A few weeks ago we discussed the brain and the limbic system. Now I want to break down the two major neurotransmitters a bit more To help you to understand the chemistry behind your feelings and actions.
To make it even simpler, I associate serotonin with the feelings of calmness, and safety and dopamine as being responsible for creating chemical curiosity.
Vera Tarman and Phil Werdell write in their fantastic book, Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction:
"Serenity is best achieved when we find an ideal balance of these neurochemicals. We thrive best when we have a good deal of serotonin, such as when we are in familiar and friendly circumstances. And we need to have enough dopamine to be stimulated, with the occasional introduction of a novel circumstance... it is my experience that we do best when 80 percent of our feelings relate to safety and social ease (seratonin), and 20 percent of our feelings relate to novel experiences (dopamine), just to spice thing up and keep us from getting bored. Too much stimulation, however disturbs our general sense of well-being..."
I love how Dr. Tarman makes addiction simple and easy to understand. Read her book, it might change your life!
Recover On
-David Avram Wolfe