Dopamine Junkiez

About me, the OG DJ :)

The Story Behind Dopamine Junkiez

By Veronica

Dopamine Junkiez was born out of my journey following a painful breakup from a long-term partner who was struggling with alcohol addiction. At 46, after a marriage, a divorce, & a 13-year relationship, I suddenly found myself extremely anxious & sometimes depressed. I cut off all forms of contact with my ex to focus 100% on myself.

Through research & self-reflection, I began to uncover an unhealthy pattern that had been repeating itself for decades:

I had been measuring my self-worth by my relationship status. My partner’s mood dictated mine. I constantly put his needs before my own.

And when we were apart, even for just a day, I felt intense separation anxiety. Eventually, I realized what was really going on:

I was not actually addicted to my partner, I was addicted to the high I felt from being attached.

That euphoric feeling? It was dopamine...the brain’s "feel-good" chemical releasing a rush every time I felt love, attention, or connection. I wasn’t just in love, I was chemically hooked.

That dopamine high made me feel safe. But like any addiction, it was never enough. I found myself engaging in self-abandoning behaviors just to get my next fix, chasing validation, affection, & emotional reassurance at the

cost of my own well-being.

I ended the relationship with my long term partner & moved out of the home we shared. Purely by chance, I met someone else a little over a week later. I felt infatuated with this new guy & became 100% focused on him. He had literally just broken up with his girlfriend the night we met. I knew the odds of our fling becoming serious were slim to none; however, he definitely "love bombed" me & I the dopamine high was SO powerful that it overpowered my sensibility, leaving me hooked. The connection was extremely intense but only lasted a few weeks. He told me he was starting to catch feelings for me but considering reconciling with his ex. Thankfully we have remained great friends; however, at the time I didn’t just feel confusion & heartbreak, I went into dopamine withdrawal.

That was my rock bottom.

At first, I felt ashamed. How could I be a grown adult, with life experience, yet still so unaware of what was really driving my behavior? But with time, that shame turned into motivation. I dove into researching psychology, & trauma recovery, determined to understand what was happening inside me. What I learned changed my life. Dopamine addiction is more common than most people realize.

Dopamine addiction often stems from:

· Unresolved childhood trauma
· Attachment disorders
· A dysregulated nervous system
· A lack of self-love

When trauma is triggered, the nervous system scrambles for safety & dopamine provides that temporary relief. But the high never lasts. The brain craves more, & the cycle, known as the dopamine loop repeats over & over.

A dopamine loop presents in many different ways:

· Co-dependent relationships
· Alcohol/Drug abuse
· Smoking/Vaping
· Overeating
· Gambling
· Promiscuity
· Impulsive, excessive shopping
· Excessive gaming, or screen time

While the behaviors differ, the common thread is always the same:

a dependence on external sources of dopamine to feel okay.

Why I Created Dopamine Junkiez

I created Dopamine Junkiez to raise awareness, share resources, & offer a safe, empowering way for people to recognize if they too might be stuck in a dopamine loop just like I was. I often say: "I wish I’d known all of this sooner."

But now I know that every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.

Our merchandise is merch with a message...a form of self-expression, self-accountability, & personal empowerment. Each piece represents a step toward awareness, healing, & choosing self-love as your #1 source of dopamine.

My hope is that as people learn more, they’ll stop chasing highs from the outside & start finding them from within.

Giving Back

A portion of all proceeds is proudly donated to SMART Recovery USA,

a science-backed recovery program rooted in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This program helps individuals:

· Build & maintain motivation
· Cope with urges and cravings
· Manage thoughts, feelings, & behavior
· Live a balanced, fulfilling life

Let’s help each other lead healthier, happier lives.

Let’s start chasing the right kind of high!

With love,

Veronica

XOXOXOXO

**shop dopamine junkiez merch!!!**

Disclaimer

Welcome to Dopamine Junkiez

I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Education & worked as a teacher for eight years.

The information shared on this site is based on personal experience & independent research. It is intended solely to raise awareness & educate individuals who may be struggling with unresolved trauma or mental health challenges.

