So, you're a dopamine junkie?

Georgian9500 · 2018-01-08T06:40:30+00:00

Totally agree, also don't go cold turkey on all (let's say you smoke, drink, spend too much time on social media etc.), take it one at a time.

Replace one of those bad habits with one good habit(meditation, gym, eating more healthy etc.) and keep it as long as you can.

It can take up to 6 months to lose/form a bad/good habit.

BurnoutRS · 2018-01-08T07:10:49+00:00

Instant vs delayed gratification

Unfortunately we are exposed to the former long before we can ever truly appreciate the latter. As the ease of access grows more people find themselves caught up in it. Its not necessarily bad so long as you become aware of it and take steps to break free from it.

Controversial as it may be, a lot of what helped me to learn the value of delayed gratification, goal setting, patience and hard work... Was doing drugs. Not so much just going and buying some pot, but when i really became interested in growing my own, making it the best of the best, something changed. From start to finish a grow can take 4-6 months, and then you have to dry and cure the buds for another month at the very least if you want a decent smoke.

Do you know how many times i found myself quick drying buds, smoking awful, harsh tasting bowls and hating myself when the time finally came that my stuff was properly cured and i had quick dried half or more of it. So much waste.

The point is, become aware of how you are robbing yourself of lifes greater pleasures. Whether its connoisseur quality cannabis, a ripped, muscular body, godlike skill on the guitar, all the best things in life take time and effort. Dont even get me started on how much you will learn to appreciate and be greatful for all the good things you'll have coming into your life. Do you know what its like to drink a 3 year old bottle of homemade wine? I have some bottles approaching 4 years in age right now. I cant even fucking remember who I was when I started those batches but goddamn when i crack a bottle it is never lost on me how much of my time, energy, dreams and creativity went into crafting what im about to drink.

NibblyPig · 2018-01-08T10:35:15+00:00

"Have poor self control? Have good self control instead!"

What a terrible post.

AussiecuntTRP · 2018-01-08T10:04:24+00:00

This used to be me. Would stay in my room all day playing video games and jerking off. I knew what I was doing was a waste of my life and wouldn't amount to any sort of sustained happiness. Many times I tried to break the cycle. I'd tell myself I would do my homework. I'd tell myself I'd stop playing video games and watching porn. It would work, for a while. But after two weeks or so of commitment I found myself falling down the same dark whole.

I ended up dropping out of high school. Not because I was dumb but because I didn't do the work. I couldn't do the work. The last couple years the same shit. I enrolled in a couple courses but ultimately failed them because I didn't do the work.

Over a month ago, at age 19, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Not the hyperactive (I was never hyper as a child) version but the inattentive version. The symptoms for it fit me perfectly. I lose things, I get bored of most things after just a few minutes, I can't focus on one task at a time. The list goes on.

There's evidence to suggest that people with ADHD have affected dopamine receptors. Something to do with needing constant dopamine hits just to stay interested. I think this is why I was so addicted to video games. They gave me constant gratification. When you level up or unlock an item you get an instant hit. Long term projects at school were incredibly dull in comparison.

Thankfully, I can say that this is no longer me. Once and for all.

I've been on medication since I was diagnosed and can feel an immense difference. I can set my tasks out for the day and get them all done. I can sustain my attention on one task until completion. I'm happier and feel more confident. I know I can achieve all the goals I set out years ago that I nearly abandoned. And funnily enough I haven't touched a game for well over 3 weeks.

What I'm trying to say is if you are like me it's possible that you have ADHD. Obviously not everyone who is addicted to video games or who hates school work has ADHD. That goes without saying. If you find yourself in a place like I was where you struggle to get anything done and lose so much because of it then check out the symptoms. See a psychologist. Medication was the only way I could get out of the rut that I was in. It could help you too.

Palikan27 · 2018-01-08T07:31:12+00:00

I am struggling to quit smoking right now, it heavily effect my weight and body than anybody i know. I used it to cope with stress. Actually, every time i paused to smoke, i feel good because my body response quikly as i go gym often. But after i feel little bit good, than i fall for cigaratte. And this circle goes on, i did not get proggres for mounths. Last time a girl i dated with caused it, she is a smoker but this time, i quit for real.

jonotol · 2018-01-08T10:11:47+00:00

If anyone was interested in further exploring this topic, a book that helped illuminate the process of deconstructing and eventually replacing these types of behaviours was "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg.

JcHgvr · 2018-01-08T09:22:14+00:00

I'm more of a adrenaline person myself. And I'm not going to give up my bad habits that release it in favour of meditation. Life without adrenaline has no flavour.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!

BlueWaveGod · 2018-01-08T09:51:14+00:00

Neurochemistry is far from simple, so you should refrain from picturing dopamine as a "pleasure neurotransmitter".

I get what you are trying to say, and I totally agree with it, but don't oversimplify things.

Run_Che · 2018-01-08T12:53:10+00:00

Isn't dopamine for short term instant happiness, and serotonin for long-term well-being happiness?

adam_varg · 2018-01-08T12:21:46+00:00

Why do you post half assed stub of post on topic that was covered multiples times far more thoroughly?

Never heard of search function?

Title	So, you're a dopamine junkie?
Author	[deleted]
Upvotes	120
Comments	54
Date	January 8, 2018 6:13 AM UTC (8 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/TheRedPill
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/TheRedPill/comments/7owmdo/so_youre_a_dopamine_junkie/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/TheRedPill/so-youre-a-dopamine-junkie.48205 https://theredarchive.com/post/48205

Comments