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Dopamine D2 Receptor Downregulation Marks the Difference Between Drug Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors (Dopamine 5)
Compulsive behaviors like sex, exercise or gambling do not downregulate dopamine D2 receptors or produce changes in the brain similar to addictive drugs.
Hermes Solenzol
Nov 30, 202514 min read


Dopamine D2 Receptor Downregulation Is the Hallmark of Addiction (Dopamine 4)
Dopamine D1 receptors mediate desire. The D2 receptors mediate self-control. Addictive drugs downregulate the D2 receptors, inducing the craving and impulsivity of addiction.
Hermes Solenzol
Nov 14, 202511 min read


Pleasure Electrodes in the Brain (Dopamine 2)
Electrodes implanted in the reward pathway do not produce pleasure but craving.
Hermes Solenzol
Oct 10, 20257 min read


How to make a masochist rat
Pairing a painful stimulus with activation of the amygdala train rats to want the painful stimulus, possibly explaining why masochists desire pain.
Hermes Solenzol
Sep 8, 20252 min read


Debunking the Dopamine Myths
Professor Hermes Solenzol was interviewed in the Nicolas Procel Podcast about the dopamine myth prevailing in today’s culture.
Hermes Solenzol
Sep 5, 20252 min read


Craving is Caused by the Ego
The craving that causes suffering is not due to seeking pleasure, but by the demands of the ego.
Hermes Solenzol
Sep 1, 202411 min read


Dopamine: Why Heroin Is Addictive but Porn Is Not
Porn is not addictive. It induces short increases of dopamine and not the sustained ones produced by cocaine and opioids.
Hermes Solenzol
Aug 24, 202322 min read
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