This site is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you are dealing with unresolved trauma, mental health concerns, or emotional distress, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a qualified therapist or medical provider. Some content on this site touches on serious emotional & psychological topics, & parental guidance is strongly recommended for underage visitors exploring these subjects. If you or someone you know is struggling, or has threatened or engaged in self-harm, please know that you are not alone.
There is immediate help available through the organizations linked below:

About Dopamine Junkiez

Our Mission

Dopamine Junkiez sells merch with a mission: To educate the world about dopamine addiction, its causes, its impact on mental health, physical well-being, & relationships. Our merch allows you to "wear your awareness," promotes self love & direction towards positive sources of dopamine.

A portion of all proceeds is donated to SMART Recove

A portion of all proceeds is donated to SMART Recovery USA, a science-based recovery method rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). SMART Recovery helps individuals struggling with addictive behaviors to:

Build & maintain motivation
Cope with urges & cravings
Manage thoughts, feelings, & behaviors
Live a balanced, purposeful life

Every purchase supports not just your own journey, but the journeys of others working toward freedom & fulfillment.

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**shop dopamine junkiez merch!!**

Our Approach

Our approach is rooted in education. We provide information to help individuals:

Empower individuals to recognize unhealthy patterns & make positive changes toward balanced, fulfilling lives.
Redirect their pursuit of dopamine toward positive, internal sources like self-love, creativity, & connection versus unhealthy external stimuli.

With awareness, compassion, & support, real change is possible!

**visit our online store!!**

Our Community

Our community is growing rapidly, united by a mission to break the cycle of dopamine addiction & promote self-awareness, healing, & growth.

Self-proclaimed members express themselves through our bold, meaningful merchandise. Each piece is a symbol of personal accountability,

transformation, & support.

**shop dopamine junkiez merch!!**

Dopamine Junkiez Terms & Definitions

The following are terms & definitions that are referenced

& discussed on this site.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter in the body that plays a major role in your reward system. When something feels good, your brain releases a rush of dopamine causing a euphoric feeling.

Dopamine Addiction

Compulsively seeking activities that trigger a dopamine release. The quest for a dopamine high can lead to unhealthy behaviors which become very addicting.

Dopamine loop

A repetitive cycle of dopamine seeking activities. The loop creates a neurochemical reward with a dopamine rush. These activities provide a quick fix of dopamine that feels good temporarily, but long term can leave you feeling anxious, depressed or disconnected.

Love Bombing

Love bombing, is overwhelming someone with intense affection early in the relationship. This can trigger a rapid spike in dopamine levels. These dopamine surges, can lead to a dopamine addiction as the brain adapts to the surges, requiring more flattery, attention, affection etc. to achieve the same pleasurable sensation.

Limerence

It is derived from the Latin word “limerentia” which means

“to be lovesick.”

The term was coined by Dorothy Tennov, U.S. psychologist (1928-2007) in her book Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love. The state of being obsessively infatuated with someone & it is directly related to dopamine addiction. When we are in a state of limerence, we cannot stop obsessing over a specific individual; however, it is not truly the person we are chasing, it is the dopamine high we feel while thinking of them or while in their presence.

Bread-crumbing

A newer term in the dating world that basically means leading someone on. It is a manipulation tactic where one partner gives the other small, inconsistent bits of attention (breadcrumbs) with no intention of developing a committed relationship. The breadcrumbs of attention are just enough to keep the other partner engaged, interested & yearning for more. Each breadcrumb (text, call, DM, social media "like") provides the recipient with a hit of dopamine. The intermittent reinforcement of small dopamine hits can become very addicting, very quickly.

Intermittent Reinforcement

In behavioral psychology, intermittent reinforcement refers to a reward being given inconsistently. Intermittent reinforcement in relationships is a major reason people remain emotionally attached, even when the relationship is unhealthy & hurtful.

When attention & affection is given inconsistently, it can create psychological dependency tied into dopamine addiction.

Instead of knowing where you stand with someone, you’re left to decipher mixed signals, hoping & waiting for a breadcrumb of attention (text, call, email, DM etc.) When you finally receive the attention, your dopamine level spikes trough the roof. You temporarily feel euphoric, but when the dopamine high wears off, your next craving is even stronger than before. The cycle repeats itself & you become addicted to the dopamine highs that make you feel wanted & validated.

Attachment Styles

There are four main attachment styles recognized in psychology.

Attachment styles influence how individuals connect, trust, & build relationships. Any of the three insecure attachment styles can potentially lead to dopamine addiction.

