Dopamine addiction and BDSM

“Dopamine addiction and BDSM“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

The music journalist Ted Gioia is sounding the alarm in his annual 'the state of the culture' article. "We are all heading towards a culture that no longer consists of the dilemma between entertaining someone and creating good art. Instead, we are being swallowed up by a dopamine addiction to distraction, leaving hardly any room for art or good entertainment."

Not just for art and culture

To my mind, that doesn't only apply to the arts and culture sector, but to BDSM too. I have been seeing a shift for some time now (and faster and faster over the last few years) between live sessions and online sessions. Fewer and fewer subs seem to want to haul their lazy arses off the sofa to make an appointment. And when they do, it's preferably "now, immediately, on the spot". Because that arousal has to be satisfied as quickly as possible. Looking forward to something or taking your time over it seems to be a dying experience. Often people opt for "the quick and easy bite", that is, an online session or, if need be, a "cash meet".

I don't attach a value judgement to this shift - or at least I try not to - but this change does mean the disappearance - or at the very least the hollowing out - of classic BDSM. Whether that is desirable? That is for you to decide. We owe this shift (partly, or perhaps even mainly) to digital speed. Everything on the internet is fast, and information is delivered in bite-sized chunks. Preferably in short videos, like on TikTok. We are increasingly "spoiled" by speed. We can hardly muster any patience for anything any more. Our dopamine is constantly being fed.

What is a dopamine addiction?

A dopamine addiction refers to a state in which you become dependent on activities or substances that stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain's reward system and is associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. When people repeatedly engage in activities or use substances that increase the release of dopamine, they can become addicted to the pleasurable feeling that comes with it.

The internet and dopamine

A number of years ago, if you wanted information on a particular subject, you had to rely on (for example) an encyclopedia. A series of some 12 volumes that filled an entire bookshelf.
That meant finding the right volume, looking up the subject and reading. All in all, you were soon half an hour further on before you had the answer to your question.

But nowadays there is the internet: we ask Google for info, and Google delivers the info straight away. We just still have to filter the right site ourselves on Google. With AI it's even faster. You ask AI a question and it explains everything to you in minute detail. Without alternative sources of information. So even more in bite-sized chunks, which means our brains are immediately "rewarded" with dopamine. But also think, for example, of short games such as the worldwide hit "Candy Crush". Just a quick level in between (although it never stays at one level) and in no time the level is completed and you get - noticed or unnoticed - a small dopamine shot of "yessss". Before you know it, you have clicked on the next level again and you are sucked deeper into the game and with it into the feeling of addiction.

BDSM and dopamine addiction

It is not that surprising that a dopamine addiction can also occur within the context of BDSM, including when experiencing pain stimuli. Complex psychological and physiological processes play a role in BDSM, and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine can be an important part of the experience. For some people, experiencing pain can lead to the release of endorphins and dopamine, which can cause a feeling of euphoria or pleasure. This is sometimes described as "subspace" for the receiver (submissive) or "domspace" for the giver (dominant).

Just as with other addictive activities, the anticipation and receiving of a reward in the form of physical stimuli or emotional validation can lead to an increased release of dopamine. As with other forms of addiction, there can be a tendency to seek ever more intense or more frequent stimuli in order to experience the same dopamine-driven pleasure. This can lead to a cycle of increased need for stimulation and possible escalation in the intensity of the sessions.

Symptoms of dopamine addiction

• Constantly craving and seeking out BDSM sessions or pain stimuli.

• Having difficulty respecting limits or stopping activities, even when they become harmful or unsafe.

• Neglecting social, work-related or personal obligations in favour of BDSM activities.

• Needing ever more intense stimuli to reach the same level of pleasure or satisfaction.

• Experiencing restlessness, irritability or depressive feelings when BDSM activities are missed.

Other substances that increase dopamine

Drugs and alcohol
Substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and alcohol increase the release of dopamine, which can lead to addiction.

Food
Especially food that is rich in sugar and fat can stimulate the release of dopamine, which can lead to binge eating and food addiction.

Gaming and gambling
These activities can cause repeated dopamine spikes because of the tension and reward they offer.

Social media and technology
Receiving likes, comments and notifications can stimulate the release of dopamine and lead to excessive use of social media and smartphones.

Sex, BDSM and pornography
These activities can also increase the release of dopamine and be addictive.

Treatment of dopamine addiction

Treatment can consist of a combination of behavioural therapies, counselling and, in some cases, medication. The aim is to tackle the underlying causes of the addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms and restore the balance of dopamine in the brain. Avoiding triggers and building a supportive network can also be crucial for recovery.

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Image: BDSMforyou