Yeah it doesn't seem like you're using it in ways that could distract and negatively affect your relationships. I guess in relationships, there are agreements/understandings between couples around this issue and mutual agreement via negotiations and whatnot. You're aware of potential issues and thinking deeply around it so I think you are being mindful about it. That's great!
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Addiction and dopamine (and endorphines) is a complex phenom so this is really over-simplifying it. : in neurological terms, dopamine is related to aniticipation of reward (it's part of the reward mechanism), motivation, enjoyment. Dopamine is what drives things like conditioning one's behavior. Sex is like a natural drug bc during sex opiates like endorphine & others like dopamine are released.
Too much dopamine and you keep wanting that satiation so you do more of it. Your brain will get desensitized to normal amounts of dopamine so there will be drive to increase it by engaging in activities that will increase dopamine. Without it, some people may experience changes in mood and whatnot. Then you have something like addiction - you have tolerance and withdrawal.
Our chemical body, when unchecked by other faculties like the mind, can take over. So moderation/discipline and using multiple methods like meditation, grounding activities, exercise, initimate relation w/ partner etc etc., is helpful. Balance.
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Addiction and dopamine (and endorphines) is a complex phenom so this is really over-simplifying it. : in neurological terms, dopamine is related to aniticipation of reward (it's part of the reward mechanism), motivation, enjoyment. Dopamine is what drives things like conditioning one's behavior. Sex is like a natural drug bc during sex opiates like endorphine & others like dopamine are released.
Too much dopamine and you keep wanting that satiation so you do more of it. Your brain will get desensitized to normal amounts of dopamine so there will be drive to increase it by engaging in activities that will increase dopamine. Without it, some people may experience changes in mood and whatnot. Then you have something like addiction - you have tolerance and withdrawal.
Our chemical body, when unchecked by other faculties like the mind, can take over. So moderation/discipline and using multiple methods like meditation, grounding activities, exercise, initimate relation w/ partner etc etc., is helpful. Balance.
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