17/08/2023
π§ The Intricate Dance of Dopamine, Serotonin, and Cortisol in Our Brains
Ever woken up thinking of gambling, chasing that next adrenaline rush? Or perhaps, scrolling endlessly on social media for just one more like, share, or funny video? Let's dive deep into the science of what's happening in our brains.β¨
: The exhilaration you feel when leveling up in a game? That's dopamine in action, the "I want more!" neurotransmitter. Essentially, it's your brain's reward system saying "This feels amazing!"π
: That feeling of fullness and contentment after a hearty meal? Meet serotonin β the chemical responsible for those moments of complete satisfaction.
But mix up these feelings or fail to discern between them, and you're on a potentially slippery slope, always chasing the next high. Sound familiar? Think slot machines or that non-stop social media scroll.π¨
: Enter the stress hormone. Dr. Robert Lustig describes its impact on our prefrontal cortex, responsible for preventing rash decisions, akin to the Jiminy Cricket of our brain. Too much cortisol can send us into a reckless "act first, think later" mode.π₯ (See comment)
Recognizing the delicate balance between these neurotransmitters and hormones is crucial. The constant pursuit of dopamine can lead to addiction if unchecked.
Addiction and Depression: Heavy topics, indeed. But understanding our brain's chemistry can empower us to make more informed decisions for our well-being.
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