Dopamine Dysregulation in Sex/Porn Addiction

In this episode, Scott Brassart discusses the addictive nature of sex and pornography, and how these addictions create dysregulation in the dopamine rewards system. Scott and Tami also answer participant questions about the difference between habits and addictions and timelines in recovery.    TAKEAWAYS: [1:10] The dopamine system craves rewards and pleasure.  [3:41] The danger of manipulating the dopamine system with addictions. [6:13] Sexual fantasy delivers a high that is much cheaper than drugs, but just as dangerous. [6:47] As a self-adjusting and self-healing organ, the brain senses when things are going wrong, but addicts respond by consuming even more. [10:15] The downregulated brain will always win when chasing a higher high.  [15:26] How long does it take to reset a dysregulated dopamine system?  [16:12] Rerouting the pathways that addiction creates in our brains. [19:05] Addicts are so focused on acting out that they aren't paying attention to what they're missing out on. [21:51] People who pass the one year mark are much likelier to stay sober for the rest of their lives. [23:18] Does the brain magically reset?  [24:01] Can sex addicts actually change?  [27:01] My addict husband doesn't have any problem performing multiple times a day, how is that even possible?  [27:53] Why do I continue to lie to my partner when I know it's causing her pain? [32:35] My addictions and ADHD medication have dysregulated my system. What are my options?  [34:11] How can my partner keep relapsing when he promises me he won't?  [39:36] How can I help my partner who is on the spectrum?  [40:25] How long does someone need sobriety before they can work on trauma?  [44:26] Can we incorporate specific sex acts into our relationship during recovery?   RESOURCES: Seekingintegrity.com Email Tami: [email protected] Sexandrelationshiphealing.com Intherooms.com Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, by Robert Weiss Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, by Robert Weiss Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men, by Robert Weiss Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.    QUOTES "There's a reason we have a dopamine system. It's part of our survival."  "The problem with addictions is that we can manipulate the dopamine system."  "For addicts, it's much more about the hunt than the actual sex act." "We have created a chemical imbalance in our brain through our addictions."  "Addicts are so focused on acting out that we're not paying attention to what we're missing out on."  "Once my brain reset I had no interest in going back to the misery." "Addicts chase pleasure as a way of really avoiding pain."