1.Secure Attachment:

· Comfortable with intimacy.
· Positive self-esteem & trust in others.
Healthy relationship patterns.

2.Anxious Attachment:

· Lack of boundaries due to a strong desire for closeness & fear of abandonment.
· Clingy & overly dependent on their partners.
· Frequently put their partner's needs above their own.
· Over-reliance on external validation for self-worth can lead to dopamine addiction.

3. Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment:

· Avoid emotional closeness & prioritize independence.
· Appear emotionally distant & struggle with intimacy.
· May rely on dopamine to numb stress & avoid intimacy which can lead to dopamine addiction

4. Fearful-Avoidant Attachment:

· Combines traits of both anxious & avoidant styles.
· Desire closeness, but also fear it.
· Subconsciously believe that intimacy will threaten their independence.
· Push/pull dynamic in relationships.
· May rely on external sources of dopamine to avoid feeling anxious or disconnected which can lead to dopamine addiction.

Nervous System

Your nervous system is your body’s command center. It sends messages between your brain & all parts of your body. Your nervous system keeps track of what is happening inside & outside of your body. It decides how to respond to any situation you encounter. When the nervous system is subconsciously triggered by an unresolved inner wound,

the brain searches for dopamine to calm the nervous system &

make the mind feel safe. A dysregulated nervous system can lead to dopamine addiction.

Self-Love

The love for oneself that grows from engaging in activities that support our physical, psychological & spiritual growth. This includes putting your own needs before others & not settling for less than you deserve. Self-love is important when detoxing from dopamine. Self-love practices re-train the brain from chasing the quick dopamine fix of instant pleasure to enjoying the long-lasting happiness that comes with

healthy life choices.

Types of Childhood Trauma

Unresolved childhood trauma relates to dopamine addiction because when an unresolved inner wound is triggered, the mind searches for sources of dopamine to calm the nervous system & make the mind feel safe again. The longer that trauma goes unresolved, the more times the mind seeks dopamine, creating a pattern & potentially leading to an addiction. There are countless levels of childhood trauma, ranging in severity. The manner in which the trauma is processed & the long-lasting effects are specific to every individual, each case being unique.

Acute Trauma

Results from a single traumatic event, such as a serious accident or a natural disaster.

Chronic Trauma

Involves repeated & prolonged exposure to traumatic events,

such as ongoing domestic violence or abuse.

Complex Trauma

Results from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often interpersonal

& invasive, such as ongoing abuse & neglect.

Child Abuse

Physical Abuse: Intentional infliction of physical harm to a child.
Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity forced upon a child.
Emotional Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, & constant criticism to undermine a child's self-worth.

Neglect

Failure to meet a child's basic needs for food, shelter,

clothing, medical care, or supervision.

Witnessing Violence

Experiencing violence in the home or community, even

if not directly targeted.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Examples include things such as:

Parental divorce/separation
Parental infidelity
Parental military deployment
Parental mental illness
Parental substance addiction
Death of a family member or close friend.

Transform Your Life with Dopamine Junkiez

Are you stuck in a dopamine loop?

Am I a Dopamine Junkie?

By Veronica, Founder of Dopamine Junkiez

As the founder of this company, I admit...I’m a self-proclaimed dopamine junkie!

Dopamine addiction presents differently for everyone. It can show up in subtle patterns or more obvious behaviors, often disguised as "normal habits." To help you explore whether you may be stuck in a dopamine loop, feel free to use this self-reflection questionnaire based on my own experiences and research.

Note: This is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional advice. It’s just one way to raise awareness about your own patterns.

Ask yourself the following questions:

🧠 Dopamine Addiction Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Instructions:
For each statement, please rate how often it applied to you and your behavior over the past 30 days using this scale:

0 – Never
1 – Rarely
2 – Sometimes
3 – Often
4 – Very Often

⚡ STIMULATION SEEKING

I frequently check my phone even when I don’t hear notifications.
I often multitask with media (scrolling social media while watching TV).
I find it hard to focus quiet activities like reading, meditating, sitting still, or driving without music playing.
I feel bored and restless very quickly without external stimulation (music, TV, social media etc.)
I rely on constant entertainment (music, videos, games, TV etc.) to get through the day.

