Why is it that the dopamine you get after working out is "good" and helps balance your mood etc., whereas the dopamine you get after PMO is "bad" makes you get foggy,depressed etc...
Just something I was wondering about today. If anyone has an answer it would be much appreciated.
My only guess is that PMO has something to do with shame whereas working out is positive so it makes you feel good.
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My guess
My understanding is like this...
Imagine a baseline of totally balanced dopamine. Not too much, not too little. When you're dopamine dips below that line, you have no motivation, you feel depressed, you are lethargic, etc. When your dopamine rises above that line, you feel extra motivated, energetic, lustful, etc.
When you watch internet porn, it raises that dopamine so far above that line, for such an extended period of time, that your brain tries to compensate by raising the line. Now, when you stop watching porn, your dopamine falls way below the line. Withdraw and recovery is your brain lowering that baseline back to where it should be.
So, I'm guessing exercise raises your dopamine, but not to the extent that a super-stimulant like porn does. So when it dips back down, it probably doesn't dip as sharp as it does when you come off a super-stimulant. Plus, I think exercise also releases other feel good neurochemicals like endorphins. I hope that makes sense. I'm no doctor or anything so that's just an educated guess.
That's very close to our understanding
Balanced dopamine is vital to feelings of well-being. But when your brain becomes desensitized to normal pleasures, it's 'cause your sensitivity to dopamine (and dopamine levels) have dropped. That's an addiction-related change. You're needing dopamine. And things like socializing, exercise and meditation help raise the levels a bit.
Using your addiction though, hammers your reward circuitry. Too much stimulation, which risks further desensitization. For more detail: Why Do I Find Porn More Exciting Than A Partner?