Many people—especially the youth—find themselves trapped in harmful habits, such as constantly watching immoral or explicit content. What may begin as curiosity can quickly turn into an addiction. But what causes this? And how can we break free?
The answer starts with understanding a powerful chemical in the brain: dopamine.
🔬 What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a chemical in your brain, often called the “feel-good” hormone or “reward chemical.” It’s released whenever you do something that feels rewarding—like eating tasty food, getting likes on social media, or watching exciting content. This makes you feel good, and your brain says, “That felt good—let’s do it again!”
This is how habits and even addictions form. But there’s a catch: the brain starts to chase what gives it the highest dopamine spike, even if it’s harmful. Watching immoral content gives a massive surge of dopamine, tricking the brain into thinking it’s something good. Over time, the brain builds tolerance and needs more of it to feel the same pleasure, leading to compulsive, addictive behaviour.
How Does Dopamine Affects Our Lives:
Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the high dopamine levels and craves more. This means:
- Normal things (like prayer, real relationships, halal entertainment) feel boring or less rewarding.
- The person also keeps returning to immoral content for that same “rush.”
- Eventually, it numbs emotions, damages motivation, and causes shame, emptiness, or spiritual distance. It can even lead to depression or anxiety.
Can the Brain Heal?
Yes. The brain has incredible plasticity, which means it can heal and reset itself. By stopping unhealthy habits and focusing on natural, halal rewards—like prayer, sincere dua, exercise, family bonding, and Quran recitation—the dopamine system can gradually return to its natural state.
5 Practical Steps to Break Free:
- Tawbah (repentance) – Repentance is more than just saying “Astaghfirullāh.” It’s a sincere return to Allah, with genuine regret for the sin and the intention never to repeat it. Make it a habit to do daily istighfār, even when you’re not in a sinful moment. Remember, Allah’s mercy is always greater than your sins.
- Block the triggers – Don’t leave the door open to temptation. Use filters, uninstall apps, or remove access to harmful content. Take control of your environment, as technology can either serve your soul or destroy it.
- Stay busy – Fill your day with purposeful activities: study, exercise, worship, and halal hobbies. Build a structured routine where you always know, “What’s next?” The busier your life is with goodness, the less room sin has to grow.
- Fast regularly – The Prophet (s) recommended fasting for those struggling with desires. Fasting disciplines the soul, strengthens willpower, and increases taqwā. Use fasting days to cut down on screen time, increase Qurān recitation, and reflect. Fasting makes you spiritually alert and less likely to give in to temptation.
- Make dua – When everything else feels weak, dua is always powerful. Never underestimate the strength of turning to Allah with tears and sincerity. Say often: “O Allah, purify my heart and protect my gaze.”
Remember: Addiction is not a sign of weakness; it’s a call to return to strength through Allah. No matter how many times you fall, never give up.
“Indeed, Allah loves those who often return (to Him) and loves those who purify (themselves).” (Sūrah al-Baqarah 2:222)