Anhedonia After Addiction | The Inability To Feel Pleasure After Getting Sober

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Overcome it, avoid relapse, and regain your happiness. Anhedonia, or the inability to experience pleasure, will occur in the early stages of recovery from drug addiction / alcoholism. In this video, addiction counselor Rob Mo goes over all the information you need to not only understand anhedonia, but also to survive it.
Due to drugs and alcohol causing such high amounts of dopamine to be released in the brain, when the consumption stops, dopamine production also stops, putting a person into anhedonia. Once anhedonia starts taking place, a person may not feel the same pleasure they once felt in life. However, this will pass! And, there are means to help make this early phase of recovery pass by faster than average, getting someone back to a normal state of homeostasis (balanced brain chemistry). Understanding anhedonia is the first step to overcoming. Although anhedonia becomes less severe over time, it is a common predecessor of relapse. Knowing that this stage will pass is immensely valuable for getting passed it confidently and sober. For more information on overcoming addiction, visit treehouserecovery.com or give our main number a call and schedule a talk with Rob Mo at [phone].
#anhedonia #addiction #PAWS

[@BabyBenz96]

Earlier this year, I quit drinking for 2 months. I wasn't feeling the positive emotions people always talked about after quitting. I still felt numb and depressed. Part of the reason I started to drink again was because I became disheartened about it. I wish I knew it took longer, I would be beginning to feel the positive emotional aspects of it now if I had persevered. Time to start the journey once more. Please pray for me.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

We can help with that feeling. It's most likely PAWS. Give us a call anytime

[@letitgoc.7551]

I’m one month sober from alcohol and I feel so Dan depressed. I’m feeling all this stuff he’s talking about. I’m coloring, listening to music, going on walks, and I can’t feel good. You’re not alone

[@holdenc3082]

I’ve found that when I really hit the booze hard it triggers my anhedonia. I’m going to make an effort to cut back on the booze. I go days at a time without any booze, so it’s not like I’m a quivering mess just sitting around thinking about booze when I don’t drink. The hard part is replacing the time drinking and the enjoyment of sitting on my couch with a beer or at the bar with some other activity. That’s the hard thing when you enjoy booze, it just becomes a habit and something to do as much as anything else. Rainy day or really hot outside, let’s go to the bar and have a few drinks. Like I said, for me it becomes as much or more of a habit and something to do as it is about the booze itself.

[@jmj1852]

Hope you’re doing well. I pray in Jesus name. Amen ✝️

[@areuarealman7269]

I'm 10 years sober I'm not doing it anymore without a motorcycle by summer I'll be drunk and mean and probably in jail but I'm bored so f it .10 years maybe 1 year of pleasure from being sober it's stupid I feel like life is shit anyway mostly now so I'd rather be drunk high miserable than sober miserable.

[@step2058]

22 years old. 1 year sober from heroin, meth and crack in May. My bro went to jail for reckless manslaughter last year and I realized I couldn't live like this anymore. After 10 years of addiction in the streets of Birmingham I can finally feel happy again.

[@Sedonawhite]

I'm so happy for you 🤗 Keep it up! You are worth it! 🙏

[@step2058]

@@Sedonawhite

[@step2058]

update my brother was released from jail on April 17th and died on April 18th. RIP Dee I'll love you forever man and I miss you. Fly high.

[@Sedonawhite]

@@step2058 damn I'm sorry to hear that. 🙏🧚‍♀️

[@michaelwilliams7822]

Birmingham,Alabama?

[@MrCarcia96]

This whole comment section makes me feel like I’ve finally found my people.

[@taylorpriest1367]

We Are Not Alone.

[@sujudawadi7037]

Ya

[@thejollysloth5743]

Wassup everyone!

[@thomasjcox]

Love you dude

[@herosaddicts3108]

Realizing the "normalcy" is encouraging

[@melloyellogsxr]

Blah was the perfect description.. I feel lost have no joy in anything almost would rather go through the pain again then to feel utterly hopeless 😢

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

The most important thing to keep in mind right now is that this is going to pass. Anhedonia is temporary. You can do things to help speed up this process. Get active, even if it's light activity. Try your best to eat a lot of good nutrients as well. And most importantly, continue to work on you. Anytime you feel bad, think about what you can do naturally to feel better, and you'll start to change the reactive thought in your mind from dwelling on negatives, to focusing on what positive direction to go. This takes practice, and we are here to help guide you if you ever need anything. Feel free to reach out or call us anytime.

