Quit porn: the sensitivity reset

The nervous system seeks a chemical discharge at its habitual stimulation hour. The dopaminergic neurons go into an alarm state.

The calming endorphins and bonding oxytocin released during orgasm bottom out. A temporary feeling of loneliness and emptiness is triggered.

The dopamine and opioid receptors raise the stimulation threshold by wanting more after the last release. Acute crisis waves begin.

The prolactin that rises after orgasm and the temporary satiety recede over time. The day-long effect of these hormones varies from person to person; the exact hourly resolution isn't clear.

The dopamine flow in the nucleus accumbens drops to a minimum. Extreme fatigue, anhedonia (numbness), and loss of motivation begin.

Because the brain can't get artificial visual stimuli, it triggers the default mode network (DMN). The tendency to fantasize and recall old images in the mind peaks.

The sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. The body physically seeks a space to discharge its energy, and muscle tension similar to restless leg syndrome begins.

With the loss of the act's pre-sleep artificial sedative effect, the brain stays awake. The time to fall asleep lengthens.

Because of the lack of neural stimulation, cortisol release from the adrenal glands increases. Easy irritability, intolerance, and tension occur.

Because of the prefrontal cortex's lack of stimulation, attention span shortens, and distraction occurs in reading and writing tasks.

With luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation, the body begins to ramp up its testosterone synthesis cycle.

Because of the desensitization of the dopamine receptors, an inability to enjoy anything and a temporary melancholy occur.

Because of the lack of dopamine and serotonin, avoiding eye contact and social anxiety symptoms temporarily increase.

The physical withdrawal wave of the first 3 days comes down from its peak. The power of automatic urges begins to weaken.

The androgen (testosterone) receptors on the cell membranes, freed from over-saturation, begin the process of growing sensitive.

As the temporary pressure of frequent stimulation on the reward system decreases, mental clarity begins to increase. The process varies from person to person.

The receptors that testosterone binds to (androgen receptors) become more sensitive. An increase in muscle strength and physical energy is felt.

The spermatogenesis (sperm production) process in the testes speeds up. The body is directed toward preserving reproductive energy.

A small study reported a temporary rise in free testosterone after about a week of abstinence; but this is a single observation, the level returns to baseline shortly, and it doesn't mean a permanent "peak."

After the testosterone peak, the brain may pull the sexual drive (libido) down to zero to reset the reward pathways. This is a temporary recovery phase.

The dopamine receptors grow sensitive because of the absence of stimulation. Objects and conversations in real life look more meaningful.

The synaptic connections between the reasoning-center frontal-lobe neurons strengthen. The capacity to control sexual urges increases.

As excessive artificial stimulation decreases, the noticing of natural erections during REM sleep increases in most people. The timing varies greatly from person to person; it's not possible to give an exact day.

With neuro-inflammation and guilt decreasing, the brain begins not to shy away from making eye contact in social conversations.

The brain fog lifts. Word-recall speed, logical problem-solving, and reading comprehension capacity rise.

After the fluctuations of the first weeks, testosterone stabilizes at a healthy baseline level.

With the DHT (dihydrotestosterone) fluctuations stopping, the oiliness in the skin balances, and under-eye bags ease.

Thanks to the sensitivity of the androgen receptors, post-workout muscle repair and protein synthesis speed up.

The brain lowers its over-arousal threshold. Listening to music, walking, or finishing a task feels much more enjoyable.

The non-repetition of the old stimulation routine weakens the impulsive habit loop. The habit fades, but the urge may return now and then in the face of triggers.