Dopamine Addiction Recovery

Inadequate levels of the brain chemical dopamine often result in addictive behavior, most notably in areas that involve food and drugs. Identified almost a century ago, "brain scientists are still trying to figure out how to manage its undesirable effects," notes MiamiHerald.com.

Function

• While a tiny molecule, it plays a huge role in your body. "Dopamine affects brain processes that control movement, emotional response and ability to experience pleasure and pain," according to the University of Texas.

Excessive Dopamine

• Abusers of cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine experience pleasure due to excessive dopamine release in their bodies, which motivates them to repeat their behavior.

Dopamine Deficiency

• Individuals with a tendency to pack on the pounds have lower levels of dopamine than normal. Because of their deficiency, they eat more to stimulate dopamine production in their bodies.

Exercise

• Exercising releases dopamine. Excessive exercise may lead to dopamine addiction.

Recovery Solution

• Dopamine addicts may benefit from moderate exercise while in recovery. "Insights into behaviors that trigger the release of the brain's 'reward' chemicals may lead to addiction treatments that incorporate moderate exercise," reports ScienceDaily.com.