r/addiction • u/rizakussinz • 1d ago
Motivation Bouncing around dopamine hits
Hey guys I’m a recovering addict, went to rehab for drugs. Alcohol has never been an issue but I seem to be picking up gambling habits that set me even further back.
I’m a lot better than before but I am definitely going down the dark part of life again.
The closest ahhh feeling is whenever I get a sale at work.
Any tips for motivation, not a big fan of NA/AA, haven’t tried smart recovery though… thoughts around this?
2
Upvotes
1
u/healthpusher 1d ago
Hey bro I am actually deep into a book about dopamine right now so your post felt very familiar. From what I get about addiction you basically stretch your dopamine system so far that it takes a bigger spike for you to feel the same rush. That is why a sale at work feels like such a big high. I had the same thing when I worked cold calls and would get that buzz every time someone said yes. For me little things like sugar coffee and sex also gave a hit but of course it is different for everyone. I think the key is noticing what actually gives you that feeling without dragging you back into the dark spiral. If you want more ideas you could ask in r/statesofmind. I remember seeing a neuroscientist there answering questions and it felt really eye opening so you might get something useful for your situation too.