Study: Listening to music triggers dopamine release

By Staff Writer

Many problem teens experiment with drugs because of the physical sensation, or body high, that certain substances create. A lot of these drugs produce high levels of dopamine in the human brain, which may cause short-term feelings of euphoria.

However, the effects of these artificial substances eventually wear off and can result in drastically low levels of the chemical in the brain. LiveStrong.com reports that low levels of dopamine are associated with a variety of problems, such as severe depression, mobility issues and weight gain.

There are healthier ways to trigger healthy levels of dopamine activity in the brain. For example, a new study from The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital reveals that listening to music can induce dopamine release. The results, which are published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, explain why music - which seemingly has no value to human survival - is such a significant part of society.

Researchers used PET and fMRI brain imaging to examine the human response to listening to music. They found that the anticipation of listening to certain compositions - and the act itself - produced an emotional arousal, commonly known as "chills." The dopamine release was far greater when individuals listen to music that they consider pleasurable, as opposed to songs of which they had a neutral opinion.