Category: Addiction
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Happy Chemical Series Part 7 (final): The Brain Behind This Hot Mess
A Summary of the Happy Chemicals and How They Have Shaped My Life Content warning: This article discusses addiction, trauma, domestic violence, grief, death, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Please take care of yourself while reading. 💜 Over the past several weeks, I have written about the chemicals and systems that influence motivation, mood,…
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Happy Chemical Series: Part 6
Cortisol: The Survival Chemical We Mistake for the Enemy For the last several weeks, we have talked about the chemicals connected to motivation, pleasure, confidence, connection, and pain relief. Part 1: went over the Happy Chemicals in general: Part 2: Dopamine helps push us toward rewards. Part 3: Serotonin plays a role in mood, confidence,…
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Happy Chemicals Part 5: Endorphins — The Brain’s Natural Pain Relief
Introduction: The Final Chemical Before the Stress Chemical *Content Warning: This post discusses addiction, trauma responses, emotional pain, unhealthy coping patterns, and survival mode. Please read with care and take breaks if needed. Throughout this series, so far, we have talked about the chemicals in our brain that influence happiness, motivation, connection, mood, attachment, survival,…
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Part 2: Dopamine – The Chemical That Drives Human Behavior
Introduction When most people hear the word dopamine, they immediately think of happiness or pleasure. Social media has turned it into the “feel-good chemical” — but dopamine is far more complex than that. Dopamine is deeply involved in motivation, movement, learning, survival, focus, memory, addiction, decision-making, and even how we respond to stress. It helps…
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Part 1: Happy Chemical Series
Why Your Brain Keeps Choosing What Hurts You Understanding the hidden chemicals driving your behavior – “The Happy Chemicals” Content Warning: This article discusses addiction, mental health, and behavioral patterns. If you are currently struggling, you are not alone. Please see the Resource section below. Introduction If I’m being honest—my entire life, I never really…
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