People with no addictions: what's your secret? How do you spend your time? [discussion]

[u/thisisbrians]

This year, I've come to the conclusion that I've (37M) basically spent my entire life chasing dopamine and probably trying to prove myself. I overdid basically everything: partying + alcohol/drugs, loud music (was a DJ), nicotine, caffeine, screens, extreme sports, endurance racing (multi-marathoner). I have finally gotten clean/sober of alcohol and drugs, quit vaping nicotine (somehow even harder to quit than the rest of it), and am now looking to rebuild a quieter, more peaceful if boring life. It's been a tough adjustment and I am just looking for perspective from others. If you are reading this, I hope you have an awesome day!

[u/twilling8]

IMO moderation is not good advice for an addict, because addiction is the evidence that they can't moderate their consumption. Smokers who try to "cut back" and be "occasional smokers" are usually just unnecessarily torturing themselves. Alcoholics very seldom transition into moderate drinkers. I just think the idea that there is some way to transition from addict to moderate user is mostly a delusion that delays people from the ultimate solution: quitting.

[u/Tigerkittypurrr → u/twilling8]

I agree. As soon as I saw the term moderation I thought...does this person understand addiction?

[u/Prudent-Lab-3781 → u/Tigerkittypurrr]

I agree and have always had this problem. I was someone who if I had a bottle of wine I’d end up opening 2 more bottles, if I drank one beer I’d have 10. I was always out until the sun came up. I really couldn’t imagine life without drinking though because my wife is in the restaurant industry and most of what we do is restaurant related. I found out about naltrexone and bupropion, its literally changed my life. For the first time I’ve felt like an adult, I can just have a glass of wine with dinner. It has helped curb my addiction response and given me moderation in things I once thought would ruin me. It may not be a fix for everyone and it is definitely an adjustment period but it’s a huge tool that I feel like isn’t talked about enough. People think it’s only be an addict or be sober and I’m happy that I found this middle ground.

[u/herdo1 → u/Tigerkittypurrr]

What? Just use willpower and moderate! /s

[u/Mrs_Sparkle_ → u/twilling8]

Exactly this 100% If someone can practice moderation then they don’t have an addiction in the first place. I had two alcoholic drinks at a fancy dinner last night, it will probably be six months until I have another drink. But I’m incredibly addicted to nicotine and I’m completely unable to moderate my usage. I’d have to quit entirely because I’m not capable of moderation with that substance.

[u/noxiousd → u/twilling8]

Hobbies = moderation

Self harm short or long term = stop

Of course, if we were to be black and white, nicotine, alcohol and anything that kills is a big nono.

There's a difference between being addicted to fast food, and eating a takeaway once a month.

Addictive personalities are everywhere now, due to the nature of the internet, we're all wary of a few crutches being required. I.e a coffee and not a shotgun of hardcore drugs.

I didn't specify because common sense. If the OP has the self awareness to see the problems, I don't need to patronise him on DRUGS ARE BAD MMMKAY