Dopamine-seeking behavior: When does it become a 1st Commandment idol?

The 1st commandment clearly states, no idols. Any one or thing that usurps God and promotes sin, is an idol. Mostly we define idols as images and statues. St Paul argues that it includes the 7 deadly sins (Phillipians 3:19) i.e. having our "stomachs be our god." How does this concept extrapolate? Do dopamine-seeking (or other neurotransmitter) activities create a slippery slope? How might prioritizing the reward centers in our brains be erecting idols before God? Behavioral addictions are repetative activities that overstimulate brain hormones into altering limbic system circuitry. Here are the top 7 behavioral addictions--that should give us pause--during our daily examination of conscience.

Digital Devices (Sloth) Our state in life should determine how online time is spent, in moderation. While there are Internet benefits, studies show algorithms are intentionally designed to monitor activity, slant search results and manipulate public perception and consumer behavior. Consequently, heroic parents enforce screen time limits. In contrast, exaggerated online activity leads to sleep disorders, mood swings, depression and memory dysfunction. In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and withdrawal from outdoor and social life occur. Evidence from the 2020 pandemic-lockdown, shows addictive-behavioral statistics climbed, especially when churches closed.

Exercise (Pride) Running is associated with endorphins and cannabinoids thus explaining the "runners high." These euphoric feelings may lead to exercise addiction. Studies suggest a continuum that develops in stages: recreational to at-risk exercise, problematic to exercise addiction. Excessive attention to one's own appearance, power and control implies we do not trust God or His plans for us.

Food addictions (Gluttony) involve the same behavioral and neurophysiological changes as in substance dependence. Studies suggest that food addictions exert changes via the dopamine and opiate pathways. Rats fed a high-fat diet for extended periods, overstimulated their brain's reward system, similar to drug addiction brain activity. Moreover, further rat testing demonstrated that concentrated sweeteners are more addicting than cocaine.

Gaming (Sloth) Researchers think the process of playing and winning video games triggers dopamine release. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for many bodily functions, including pleasure, reward and motivation. Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other disorders, including gambling and substance use disorders. Research shows brain similarities exist between gamers and substance use disorders. If God wants us to be the light of the world and salt of the earth; extreme gaming hinders the manifestation of God's charisms in us.

Gambling (Greed) disorders include the inability to stop despite damages. Gambling stimulates the brain's reward system much like drugs or alcohol, leading to addiction. If we have a compulsive gambling problem, we chase riskier bets that lead to financial ruin. We hide our behaviors and may even turn to theft or fraud. Compulsive gambling is a serious condition that destroys our lives, relationships and without help, our souls.

Porn/Sex (Lust) is an addiction characterized by extreme focus on sexual urges, obsessive behaviors and activities. Sexual addiction is an umbrella term used to include excessive masturbation, cybersex, pornography abuse, sex between consenting adults, sexting, frequenting strip clubs and more. The adverse consequences of sex addictions are similar to other addictive disorders. Risky behaviors can lead to sexually transmitted diseases and birth defects in pregnancy.

Shopping (Envy) A shopping disorder is characterized by compulsive or excessive spending. Preoccupation with shopping can lead to family discord, distress and impaired quality of life. As the son of an upscale textile merchant, St. Francis of Assisi detached from the temptations of materialism and decadence. Studies have linked extreme shopping to substance use disorders leading to mood swings, anxiety disorders and place it on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.

Addiction Research. One study claims promising results through restored brain circuitry altered by addictive disorders. Those in the study, were 3 times less likely to relapse than their control group. The investigators carefully placed headgear with built-in electrodes. Using direct current stimulation (DCS) to the frontal cortex, electricity was used to reroute brain circuits. Most people say they do not feel it. Concurrently, patients engaged in brain circuit redirection exercises, using programs that mimic video games. The electrical stimulation was intended to boost the brain's capacity for change and strengthen the cognitive domains that support abstinence. The ultimate goal is for home use when temptations arise. There are risks if electrodes are not in alignment, therefore more studies are needed. In theory, it sounds nice but how does this involve God? Healthy behavioral modification includes growing in virtue. While every case is different, positive coping mechanisms such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving are straighter paths to God and His grace. Caution is advised when trusting man to rewire the perfectly designed brains, gifted to us by our heavenly Father.

Conclusion. In His brilliance, God designed human nerve cells to communicate across chemical pathways. So far, scientists have discovered >100 neurotransmitters and their receptor sites. If God made us for a special purpose--His plan involves loving Him and neighbor more than self. Therein lies our mandate: dying to self. However, extreme manipulation of brain chemicals thwarts God's plans. If you or a loved one shows behavioral addiction symptoms, seek the sacraments and spiritual resources. Ask God for temperance, humility, chastity, thrift and motivation. Seek discernment--are behaviors used to numb a repressed wound? Pay attention to suffering: acknowledge it, define it, own it and use it. If we can face it, God can fix it. Impatient? -- the last thing to grow on a fruit tree, is the fruit.

In the true story, Chariots of Fire, several college friends are selected to represent the United Kingdom in Track and Field events at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Despite intense pressure from the monarchy and British Olympic committee, Eric Liddell attends, but refuses his event because his religious beliefs prohibit running on the Lord's day of rest. A compromise is made thanks to his teammate who, after having already medaled, offers Eric his 400-meter slot for the following Thursday. Eric--a sprinter--gratefully accepts. Meanwhile, the American coach laughingly dismisses Eric, saying the sprinter cannot persevere in a far longer race. Later, one American runner secretly hands Eric a note of support that quotes 1 Samuel 2:30. Spoiler alert: Eric wins the gold, breaks the world-record and makes global headlines because he elevated God above king and national pride. That weekend, Eric delivers a church sermon in Paris and quotes Isaiah 40:31. "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount with wings as eagles: they shall run and never be weary."

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