Replying to Avatar ʟɪғᴇᴄʜᴀɪɴ

If addiction is the progressive narrowing of what brings one pleasure, then how does one progressively expand what brings them pleasure and achieve greater happiness?

Pleasure Expansion Protocol

- Deliberately introduce novel stimuli into your brain by engaging in activities you've never tried before.

- Make small changes to your daily routine. Listen to new music. Travel a different route.

- Patiently and persistently re-engage with activities you found pleasurable in the past.

- Pay attention to the present moment without judgment (mindfulness).

- Savor every moment of positivity. Acknowledge the feeling and allow yourself to fully experience it without distraction.

Mechanism: Consistent application of this protocol leverages neuroplasticity, making your brain more responsive to a wider range of positive stimuli over time.
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武頼庵 Brian, a neuroplastician 4mo ago

I think it was Dr. Gabor Maté who said (paraphrasing) "The opposite of addiction is connection," and I had never heard it framed that way, but I do like it. It's thought-provoking.

And you're suggestions related to neuroplasticity are excellent!

Thanks for sharing!

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ʟɪғᴇᴄʜᴀɪɴ 4mo ago

You're welcome ! I'm glad you found this valuable.

And yes, that framing is spot on. Addiction often stems from an inability to connect with others in meaningful ways. If you can't bond because you're traumatized, isolated, or beaten down by life, then you'll bond with anything that will give you some sense of relief.

Cultivating human connection is also a key factor in overcoming addiction, then, because it introduces novelty and positive interactions with others to be savored.