Weekly Quote:
“Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Contemplation:
~ So you like to get high? Who doesn’t? We all do! And……we do it all the time! And…what is getting high anyway? Is it some special magical thing that is created by this drug or that drink? Not even close…. “getting high” is nothing more than a misuse of your body’s existing chemicals. Take Alcohol for example – Alcohol affects the balance between the neurotransmitters GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces brain activity, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases brain activity. Alcohol enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA and suppresses the excitatory effects of glutamate. This leads to the characteristic sedative and relaxing effects of alcohol consumption. So essentially – alcohol knows how to hijack your brain, and as many of you know, ironically, the overuse and long-term effects of this feel-good dynamic result in the opposite effect – increased depression, anxiety, physical dependence, cognitive impairment and neurological damage not to mention decreased self-esteem and negative thinking patterns.
Tip for the Week:
~ Get high on your own supply! You have all the chemicals you need already….and wouldn’t it be great if you could “feel good” without all the consequences? Is it strange to think that managing life’s curveballs and disappointments can also lead to feeling good in the end? Practice using your own chemicals – you can create specific actions to elicit specific chemicals. Which ones would you choose? It can take some time to regulate these chemicals after long-term misuse, but people continue to report the benefits of tapping into their own bodies as they discover they are “enough” both emotionally and physically. Check out these examples…..
The Practice:
Endorphins: Endorphins are natural painkillers and mood boosters produced by the body. They are often released during physical activities and can create a sense of euphoria and pain relief.
Examples Include
1) Exercise: Activities like running, swimming, or dancing trigger endorphin release, leading to a “runner’s high.”
2) Laughter: Genuine laughter can stimulate endorphins and improve mood.
3) Spicy Foods: Consuming spicy foods can trigger endorphin production, creating a sense of euphoria.
Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and emotions. It helps promote feelings of well-being and happiness and low levels are associated with conditions like depression.
Examples Include:
1) Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight helps the body produce serotonin, which can improve mood and help with depression.
2) Meditation: Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques can boost serotonin levels.
3) Balanced Diet: A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, can enhance serotonin production.
Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with reward, pleasure, and motivation. It’s released when we experience positive events or accomplish goals, reinforcing behaviors that lead to positive outcomes.
Examples Include
Accomplishing Goals: Achieving personal or professional goals releases dopamine and gives a sense of reward.
Listening to Music: Enjoying music you love can lead to increased dopamine levels.
Acts of Kindness: Engaging in acts of kindness, like helping others, can trigger a dopamine release, promoting feelings of satisfaction.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is crucial for social bonding and affectionate connections. It’s released during activities such as hugging, childbirth, and breastfeeding, fostering feelings of love and connection.
Examples Include Hugging and Physical Contact: Oxytocin is often called the “cuddle hormone” and is released during physical touch, like hugging.
Bonding with a Pet: Interactions with pets, especially dogs, can lead to oxytocin release and enhance feelings of connection.
Childbirth and Breastfeeding: Oxytocin plays a crucial role in the bonding between a mother and her child during childbirth and breastfeeding.
*If you or anyone you know or love may have an issue with substances, feel free to reach out to me – at andrew@addictiontherapynyc.com.
