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Overconsumption numbs pleasure receptors from "summary" of Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke
When we regularly consume substances or engage in behaviors that stimulate dopamine release in large amounts, such as drugs, alcohol, or even highly rewarding activities like gambling or overeating, our brain's pleasure receptors become desensitized. This means that over time, we need more and more of the substance or activity to achieve the same level of pleasure or satisfaction that we once did with a smaller amount. The pleasure receptors essentially become accustomed to the high levels of dopamine flooding the brain, leading to a diminished response to the substance or activity over time. This desensitization of pleasure receptors can have serious consequences for our overall well-being and mental health. As we become less sensitive to the pleasure-inducing effects of dopamine, we may find ourselves constantly seeking out more intense experiences or higher doses of substances to feel the same level of ...
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