Anxiety, depression, and trauma make it challenging to pursue dopamine-boosting activities.To heal from trauma induced symptoms, it is important to face these conditions on the road to recovery. One of the most critical factors to address in food addiction is pleasure. In reality, highly processed foods are easy to overindulge in for anyone. Highly palatable foods increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, which is highly rewarding and pleasurable and perpetuates the cycle. This process can become compulsive when this is the only source of pleasure in one’s life. Further, as the behavior increases, the number of dopamine receptors in the brain may decrease, leading to more frequent seeking out highly rewarding foods. Other activities that increase dopamine hits include:

• • • • socializing
      • playing games
      • exercising
      • having sex
      • discovering new things
      • finishing tasks
      • accomplishing goals

Yes, write down your tasks and check them off for a dopamine boost! 

Engaging in creativity, meditation, and listening to music increase dopamine in the brain. When there is a deficit in naturally pleasurable activities, the balance gets tipped over to food. Food is comforting, accessible, and quick. Excessive stress, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, lack of sleep, and vitamin and mineral deficiency can lead to dopamine depletion. To overcome food addiction, specific therapeutic protocols and techniques are needed. This means that the most effective protection against food addiction is:

• • • • creating a recovery plan
      • working towards rewarding actions and  activities
      • ultimately, a lifestyle of fulfillment