Gimme a dopamine hit!

 Recently, someone I  care about mentioned to me that "likes" on social media release dopamine. They then compared it to the dopamine of a heroin high.  So, I reviewed what I thought I knew about dopamine via the Cleveland Clinic website.  Surely, that person won't want to take time to read my thoughts and opinions on the matter, so I share my response here.

Did you know that dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body secreted by adrenal glands on each kidney & the hypothalamus in the  brain?

Certain levels of dopamine are necessary for nerve functioning, self soothing & social function. 

Too little dopamine will present itself as anxiety, depression, and even as Parkinsons disease - neural functions allow us make controlled movements.

Too much dopamine can cause or trigger compulsions that lead to obesity, mania, & (as often pointed out) addiction. 

These findings have been insturmental in addiction treatment in the last 10 to 15 years. 

Addiction and/or obesity can be a result of self soothing & self medication in that way.

There are healthy/acceptable ways to generate dopamine like physical touch or  satisfaction in a job well done. There are less productive ways like drug use, food binges, or even  social media "likes."  

Just like dihydrogen monoxide, your body needs dopamine. If you don't get the right balance, bad things will happen.