person, but some of these fun activities can include spending time with your loved ones who make you laugh, getting in regular exercise, and even simple activities such as coloring.
- Avoid Social Media: Social media has been said to cause a decrease in dopamine levels, so avoiding the apps altogether can allow you to reset your dopamine levels more quickly.
- Follow a solid sleep schedule: A consistent bedtime regimen and schedule can help you feel happier, increase your overall well-being, and ultimately help reset your dopamine levels. If this is hard for you at first, consider consulting a doctor.
- Listen to music: Giving yourself a chance to relax and listen to music that you enjoy is another great way to reset your mood and ultimately reset the dopamine in your brain.
- Practice mindfulness: If you’re wondering how to resensitize yourself, practicing mindfulness is another great way to do so and figure out how to overcome feelings of sadness. One great way to practice mindfulness is to practice meditation.
- Eat more protein: Eating protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, turkey, beans, and more is actually a great way to increase your dopamine levels and feel like your old self. Our nutrition psychoeducation can help with this.
- Get ample sunlight: Most of us know sunlight has a clear effect on our overall mood. This means that getting proper sunlight should help your dopamine levels reset.
How Long Does It Take For Dopamine Receptors To Heal?
The time it takes for dopamine receptors to heal after drug use varies depending on several factors, including the type of drug used, the duration and intensity of use, and individual differences in biology. In general, dopamine receptors begin to recover within a few weeks of stopping drug use. However, full recovery can take months to years.
For some individuals, noticeable improvements in dopamine function and receptor sensitivity may occur within 90 days of abstinence. However, in cases of long-term or heavy drug use, the brain’s dopamine system may take much longer to return to normal. For example, with drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine, it can take up to a year or more for significant healing to occur.
During recovery, engaging in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can support the healing process by naturally boosting dopamine levels and helping the brain rebuild its reward system.
Dopamine Addiction Recovery Needs More than Just Rehab
If you or someone you care for needs help to treat their addiction, consider reaching out to Agape Treatment Center for assistance. Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida drug and alcohol treatment center offers exceptional patient-focused treatment, designed to help those work toward and maintain their sobriety.
Our belief that every person deserves the chance to live a full life free from the chains of addiction is the foundation of our evidence-based approaches to therapy and counseling. We provide a complete treatment plan for patients, with several levels of care available. These treatments include partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, group therapy, and more.
Saving people from the grasp of chemical dependency, substance abuse, mental health disorders, co-occurring diseases, and alcoholism is the main goal of Agape’s behavioral healthcare program.
Many of Agape’s health programs are also very helpful for promoting dopamine receptor restoration. These include integrative medicine, diet planning, yoga with a 12-step integration, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. Other wellness programs include faith-based addiction therapy and treatment.
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
