Dopamine Withdrawal & Emotional Crash
Understand dopamine withdrawal and how overstimulation causes emotional crashes.
When Pleasure Drops Below Baseline
Pleasure drops
below baseline.
The body feels
less than neutral
for a while.
This dip
is temporary
and chemical,
not a verdict.
Let the line
recover
on its own.
Normalize baseline shifts with DojoWell.
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Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel worse than usual after a period of intense pleasure?
This is because pleasure often dips "below baseline" after a spike. To maintain balance, the brain compensates for a high by creating a temporary low. If you don't expect this, the sudden drop can cause panic, leading you to seek another spike to escape the low. Normalizing this "opponent process" prevents panic and allows you to wait out the dip until your neurochemistry naturally levels out.
What should I do when I’m in the "below-baseline" dip?
Treat it as a period of "structural recovery." Don't try to force a better mood, as this often opens new Threat Loops. Instead, lower your demands on yourself. Acknowledge that your system is currently "paying back" the dopamine debt. By remaining still and safe during the dip, you allow your receptors to reset, ensuring that your next experience of pleasure is authentic and not forced.