Dopamine

[L-F]

Someone asked a question about porn addiction somewhere else which got me thinking about addictions in general.

Could dopamine hits lead to limerence rather than being a part of limerence. As in, one becomes unconsciously obsessed due to being triggered by spikes in dopamine? This might be a no-brainer question or one posed before, but have only given it some thought. I know all limerents experience dopamine hits and it's well known to be part and parcel of limerence, but wondering if it's the ignition, not the fuel.

[moreissuesthanvogue]

It seems so involuntarily I would definitely think so. As soon as our eyes met it was instant and a roller coaster from there.
I would be keen to hear from David on this.

[IvB]

Could. I got limerent after my LO showered me with attention and compliments. After years of marriage that was hugely exciting and pleasant. Before that he was a nice guy whom I didn't pay much attention.

[David]

Could dopamine hits lead to limerence rather than being a part of limerence.

Good question and one i dont have an answer for -a bit like the chicken and egg. thing is what would trigger the dopamine release initially? Maybe a potential LO being complimentary? In my case it was smelling nice - maybe that released some dopamine but not enough to account for falling under the limerence spell.

I suspect most with limerence have had cross addictions , some maybe unrecognised as they are socially sanctioned - like work, exercise, shopping.

[L-F]

Could. I got limerent after my LO showered me with attention and compliments. After years of marriage that was hugely exciting and pleasant. Before that he was a nice guy whom I didn't pay much attention.

Those where the lines I was thinking along. . But just pondering, nothing to support my thinking.

[L-F]

what would trigger the dopamine release initially? Maybe a potential LO being complimentary?

I'd say yes!

In my case it was smelling nice - maybe that released some dopamine but not enough to account for falling under the limerence spell.

But then again, could it? Be enough? Interesting it was smell. Out of curiosity, was it a particular smell of the past? As in, someone else with that smell?
Smell is huge! I'm thinking of a young child smelling grandma's cooking and feeling safe, happy, content. Could these unrecognized triggers not be enough to become addicted/obsessed?

I'm not sure what mine was. A smile? A look? Haven't pinpointed it. I'd say a combination of things.

I suspect most with limerence have had cross addictions , some maybe unrecognised as they are socially sanctioned - like work, exercise, shopping.

Without a doubt, although, if you read anything by Alan Carr, he debunks the 'addictive personality' quite well with regards to shopping, smoking, etc. It all boils down to the way we were conditioned to think. Ie, one must work hard to get anywhere in life. One must have the latest gadgets, etc, etc.