Is it all about serotonin and dopamine
I read recently that the nicotine in smoking causes the release of dopamine, thus the basis of the addiction. I went on a SRI medication some years ago, and that releaved depression. Does sex release one or both of these chemicals? How about caffeine, chocolate? Over eating gives a gluecose rush. Is the joy of life itself composed of the pursuit of one or all of these chemicals?
Answer:Yes and no. Except you left out norepinephrine. The drugs bring about a temporary good feeling. Long lasting feeling good takes some work. The joy of life is found in this book (that literally saved my life from suicidal depression): "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns, MD. Since overcoming depression, I have learned all sorts of ways to apply the techniques toward a happier and healthier life despite having diabetes and fibromyalgia.
Yes it is!
Yes it game of crossfire and misfires in the Brain sensitive are easily carried away, by this addiction. If you want further study nicotine, it has effect on all systems of human body.
It really seems that way, doesn't it? I do think the release of sex hormones affects the release of dopamine/serotonin, etc. Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, etc) also affect immunity. There are a lot of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment, which leads to a lot of chemical imbalances and a host of physical diseases and trends (precocious puberty, etc). I undestand that sex can cause a release of adrenaline and corticosterone so that may likely affect dopamine. I know that coffee raises cortisol levels, not sure about caffeine or if it's just coffee.
Aloha e! My name is 3singingeagles, I am medicine woman, and also medically trained. Been to rehab couple few times... client/student as is all life para la' journeyman/woman stuffs....and have learned......