Recent research on the topic of willpower shows that we, as human beings, have limited decision making capacity. That is, in any given day, we may simply run-out of the mental energy that is required to make decisions. Researcher Roy Baumeister, PhD calls this depletion of mental energy “decision fatigue.” Every day, we make hundreds […]
Caffeine Facts For most people, moderate caffeine (200 – 300 mg, or about 2-3 cups of coffee a day) aren’t harmful. But heavy caffeine use (more than 500 mg) can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, headaches, and anxiety. Some people are more sensitive to […]
Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that uses technology/computers to help you become more aware of the subtle changes that occur in your body. Once you are more aware of them, you can control them better. How does Biofeedback work? Many physiological processes in your body are hard to detect, but computerized monitoring allows you to […]
What Triggers Drug and Alcohol Cravings? Environmental Cues and Mood States Cravings for drugs or alcohol are controlled by a variety of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and glutamate. Many people describe their cravings as coming out of nowhere, as if these chemicals pop into their brains and create a cravings spontaneously. These chemicals and the manifestations of […]
The Role of Dopamine in Pleasure and the Brain’s Reward System People who quit using drugs often report that they are bored, uninspired, and have a hard time enjoying everyday living. Why does this happen? It has to do with the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. It’s not difficult to understand why someone, who is […]
Many people with panic disorder or anxiety symptoms are hypervigilant to internal body sensations — acutely aware of even subtle changes brought about by an increase in breathing rate. Mild anxiety or fear can trigger faster breathing as the body prepares for fight-or-flight via the sympathetic nervous system. The Physiology of Hyperventilation: CO2, Oxygen, and […]