[@melloyellogsxr]

@@TreeHouseRecovery thank you for your response, I really do appreciate it and read it probably 5 times a day.. Tomorrow will be three weeks. I know its not a massive amount of time but when you're getting your hat handed to you every second of every day it's an eternity.. I'm glad I'm no longer "sick" but I have never felt so low. My emotions are a rollercoaster. I try your advice and when I get overwhelmed with the negative I take a moment and think of anything positive I had done during these 3 weeks.. I am so exhausted physically like I worked out in a field all day but have done nothing. I force myself to straighten up the house or even walk outside.. And here is my failure point I convince myself that this is how I will always feel unhappy, exhausted and so low that I would rather die on my "medicine" than to live life feeling this way.. Strange I can say that to a stranger but can put it into words for my loved one's.. Anyway your response meant the world to me I will keep your advice in mind.. Wish me luck.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

@@melloyellogsxr Wow, you are amazing, everything you said just sounds so on point with what this phase will do to someone. What you are doing most normal people can not do or handle, you know that right? You are so strong. I am so excited for how amazing you are going to feel when you finish this phase. Nothing is going to be able to affect you when you're done with this and you become an optimized you. We definitely wish you all the luck, but it sounds like you have the inner strength needed, and luck is just an added bonus at this point. Please stay in touch! Give us updates when you can, and any advice you want to share we would love to pass it along to our guys going through the same situation. Thank you for what you said, again, we are here with you through this journey!

[@melloyellogsxr]

@@TreeHouseRecovery yesterday marked one month.. Thank you for the encouraging words they could not have come at a more needed time.. Yesterday nothing was going right I had talked myself into giving up and was so close I even went to the ATM and withdrew cash.. I told myself give it one more day and if I still feel the same in the morning then go and that's when I seen your response and thought about how far I have come.. I never made it this far before. I gave my wife the cash I took out she was so happy that I didn't give up it made me feel good.. I have to admit it is getting better I find myself smiling more. This one guy on KZbin I watched swore exercise is the best to making yourself feel better faster so I try and keep myself busy doing anything. it was so hard at first but now has sorta become routine and now about to start looking for employment (I lost my job because of my addiction) I won't lie it still dominates my every waking thoughts but I feel like I might really have a grasp on it now.. I want to say again thank you for your words you really have no idea what they have done for me and how much I appreciate them :)

[@ao2761]

Tree House Recovery how long does it usually take?

[@reinab8168]

Don't give up on recovery. Life is harder in some ways, but is 100% worth it.

[@smfknj6010]

This is helping me so much with my recovery. I didn’t know there was an actual name to what I was experiencing. Thank you so much

[@sangeetalambh6389]

Smfknj how r u now

[@smfknj6010]

@@sangeetalambh6389 soo much better. Still clean. Took nearly a year for my brain to normalize

[@sangeetalambh6389]

@@smfknj6010 did u feel depersonalization in ur withdrawal please ans I m 186 days sober now

[@smfknj6010]

@@sangeetalambh6389 Very much so. I believe the reward centers (dopamine etc) in my brain were soo messed up that nothing I did seemed to bring me any enjoyment. All of my favorite activities just seemed so hollow and meaningless. I had a complete loss of identity because when nothing you do makes you happy you start to feel like maybe you’re just doing all the wrong things. I didn’t take into consideration my brain just needed to rewire basically. It really took about a year, but i feel normal now. Im inspired, motivated, happy. I feel like im myself now and it’s because the things I do are making me happy because my brain is finally letting them

[@sangeetalambh6389]

@@smfknj6010 I quit alc and nicoteen Dr pre benzo and SSRI for withdrawal itook them 50 days and quit after six month I again drink for few days and quit .dr pre me clonazepam 3 mg and qutipen 50 mg for sleep.after 15 days I quit both drugs because of side effects.now feel DP anhedonia gone first 90 days.how much more time to heal

[@Paul_Michael]

I'm a veteran, was actually addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.

[@Harris_jones]

Thanks for sharing your story. That's rough I sympathize. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health. I will pray for you all.

[@ErnestoHorner88]

Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Germany don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source 🙏

[@Caroljoyce-mp8sk]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, BPD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@DominikPavel-fk2wb]

Mushrooms are very medicinal. This is why anybody familiar with psilocybin and any other kind of fungi will tell you, "They are alive." They have a very ancient wisdom. To my experience, all mushrooms have always said, "Pay attention to your life. How you think, how you feel, and what will you do with the information that you always knew, but now are seeing in this point of view." This is why mushrooms are so respected in tribal cultures. This mental health treatment works for me too. Half micro doses do the trick for me. At least a few days at a time with lengthy time in between. Never addictive. Thank you for sharing this point!

[@GabrielLugard]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@joshbrady5458]

This would be better than 99 percent of videos with 1 million views

[@rosemendoza6894]

I quit 3 addictions last month. I didn't go to a treatment center or anything. I changed my perspective and read about what to expect while recovering. I always tell myself the come down is terrible and I will become depressed again if I use and the joy will be artificial. I finally got back into some former hobbies I never thought I would do again because using made me not care about anything anymore. Thank you for explaining this is a concise and helpful way.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Congratulations on your 1 month clean Rose.

[@sangeetalambh6389]

Rose how r u now

[@mariopuzo4509]

You quit 3 habits. I congratulate u... Dont find out what being mentally and PHYSICALLY dependent is like.

[@anthonyrez7000]

I'm guessing this was the first time you quit?

[@LASLAY13]

@ Rose Mendoza That is so awesome. Im happy to hear that.

[@Ikilledthebanks]

A wise old junky once told me “ you got to pay to play”, we wreck our brains and it takes a long time to recover.

[@larrytate1657]

Yeah. Luckily after 90 days we start feeling a lil better and remember how we felt after waking up sick when was using. A bit boring day clean your first few months or first year is still way better than that feeling.

[@fredericbeigbeder9119]

how long is long?? 5 days physical withdrawal, 14 days clear thoughts, 30 days starting to workout "normally" again.......but how long really to feel normal joy of life?? Taking full range of supplements (Amino Acids, Vitamins A-Z,) and eating plant based diet......nonetheless doubt when I will ever feel normal again......

[@mikieger6001]

@@fredericbeigbeder9119 What do you consider normal? Do you have an image of yourself as normal? My strategy is through 12 step work. Sometimes i feel okey. Sometimes it sucks. Its normal. Maybe not. 🙂

[@fredericbeigbeder9119]

@@mikieger6001 12 steps is you depend on a fucked-up image of God, it is Will-power. But yes I just learned that everyone is different....me personally would be still a drunk asshole if I only had 12 step, so be blessed

[@fredericbeigbeder9119]

@@mikieger6001 and I just achivied to be fully restored after 48 days, so my question is obsolete (the miracle cure for me was psychedelics and a diet of pure vegetables and fruits).......Nature is the blessing

[@Voldesnort666]

6.5 years from heroin. I wish I had this broken down for me like this when I was early on in recovery. Everyone early on, needs to hear this.

[@salti_killed_himself]

Best wishes my brother

[@MaDgAmersENT]

How are you feeling now

[@alicesadler5441]

Awesome 😂❤

[@justacutepieceofshit]

4 years for me and it’s still going strong:( it’s awrul

[@jaeparsons828]

I'm 11 years sober and this is me too man!! Atleast I'm in control of my life and crushing goals, just kind of a dull boring life though.

[@texastoast2961]

Hobbies, nutrition and abstinence will help re-wire the brain. Recovery is about building a new life and not looking back at your old life. Find a passion and be patient. If u pick up a drink or drug you will be right back where you were which is worse than the worst anhendonia you’re feeling rt now!

[@soultropics]

Thanks!

[@arasharfa]

i have debilitating anhedonia even after many years. i havent been able to engage in hobbies for so long. i can't work, i can't study. it's all a mess.

[@completely_worthless_being]

I think I prefer using to not feeling anything. I have been sober for two years and still feel nothing.

[@AJBuddha]

Except every human is different & all our brains are different & we have different habits so everybody experiences something different, not every case can just heal by themselves for me it is not possible it’s been 2 years but I used a lot of different drugs at once so I’m not surprised but there still is no solution to my problem except trying to focus on positivity & not focus on negativity but that requires me to isolate from the rest of the world n idk what the point is or if I’ll ever feel different cuz I’ve been feeling the same for a really long time n it was bad before that but it got way worse in the last 2 years & it’s not getting better no matter what I eat or do or manifest

[@ashleymacinnon9442]

@@arasharfa I know exactly how U feel it's 1008am and I am waking up exhausted 🥱

[@katharineanonymous6992]

Thank you I’m on day 50 and totally feeling inability to feel pleasure this video helped me to let go

[@evonne315]

You get this after toxic relationships too. Which are also addictions. I had it about 3 years after leaving my narc ex, but the realized I always had let toxic people in my life. So its been a long long detox.

[@jcbanbury]

​@@robinnobles5785❤

[@Xisk77]

​@PeterSsailing I don't know about that. Been hooked on both and some people I've been addicted to were worse for me than any drug. Drugs are no joke either... but yeah there's alot of similarity. This is why people stay in abusive relationships for so long. They're chasing the highs that those relationships bring, which also inevitably come with a crash. Often with devastating consequences.

[@Xisk77]

@PeterSsailing yeah, opiates and coke felt like coming home too. In a different way but, yeah... I'm both cases you're seeking warmth. From things which can destroy you. I do see what you're saying too, they ARE different vices. Just yeah, I see a lot of similarities. Both in myself and other people I've met along my journey.

[@robertfunk2571]

I love the way you break this down. I feel that if more newly sober folks knew about this, fewer people would relapse. This is great information.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

We agree, the more information you know about what's actually happening to your brain during addiction and addiction recovery, the greater your chances are for long term success and a healthy, happy life!

[@yoda747]

My anhedonia has come from a lot of long-term stress. I had nothing left, no feeling, no emotions, no motivations, no fear. I was a complete zombie, dead on the inside. I have had anhedonia for 2 years, what helped me is l-tyrosine. Now it's all coming back, just before I had anhedonia, so there is a cure.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

So happy to hear you have found a way to overcome anhedonia. Congratulations! Do you do anything in addition to the L-tyrosine? We would love to hear the recipe for your success :)

[@yoda747]

For the rest no additives, only L-tyrosine 2 capsules of 500 mg per day. After 4 to 5 days I already noticed a difference, everything came back gradually. Was motivated again, could cry again, my interests came back, all the feelings that a person has gradually returned. I was no longer a zombie a terrible time but because of that Anhedonia I couldn't grieve. You are no longer yourself, you are a stranger to your own body and mind. In your brain, there was no internal monologue, only silence. Looks like a security mechanism of your brain that was triggered by the stress in me. Everything comes to you through feelings and what you see and hear, your senses, but it was blocked. What you read a lot is that people with this condition Anhedonia came because of drug use but this was not the case with me. I also found someone where it was caused by a high dose of antibiotics. On youtube you can see more stories about people with Anhedonia who have gotten better by using L-tyrosine. Some say it's a dopamine agonist.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

@@yoda747 Wow thanks for sharing all of this. We are so happy you are thriving again. Yes, it definitely can come without ever even using a substance, and it is almost guaranteed to come if you are someone that is quitting an addiction. The reason I ask what else you do to help is because I want to recommend some additional, easy to do, ingredients for your recipe. For example, get active. This doesn't need to be intensive workouts, although that would be beneficial, but any movement helps kickstart your brain to becoming rebalanced. Simply walking more will promote the chemicals that can help further heal your brain. In addition to this, continue to harness relationships. This comes with many benefits. Your brain releases oxytocin when with friends and bonding, another chemical that helps the brain feel good. It's also very powerful to continue to be vocal about what you experience, and having a good friend that will talk it out with you is so helpful in moments that we feel down. Hope this helps. Any other advice or question feel free to give us a call anytime at [phone] Thanks again for this information!

[@BaiaBakhtadze]

You have no idea how much hope your comment gives me - I’ve had depression for a year but last 6 month it’s been numbness only. So it’s not drug addiction induced for me as well. I even experienced what they call “depression because of depression” but now I feel like a total stranger to myself. Whole world has changed - inner and outer. I was so passionate about so many things I just couldn’t care less now. I will def tell my doctor about L-tyrosine

[@yoda747]

​@@BaiaBakhtadze : That's why I'm reporting it here to give people hope that this condition doesn't have to be lifelong. I regularly walked with the thought of not wanting to live like this. I am not exaggerating but this is one of the worst conditions a person can get, that is from my experience but also what others say about Anhedonia. The point is that you can try to explain what it is but if you have not experienced what this condition is you can hardly have any idea what it is exactly. I had no more feelings, I also had that my taste was gone and there were more inexplicable physical complaints. You literally go through hell. What I also learned is that especially people who take anti-depression medication of the "ssri's" type get this condition. It seems that ssri medication maintains this condition of Anhedonia. But I am not a doctor, I just decided to try it myself because I had the idea of ​​not losing anything anymore. I already lost everything. I hope that you and the people reading this are encouraged not to give up, there is a way out of this hell.

[@donnawilson9537]

Exactly that rush and excitement from being chemically dependent is slowly disappearing. It totally plays with your mental and physical emotions. Everything is blah feeling. No excitement whatsoever. It takes along time to overcome this,but it can be accomplished eventually.

[@taylorfrye8778]

How long have you been experiencing it for?

[@robertobanda5217]

I went to a Mexican rehab and let me tell you that situation was the best thing that happened to me ..I was so focused on my situation I didn’t have time to worry about my withdrawals or paws..crazy cause when I detoxed at home it seemed like the worst thing in the planet…I kicked fent but felt minimal symptoms they literally took all my belongings and had me in a room with 100 different ppl detoxing most of which were mentally I’ll for the most part woke up at 6am and worked until 8 pm heavy labor and nothing but water and vegetables all day truly the best way to start recovery if you ask me..

[@Gigi_fromNY]

Wow where in Mexico??

[@grahaminator25]

I just found this and explains so much...I always described getting sober as "neutralizing" life as I don't feel the highs nor the lows just "blah". Thank you for the information. I've relapsed so many times but making another run at it now. Wish me luck all the best to everyone who is fighting their demons.

[@jzen1455]

thank you for mentioning anhedonia after quitting alcohol. This is an often overlooked aspect of recovery. if you’re experiencing anhedonia, fatigue, and other symptoms after quitting alcohol, all the strategies like setting goals and keeping busy are mostly moot. That is to not say we shouldn’t do those things, but if the underlying anhedonia isnt addressed, relapsing becomes is more inevitable.

[@OfficialSnyd]

I had anhedonia the worst from quitting meth but only for a week. But I had anhedonia the longest quitting benzos/alcohol just not as severe. It sucked everytime however.

[@partlysimpson5154]

I can't keep myself busy if no motivation to do anything

[@ricardosaucedo581]

​@partlysimpson5154 I found that going fishing is very therapeutic and a healthy pass time. Best of luck to you 👍 ❤ you got this

[@azimovaroxanne6083]

9 months have passed since I do not use drugs and only now I am becoming interested in something in this life. Thanks to your advice, I will naturally increase my dopamine levels and maybe someday I will be able to live the wonderful life that I had before.

[@andreamorato1529]

How are you now

[@lilbbillzz]

26 years old. 98 days alcohol free. I told a few people recently that this is the first time I’ve been mentally “clocked-in” in over a decade. It took 3 months sober for me to finally become present again. But I feel so blah and depressed (because the state of my life as it is IS depressing, that’s why I started using in the first place.) Living in chronic stress in childhood and escaping through dissociation or suicidal ideation, then growing older & gaining access to alcohol and other substances and escaping that way.. it means I wasn’t *really here* for a long time. Now I’m sober and watching my family age and seeing life run its course as it does. It’s fucking painful. But I remind myself that in active addiction I would only be prolonging the pain. I will continue to choose sobriety instead. ❤

[@kerripotkonen4300]

So amazing of you to become a better version of you!! Thank you for sharing !

[@boosqueezy2418]

i’ve been clean 9 years and have yet to feel a single moment of joy or satisfaction. 9 years! it’s the reason i started using to begin with

[@BoabMarley]

Great video. I'm approaching 5 months sober and I'm getting days we're i just feel empty and it's a joyless existence. Never knew there was a word for this condition.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Congratulations on your sobriety! Stay focused, and remember this is temporary! The healthier you become, the more your brain/body will rebalance. You got this!

[@iamgodphotography]

I had three years of very debilitating, depression and the inability to feel anything, aka anhedonia. Psilocybin microdosing mushrooms, miraculously healed me. Now I need them again because it came back.

[@4DTravelr]

I've heard this now a few times. I'm chipping away at healing my anhedonia with fasting and exercise, but if I get stuck or progress stops, I'll absolutely consider it. How long did the effect last before it came back?

[@iamgodphotography]

@@4DTravelr for about three years is how long it lasted before I became depressed again. I got depressed because it was the second time that I lost a lot of my financial investments and so I started smoking crack. Now I am looking for those shrooms again and can’t find them so I have to deal with these cravings. It’s extreme boredom that is killing me.

[@michaelwoods563]

Thank for this information. It is key in my understanding myself. It is frustrating and stressful not knowing why I feel the way I feel or why I think and behave the way I do. Self awareness is powerful!!!

[@yaboirene1167]

Thank you for the explanation. As someone who grew up with a chronically addicted family member, I saw the uglier aspects of drug addiction. As much as I loved that person and wanted him to be a real father-figure for us, he relapsed on multiple of occasions. It was hard for him to quit doing drugs. It has become a habit and a part of his life. I believe that addiction to anything is a mental illness that needs intervention and therapy. The addicted person usually doesn’t know they’re addicted until the symptoms start becoming apparent. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. We all make mistakes in life and no one is perfect. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with rehabilitation and therapy.

[@jeice13]

Ive never been addicted to anything but was checking for overlap between adhd and withdrawal. I just figured this is what boredom feels like normally. Ive had long periods of this and just accepted it

[@user-fq7ii3ub4m]

Sometimes I feel like the temporary happiness from addiction is better than the permanent unhappiness of sobriety.

[@Nude_Tayne]

100%. I don't think we all return to normal after quitting. Even years after the fact. Life sucks

[@CrystalCat24]

That's exactly the point. At least you get it! That's the hardest part ❤

[@4DTravelr]

If you're interesting look into extended fasting. Resets your mind and body. 7 day fast improved my anhedonia about 50%, which is the difference between life and death. Still a road ahead but significant.

[@michaeledwards190]

​@@4DTravelrwhat kind of fast is this? Im 21 months sober and andohenia already feel like a fast in itself

[@snoozyq9576]

That's because you're saying it's permanent. But there's no reason it has to be. Noones destined for permanent unhappiness.

[@adriannamatos865]

I’ve been clean and sober for over 3 years now and I’m f*cking miserable. My depression. And zest for life has become worse than when I was actively using. I’m depressed, unmotivated, and unable to feel happy. On the other hand, I’m the most successful that I’ve ever been in my life. I have a great job at a nonprofit, a roof over my head, and a great man in my life. Yet I feel empty. Antidepressants didn’t help, nor did exercise. I feel stuck and I hate it 😔

[@hapchandler5172]

Same, been sober for years so it’s not PAWS. Been to 8 different doctors over the course of many, many years and none of them can fix my anhedonia. This isn’t always drug related.

[@adriannamatos865]

@@hapchandler5172 I need help, but I don’t know what else to do. Therapy didn’t help, and I definitely don’t want to try another antidepressant. I hate feeling like life is a chore.

[@CrystalCat24]

Wow, you and I are the SAME people. We should connect and see if we have tools that can help each other ❤

[@chelseyt7091]

Try feeding your spirit. I struggled with addiction, depression and anxiety for 10 years, I'm 30 And one year sober. May sound cliche but I found Christ and that has helped immensely. Do I still have bad days? Of course, but I'm much happier than I was.

[@TigerPaint92]

If you wanna get esoteric, it could be the shift that happened after covid. But maybe I'm just crazy.

[@craigb4004]

I've been battling with anhedonia since childhood. I was never able to show excitement or how i was truly feeling on the inside. I look pissed off or sad all the time. Which can get rather annoying when people ask why i'm so mad? "I'm not mad, my face just rests like i that. I've learned to use it to my advantage tho. Speak less. Listen & read more. The more we understand. The stronger we become.

[@dervolldrosten6320]

I got that sometimes. Feeling nothing doesn't mean being depressed.

[@trevorfranks69]

Your last sentence doesn't seem related lol

[@notj9641]

i relate to this more than i should .. Feelings of comfort coming my way knowing that im not alone in this

[@seahorn2058]

I’d never heard of this word before. Knowledge is power. You helped me get a better understanding of what my loved one is going through. Thank you!

