Dopamine detox

Dopamine, serotonin, GABA and acetylcholine

During registration for a psychedelic session, we test for possible deficits of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, GABA and acetylcholine using a questionnaire. We do this because a deficiency of these neurotransmitters can cause various psychological and psychosomatic complaints. Thus, through neurochemistry, we can better restore the balance in the brain.

Learn more about the different neurotransmitters and nutrition:

GABA | Acetylcholine | Serotonin | Dopamine | Nutrition and neurotransmitters

The dopamine detox

Dopamine plays a major role in the reward of living organisms such as humans. Dopamine represents momentary happiness that we derive from personal goals. It gives us energy and satisfaction at that moment which makes our ego grow. On the one hand, this is a very healthy process that allows us to grow as individuals and take care of ourselves. On the other hand, it can make the drive for personal growth too great, causing us to become too separated from everyone else. Addiction and isolation lurk when the drive for personal fulfillment via a dopamine shot gets too high. Examples of addictive dopamine shots include gambling, sugar eating, smoking, cocaine, heroin, blow, social media, smartphone use, pornography and alcohol. In many cases, the loneliness creates a bond with the addiction, creating even more loneliness and even more addiction. Breaking a dopamine-driven negative spiral can be done with a dopamine detox.

Dopamine detox and psychedelic therapy

Our psychedelic therapy against addictions and loneliness works even much better if a dopamine detox is done prior to the session. The detox ensures that reward can also occur through the serotonin receptor and that gives a sense of connection and less ego wanting dopamine. Psychedelics activate the serotonin receptors and that gives a sense of connection and less ego. Hence the ego-death during the higher doses. The combination of the dopamine detox and the psychedelic session make an overly large ego smaller, creating a balance between taking good care of yourself through real and healthy things and being connected to the outside world. In the end, everything is about the right balance!

What addiction do you have?

Addiction is a form of self-destruction that is difficult to let go of. On the one hand, it feels familiar and part of a rhythm. It is a pattern that can be replaced for another pattern. Are you ready to let go of the old and embrace the new?