We understand how frustrating and demoralizing it can be to experience a relapse that quickly spirals into a BINGE: a period of excessive indulgence, as in eating, drinking, or consuming drugs. You’re not alone in this struggle; we’re here to help you understand why this happens and how to break the cycle.

Understanding the Cravings

If you’re trying to stay away from porn, you’re likely to experience intense cravings and urges. This happens because your brain has been conditioned to seek out the high levels of dopamine that porn provides. 

Pornography is a supernormal stimulus that floods your brain with dopamine, giving you an intense surge of pleasure. But here’s the tricky part: your brain will crave this, pushing you towards relapse.

Dr. Trish Leigh: A Guide to Recovery

Dr. Trish Leigh is a brain health and sex addiction recovery coach. With years of experience helping individuals overcome porn addiction, she’s seen firsthand how relapse can lead to binge-ing. 

Through her expertise and compassionate approach, she is committed to guiding you on your journey to a porn-free brain.

The 4D Dopamine Cycle

Let’s break down why a relapse becomes a binge through the 4D dopamine cycle:

1. Dopamine Drip: The moment you consider watching porn, your brain releases a small amount of dopamine, reminding you of the pleasure it once brought. You have about three seconds to pivot away from this thought.
2. Dopamine Deluge: If you give in, your brain gets flooded with dopamine. This deluge is much more intense than what you get from everyday activities, creating a dependency.
3. Dopamine Drowning: As the deluge continues, you end up drowning your brain in dopamine. This excessive flooding makes your brain desensitized to normal levels of dopamine.
4. Dopamine Deficit: Once the binge is over, your brain finds itself in a dopamine deficit. Regular activities no longer provide the pleasure they used to, making you crave more dopamine from porn, thus restarting the cycle.

Break the 4D Dopamine Cycle.

It’s crucial to break this 4D cycle to prevent relapse from becoming a binge. Here’s a simple, actionable plan to help you stay on track:

1. Stay Vigilant: Recognize the dopamine drip and pivot immediately. Distract yourself with a healthy, engaging activity.
2. Build a Support System: Find an accountability partner or join a support group. Having someone to talk to can help you resist the urges.
3. Celebrate Milestones: Take it day by day and celebrate your progress. Each day away from porn is a victory.
4. Engage in Exciting Activities: Trick your brain by engaging in activities that provide dopamine from real-life experiences, like hobbies, sports, or social interactions.

Success Stories

Many clients have successfully broken the cycle with these strategies. People’s stories are a testament to the effectiveness of this approach:

“Dr. Trish always provides me with all the support & advice I need to overcome any obstacles & ensure I achieve my goals. She has a genuine passion for helping people become the best possible versions of themselves. I was able to overcome a lot of different anxieties and forms of self-doubt and now my life is thriving in multiple different ways.” –Hamza H.

Thank You, Dr Trish, for your wonderful YouTube channel; I’ve tried giving up the addiction for many, many years but haven’t succeeded yet. I’m still fighting, and you helped me understand the addiction better so I can fight it better. you are doing a great job; you are helping a lot of people”- Mohamed k. 

Final Thoughts:

Relapse doesn’t have to turn into a binge. By understanding the 4D dopamine cycle and implementing these strategies, you can stay on your path to recovery. 

Remember, control your brain, or it will control you. Keep rocking it out, and stay strong. We believe in you!

Stay tuned for more tips and support, and never hesitate to reach out if you need help. Together, we can overcome any challenge. 

Why A Relapse Becomes A Binge with Dr. Trish Leigh