Chapter 1: The Quest for Pleasure Without Harm

In our pursuit of happiness, many individuals find themselves chasing the next burst of dopamine, often through alcohol or drugs. This relentless search for that fleeting high can lead to negative consequences for both body and mind.

"Dopamine is frequently referred to as the feel-good chemical, but perpetually seeking such hormonal highs is an unsustainable route to true happiness." - Matthew Burgos

Recently, I tuned into an enlightening episode of the podcast "Armchair Expert" hosted by Dax Shepherd. If you haven't had the chance to listen, I highly recommend it. Dax, who is also in recovery, candidly shares his experiences, including a public relapse, which adds a layer of honesty to the conversation.

In one episode, I was particularly intrigued by Anna Lembke, the author of "Dopamine Nation." Although I have yet to read her book, the discussion piqued my curiosity about the complexities of addiction.

Anna initially discusses her own struggle with an addiction to erotica, which eventually spiraled into other dependencies. Throughout the interview, she makes connections between various addictive behaviors and their neurological impacts. When we derive pleasure from an activity, our brain craves more, triggering the reward center and releasing dopamine.

This cycle continues as individuals seek that dopamine rush, often developing a tolerance that necessitates increased consumption. Whether it's social media, alcohol, or drugs, they all activate similar brain regions. It's common to observe people engrossed in their phones, indulging in excessive drinking, or overeating.

When embarking on the journey of sobriety, both mind and body require time to heal. However, how can one experience joy without these substances? Anna proposes a 30-day break from your substance of choice. This timeframe is typically sufficient for the brain's dopamine levels to stabilize.

While the initial phase of abstaining can be challenging—often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety—the benefits of reaching the 30-day mark can be significant. Many individuals report a reduction in anxiety and depression, along with improved sleep.

It's often difficult to recognize our addiction while we’re in the midst of it. A temporary hiatus can provide clarity, allowing us to discern the extent of our dependency. During this period, many begin to feel a return to normalcy as their bodies work towards achieving homeostasis.

Reflecting on my own experience, I vividly remember the sensation of my mind awakening after stepping back from substances. If you find yourself needing a break, I encourage you to try abstaining for 30 days. The insights gained from the podcast and understanding addiction can be invaluable.

Learning about addiction has allowed me to shed feelings of shame and gain clarity regarding my own struggles. No one desires to be trapped in addiction; we all yearn for liberation. Seeking pleasure and that next dopamine surge is a natural human instinct, but our brains can be hijacked by these substances, leaving us unable to find joy in other aspects of life.

This is why a break is crucial. It enables us to realize that our substance of choice no longer serves our well-being. Ideally, this experience will help cultivate a love for sobriety, freeing us from the grips of addiction.

So, how can we derive pleasure from life without resorting to alcohol or drugs? The first step is taking that necessary break. In my personal journey, I found that a 90-day period was essential for me to regain my mental and physical self.

Achieving homeostasis is a remarkable feeling, especially for those who have battled addiction for an extended time. Integrating activities that promote genuine pleasure into daily life has been vital for my recovery. While I may never replicate the euphoric highs of drugs or alcohol, I now experience a deeper, more meaningful form of joy.

Exercise plays a critical role in my well-being, as it releases endorphins that contribute to a sense of pleasure. Instead of pursuing dopamine hits through harmful substances, we can explore healthier alternatives like exercise, laughter, social connections, and engaging hobbies.

While pain is an inevitable part of life, there are numerous ways to cope with it that do not involve substance use. I look forward to reading "Dopamine Nation" after finishing my current book, and I plan to share my thoughts once I do. If you’ve read it or intend to, let me know in the comments!

If you enjoyed my insights, consider subscribing to Medium for more articles and stories like mine.

Thank you for your time!

Much love, Michele

Chapter 2: Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Health

The first video titled "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health" explores the extensive effects alcohol can have on overall well-being, highlighting both short and long-term consequences.

Chapter 3: The Aftermath of Addiction: Anhedonia Explained

The second video "Anhedonia After Addiction | The Inability To Feel Pleasure After Getting Sober" delves into the challenges faced after overcoming addiction, particularly focusing on the struggle to feel pleasure in everyday life.