What is the dopamine trough?

The "dopamine trough" refers to a significant drop in dopamine levels occurring after a dopamine peak, often following intense pleasure or achievement. This low level of dopamine can result in feelings of demotivation or even depression. Andrew Huberman explains that engaging in behaviors that cause sharp spikes in dopamine can lead to these troughs. These can manifest as a lack of motivation or sadness once the initial high subsides.

Recovering from this trough involves allowing time for dopamine levels to naturally replenish. The key is to resist the urge to immediately seek out activities that would replicate the dopamine peak, as this can lead to diminishing returns from similar activities and further reduce baseline dopamine levels. Instead, enduring through this challenging period and utilizing tools like physical effort or cold exposure can accelerate the return to normal dopamine levels, ultimately helping to sustain a healthier baseline of dopamine over time 1.