When we take addictive substances, dopamine and other neurotransmitters are released. These are pleasurable, reward based neurotransmitters which flood the brain with 2 to 10 times as much dopamine as a natural reward would.
The brain does not have an easy time withstanding this onslaught and so over time the brain makes the substance (or activity) less pleasurable by reducing dopamine production or eliminating dopamine receptors, a bit like turning the volume down when the radio is too loud.
What this means is that you then have to take more of the substance to release the same amount of dopamine to make it as pleasurable because the brain has adapted.
This is the effect known as developing tolerance.
To counteract the effect of tolerance and to reduce cravings we can release dopamine naturally.
Did you know that in a 2002 clinical study yoga nidra has been shown to boost dopamine by up to 65%?
Try a regular yoga nidra practice for just five consecutive days and see how you feel.
Here’s one of my yoga nidra’s for sleep or better still book a yoga therapy session with me, either privately or @triyogauk, @WorkshopGymnasium at The Bulgari Hotel Knightsbridge or @BodySpace