How long before my dopamine levels get back to normal?

[randomuser32]

I recently quit a 6-yr hard addiction that I've had since 13. I'm wondering when I can expect to see normal hormonal levels again. Also I'm wondering about the possibility of neurotoxicity/brain damage from being addicted so long and while I was still developing. Thanks.

[randomuser32]

I appreciate the quick response. In my case the drug of choice was sex addiction. It's caused so many problems in my life, such as over-exhaustion and severe cognitive impairment (which is typical of all addictions to varying extents) because of in this particular scenario, excessive oxytocin release (an oxygen-depleting hormone) which as you know, causes vasodilation to the brain. It's essentially an overdose then. However, with regular and more frequent exercise and daily vitamin as well as fatty acid supplementation, I'm expecting a full recovery considering my age (mental peak is ~22) as well as the aforementioned life changes I've made and am in the process of making. I know it's not too late, I just don't know when fully recovery is expected given these extraneous circumstances. Thoughts now that you have a bit more information?

[GA Guy]

Lots of it depend on the substance you were using. Opiates can be very forgiving after you quit. They say that it takes 6 months to 2 years to get fully back to 100 percent....but, things get much better quickly..and the last 10 percent or some comes slowly over months. Benzos can take even longer. Hallucinogenic drugs like Extacy  and PCP can cause damage that will never heal. And, the oxygen depriving effect from overdosing on any drug can cause neurological damage that will never heal.