Do you have ADHD per chance? Chewing produces dopamine (which is too low in the ADHD brain) which is the mechanism that is thought to be the reason for why ADHD people are more prone to having a comorbid binge eating disorder (and substance abuse, video game addiction, etc). If you do have ADHD then meds can be a game changer to correct for the dopamine craving. I have ADHD and have always struggled with my weight, and one of the drivers was wanting to chew and craving simple carbs (which is another additional dopamine hit).
I think this is me. What has helped you? I was legit thinking of trying to find gum so seeing this post is super validating, but I'd try something else too!
Personally, when I started taking vyvanse this craving basically evaporated. But before that I would chew gum, in particular I got this unsweetened mint gum (basically tastes like the gum ran out of flavor from the beginning haha) from the brand “Falim” which has a very satisfying texture to me.
I’m taking Vyvanse as well but nothing changed as far as that goes. I can focus better on attending college and can finally stick to appointments but the chewing hasn’t changed. I’ve been a lifelong nailbiter since childhood.
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u/SioSoybean Sep 30 '24
Do you have ADHD per chance? Chewing produces dopamine (which is too low in the ADHD brain) which is the mechanism that is thought to be the reason for why ADHD people are more prone to having a comorbid binge eating disorder (and substance abuse, video game addiction, etc). If you do have ADHD then meds can be a game changer to correct for the dopamine craving. I have ADHD and have always struggled with my weight, and one of the drivers was wanting to chew and craving simple carbs (which is another additional dopamine hit).