🔁 COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR

I repeatedly engage in activities I know are wasting my time or not good for my mental health.
I often tell myself “just 5 more minutes” but then end up spending much more time.
I have tried to cut back on certain apps, games, or habits but failed.
I feel a strong craving to check certain platforms or engage in certain behaviors.
I use stimulation (like food, media, shopping etc.) to escape negative emotions.

❤️ RELATIONSHIPS & ROMANTIC ATTACHMENT

I use dating apps excessively, often swiping without intention to meet anyone.
I get a "rush" from being desired, complimented, or pursued by a potential romantic partner... even if I’m not interested.
I constantly seek new romantic relationships to feel excited or alive.
I feel anxious or bored, if I’m not talking to or texting someone I like.
I tend to lose interest quickly after the "honeymoon phase" wears off in romantic relationships.
I stay in emotionally intense or unstable relationships because they feel addictively stimulating.
I fantasize about romance or ideal partners to escape from loneliness.
I chase unavailable or emotionally distant people for the thrill of "winning them over."
I use casual dating & flirting, to avoid deeper emotional connection or vulnerability.
I often confuse emotional intensity or drama with genuine connection or love.

🧠 MENTAL & EMOTIONAL SIGNS

I feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when I can’t access certain stimulating activities.
I feel mentally foggy or unmotivated during low-stimulation periods.
I crave constant novelty & get easily bored with routine.
I have trouble enjoying simple pleasures (e.g., walking outside, talking to someone, cooking).
I often feel regret, guilt, or shame after indulging in high-dopamine activities.

🛌 LIFESTYLE IMPACT

My sleep has worsened due to late-night use of screens, apps, or stimulation.
My productivity or ability to focus on long-term goals has declined.
I avoid important tasks or relationships in favor of short-term pleasure.
I spend more time scrolling online than I'd like to admit.
I feel as though my habits are controlling me more than I’m controlling them.

📊 SCORING

0–30: Low Risk – You likely have a balanced relationship with pleasure & stimulation.
31–60: Moderate Risk – You likely show some signs of dopamine-seeking behaviors. Could benefit from setting boundaries or doing a dopamine detox.
61–90: High Risk – You're likely experiencing compulsive patterns driven by your subconscious desire for a spike in your dopamine level.
91–120: Very High Risk – Strong signs of dopamine dysregulation. dopamine detox may be beneficial.

Based on your score, it’s possible that you’re experiencing dopamine dysregulation. This means your nervous system might be searching for comfort & safety in external sources.

That dopamine hit might feel good in the moment…but once it fades, the craving returns & the cycle begins again.

Here is the good news...Awareness is the first step.
And the #1 antidote to dopamine addiction is self-love.

When we start channeling our energy into what feeds us mentally, emotionally, physically, & spiritually, we retrain our brains to seek out real, lasting highs that come from within versus an external source.

🧭 What are the next steps?

Reflect on all of your patterns.
Try a dopamine fast for 1–3 days, limiting or eliminating the activities that normally consume your day.
Replace the unhealthy activities with things such as: journaling, exercising, cooking, creating content art, music etc.

Reminder: This questionnaire is NOT a formal diagnosis.

Activities that provide a healthy dose of dopamine :)

Connecting with nature

Spending time outdoors is beneficial as the fresh air & natural light can have positive effects on mood, concentration, sleep, social connectedness, & spirituality. All of these will release a healthy dose of dopamine, regulating the nervous system.

Journaling

Connecting with nature

When we express creative ideas through writing it causes a dopamine rush because of the link to our reward system. As our brain works through emotions the brain feels as though it is problem solving, it releases dopamine & calms the nervous system.

Creating or viewing art

When we express ourselves artistically via painting, drawing, sculpting, building, photography, creating content etc. our sense of accomplishment triggers a dopamine rush linked to our reward system. If we view a piece of art that we admire, it is comparable to the dopamine rush of seeing a loved one.

Physical activity

Creating or listening to music

Creating or viewing art

Move your body! The dopamine rush we experience during exercise is partly due to increased blood flow to the brain as our heart rate increases. The blood flow supports the electrical & chemical processes within brain neurons, all related to dopamine release.

Creating or listening to music

When we listen to music, our brain processes the sounds, triggering parts of the brain that control our emotions. This results in a dopamine rush. If it is a song connected to a positive memory or experience, this too can enhance the rush of dopamine.

About me, the OG DJ :)