I'm probably just being stupid and not looking in the right places, but could someone give me some links to more information about the chaser effect and how to handle it? Is there any from the perspective of how the SO can help the addict handle the chaser effect?
Cuddle Nights (with no sex!!!) Helps reset vasopressin levels. (the bonding hormone) Once a week. We stay in and do movie night. Alternativing "who picks" No veto
Although I do know, others have said it passes with time. www.yourbrainonporn.com/what-chaser Here's a link to the site cuz my other comments posted while I changed tabs. Hope this helps
It’s all about being conscious of the chaser effect and being aware that it may happen to you after having sex with your partner. I don’t think it is any different than other urges to use P. Your brain just wants more novelty and it’s dopamine hit. I was terrified of it happening and causing a relapse, as I typically had the chaser effect while PA and would indulge it. Luckily it didn’t affect me, so you may hopefully find that being aware of it and the potential urge to use P after having sex, can give you strength and willpower to over come it. @Kenzi I thought oxytocin is what is released when couple cuddle or have skin to skin contact. Vasopressin is the hormone released when a competitive mate is around and suppresses seeking a new novel mate in monogamous partners to suppress dopamine release or effects. I was so desensitized/tolerant to dopamine during my initial recovery that oxytocin presented a greater reward than orgasm and its subsequent dopamine hit.
Oxytocin is happy when combined with serotonin. Vasopressin is the long term Bonding, faithful hormone. I'll link stuff, if that is helpful for everyone?
Oxytocin The love hormones https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/oxytocin Serotonin The happiness hormones https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248 Vasopressin The attachment hormone http://www.youramazingbrain.org/lovesex/sciencelove.htm So when you want to actually stay with your partner long term and monogamy style , you need vasopressin to bond the oxytocin to the dopamine and serotonin to fall and stay in love. Science.
@Kenzi thanks for the links and feedback. I’ll peruse and educate myself some more. I really only read through the stuff on yourbrainonporn so it may have barely touched on the O and V hormones while focusing entirely on Dopamine affects.
They ARE the dopamine experts... That's true. I like to know all the chemicals that effect the brain though. Helps a little bit in my opinion
