Name dopamine detox the implication is that these behaviors are the only source of dopamine, and thus eliminating them somehow robs you of the feel-good neurotransmitter, but that’s not the whole picture.

It’s important to note that Sepah has clarified in past interviews that the term was not intended to be taken literally, but unfortunately, many did.

Experts explain that the purpose of this practice is not to rid your life of dopamine, but to change the way you feel about it. “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in brain function. It’s impossible to ‘detox’ or completely rid the brain of dopamine,” says neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D. She notes that this is more about practicing self-regulation than detoxification.

Frankly, high levels of dopamine have been associated with impulse control problems and a hypercompetitive attitude. However, lowering dopamine levels is not the answer either; they were associated with a lack of motivation.

Even so, does giving up vices for a short period of time really do any good? According to a 2021 study, a dopamine detox method may be helpful in reducing impulsive behavior, thus promoting an overall healthier state of mind.

I doubt many people will be surprised to learn that spending time away from social media or cutting down on recreational drugs will benefit your mental health, but the specific benefits are quite motivating nonetheless. Hafeez says that reducing the amount of time you spend doing activities that overstimulate the brain has many benefits, including: