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Dopamine affects speech Hello stutterers. I want to share my simplified take on why this happens, in most cases. Disclaimer: It's my personal theory and won't align with mainstream ideas. I'll be focused on the neurotransmitter *Dopamine*. Source 1: [https://greatspeech.com/services/parkinsons-disease/](https://greatspeech.com/services/parkinsons-disease/) > As dopamine levels decrease, communication between brain cells becomes more difficult resulting in variable movement and cognitive deficits. Speech, language, cognition, and swallowing are all affected by the lowered dopamine level. Speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing signs of Parkinson’s Disease include: - Soft speech (quiet voice) - Monotone voice - Reduced facial movements - Memory deficits - Difficulty swallowing - Excessive salivation Take Parkinsons out of this conversation and let's focus on the foundation of Dopamine for now. You may Google "what neurotransmitters affect speech" to dive into deeper ideas afterward. Here's what I'm saying so far. The stuttering community has been focused on mechanical issues on the outer edge of the anatomical system, but has failed to trace a common root cause. That's why there's been so many "attempted treatments" and varied results. I'm asserting, my theory, that the root cause is Dopamine abuse, leading to Dopamine resistance and near-zero Dopamine in the nervous system. And this makes sense most statistically and anecdotally. Statistically, I won't need to back this up with percentages. It's common knowledge that nearly all people depend on one or multiple of: nicotine, sugar, short-form videos, explicit content, alcohol, etc pleasures. In other words, everyone is abusing dopamine to some level. Vapers and foodies repeat consumption every few minutes to hours, every day in perpetuity. When you consume multiple forms of Dopamine, the brain will prefer the habit that yields the highest quantity. So vaping will allow you to fast (not eat) for days because the brain doesn't care how you get the Dopamine, it just wants a lot of it. As tolerence builds, the brain also shuts down Dopamine receptors and internal production of it. You naturally start to produce no Dopamine yourself, and hand over the keys to external sources. This idea applies to insulin, androgens, and neurotransmitters. Once an external source is established, the body stops making said chemical. Low Dopamine feels like: First, you'll feel withdrawals, obviously. It's an addiction. If the withdrawal can't convince you to re-consume that external product, you'll sit around with Low Dopamine levels. Feeling sad, foggy, and unmotivated. The brain is scrambling to figure out how to get the next highest yielding dose. It takes months to trigger the brain to start internal production again. --- So if Dopamine controls the motor mechanics of speech, what happens when you no longer produce Dopamine? - Low energy - No radiance / enthusiasm for life - Anhedonia, lack of pleasure or meaning without your preferred substance You know the words you want to say, but the muscles won't match up with the intent. This is Dysarthria and Aphasia. Source 2: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria/ Source 3: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia/ Although there are many paths to damaged nerves, such as falling down or genetic defects -- in this context, we're focusing on Neurotransmitters. Example: Have you ever tried "mewing"? Notice how when not consuming Dopamine, your tongue pressure is harder and stronger toward the roof of the mouth. This muscle tension means you're "charged up" and ready to speak. Vapers or soda drinkers would notice a significant drop in "energy" or "motivation" to hold muscular tension. So before going on to the classical ways of thinking about this topic and scrolling Google for other theories. Sit back and reflect: *Are you like the rest of us humans, running around puffing and sipping on pleasurable products?* If you think that could be the case, go on to read about [how Dopamine affects speech](https://www.google.com/search?q=dopamine+affects+speech&newwindow=1&sca_esv=ed9d5bce5adbada5&sxsrf=ACQVn09fi3uAZvwY6q60fbguXoKgbuJr1w%3A1707612702760&ei=HhrIZab9Lf2s0PEPk6y_2AY&ved=0ahUKEwimhL-EiaKEAxV9FjQIHRPWD2sQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=dopamine+affects+speech&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiF2RvcGFtaW5lIGFmZmVjdHMgc3BlZWNoMgYQABgWGB4yCxAAGIAEGIoFGIYDMgsQABiABBiKBRiGAzILEAAYgAQYigUYhgMyCxAAGIAEGIoFGIYDMgsQABiABBiKBRiGA0jG4l1Qzq5dWOrgXXAFeAGQAQGYAf4EoAGYRaoBCjItNS4xNS4yLjO4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgIKECEYChigARjDBMICBBAjGCfCAgoQIxiABBiKBRgnwgILEAAYgAQYigUYkQLCAgoQABiABBiKBRhDwgIFEAAYgATCAgsQLhiABBjHARjRA8ICCxAuGMcBGNEDGIAEwgIFEC4YgATCAgoQLhiABBiKBRhDwgIKEAAYgAQYFBiHAsICBxAAGIAEGArCAggQABgWGB4YCsICCBAAGBYYHhgP4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGAw&sclient=gws-wiz-serp). > Dopamine's effects are widespread and include modulation of a number of voluntary and innate behaviors. Vigilant regulation and modulation of dopamine levels throughout the brain is imperative for proper execution of motor behaviors, in particular speech and other types of vocalizations. Hope this helps. Disclaimer: I am not suggesting or promoting any treatments or cures. Simply discoursing my own theoretical ideas with references to sources that inspired my way of thinking.