This episode explores the relationship between dopamine and motivation, as well as the connection between dopamine and addiction. The depletion of dopamine can lower motivation levels, while an increase in dopamine can lead to addiction when the baseline levels drop below normal.
In both animals and humans, dopamine levels affect how much effort they will put into pursuing pleasurable things. When pleasurable things become harder to obtain, individuals with low dopamine levels lose interest in pursuing them altogether.
The mesolimbic reward pathway involving dopamine is responsible for addiction. Addictive substances cause a significant increase in dopamine levels, leading to a greater decrease in baseline levels, making it difficult to quit without withdrawal symptoms.
Dopamine increases focus, motivation, and drive to pursue goals. A person who is depleted of dopamine may lack the willingness to take action, such as in the case of someone addicted to video games.
A young man who quit taking his ADHD medications has reported an improvement in his life. He is now working full-time, has a girlfriend, and has reset his dopamine system, enabling him to enjoy simple activities like playing video games again.
In this episode, Joe Rogan and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the science behind boredom, including how overindulging in certain behaviors can decrease dopamine levels and lead to feelings of boredom and how limiting addictive behaviors can help jolt the brain's baseline dopamine levels back up.