[@coptickansan4025]

Hey thank you so much, I’ve been struggling with sobriety my whole life. I just search for help and you were there. I’ll be strong, God bless

[@kathryn7329]

Finally someone puts a name on it ! Seriously why don’t they explain all this to us in iop & other classes were told to go through . This is awesome ! Thanks for sharing . This is a hopeful video . Plzzz keep making these types of videos 😊😍

[@AimeeDenise_bct]

So much respect to all those helping others heal. It's a true calling. I absolutely found my purpose as well in telling my story from years of complete despair to healing my brain and getting my life back! 💟🦋🕉

[@AriWoah]

I am 28 days sober and today has been the hardest day for me due to....blah! I go to the gym 5-6 days a week and it’s helped. I found this video and watched it while taking a hot bath. Now I’m going to a meeting. Thanks for the help Rob.

[@Kikwatz]

What was your addiction and how comes you have the energy/motivation to go to the gym so often? I train almost my whole life and look pretty healthy and fit (just look) but for me it's even difficult to go 3 times per week (even with high amounts of caffeine)... Maybe I'm just getting old (almost 40) ;)

[@AriWoah]

@@Kikwatz my addiction(s) were meth and heroin and I pretty much traded addictions from drugs to the gym😂

[@elinmansson5535]

How do you have the energy and motivation to go to the gym??? I am jealous

[@zrunner240Z]

Great video day 71 alcohol sober here and the last week has been a real struggle with apathy and now I have a better understanding.

[@eatyourbrainss]

After quitting marijauna and other drugs I’ve found that anhedonia is the most prevalent symptom that keeps taking me back to using. Thank you for this video, it’s relieving to know that this feeling will go away with time and that there are other methods of creating dopamine in the brain.

[@OzyMandias13]

I’m reminded of the NA meeting scene in Half Baked.

[@blueroslyn298]

@@OzyMandias13 hahaha bro exactly nice catch 😂😂😂

[@Slidehhy]

​@@dunnejongen8229you could have deficet schizophrenia

[@foansmusic5603]

EXERCISE! I swear to god it helps so much.

[@naomimara3340]

Which other methods?

[@Rodneydncn]

Thank you so very much for this!! I really needed to hear this bc I'm 21 days into my sobriety and I'm blah AF lol both biochemically and mentally. Knowing this has already helped a lot. Thanks again

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

We are glad to know this information is helping you. Stay strong Rodney. You can get through it. Feel free to call anytime if you need to.

[@hasal1234]

@@TreeHouseRecovery it really helped because I feel absolutely lost and feel no joy in anything but this comforted me! Thank you

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

@@hasal1234 you’re welcome

[@paml.6101]

Lunesta caused my Anhedonia. I've been trying to explain to Drs how I was feeling. Not depressed because my life is good and never had before. This is a feeling of void of nothing not feeling excited about ANYTHING. If I had plans to do something fun in the past I could feel it, now NOTHING. I will talk to my functional Md about this for her recommendation.

[@JustAguyFromJersey]

"People making permanent or life threatening decisions based on temporary uncomfortably" Wow🤯

[@belayzenica]

its not temporary to us it feels like forever

[@ashleymacinnon9442]

Yep just a guy I did this for thirteen years solid

[@ashleymacinnon9442]

I have chronic back pain plus no drugs to medicate it with now I am clean

[@MicheleKaiser-io2dx]

I really feel it is easier to get that spark back when you can put yourself on a very treacherous limb. Literally a sink or swim situation where you defy all odds. For me, it was a business I started. Fear of failure gives you the motivation to work happily around the clock when needed. The adrenalin rush will get you through the dopamine reset. The biggest enemy of staying off your preferred drug is too much free time. Just the fact you could get clean at all proves you are stronger than 90% of the population. Good luck to you all.

[@Airgirl881]

Im going through this at the moment. Being positive and I know this will pass by I need to beat it !!! I still do the things I use to enjoy I don't wanna fall in a black hole. its been a month and a half, dude the first 5 weeks I cried and was depressed but that past and now im trying to be confident. trying my best to stick to my regular routine

[@MichaelTurner856]

Me to. Did you stop enjoying music to?

[@sembi_]

You broke this down so clearly. I didnt know there was a term for the autopilot feeling i had that eventually led me to relapsing. Thank you so much for this

[@andredefrancesco7111]

Thank You 🙏 I’m in recovery and also work in treatment. And also love my own euphoria. This message is Awesome

[@Beiskraft]

I'm on buprenorphine and still experiencing anhedonia...When I quit, and hopefully I will, I expect hell. I will try getting my brain chemicals measured. Thx for the video. You are totally right that it needs time but the recovery is then full recovery, not patching it up for a short time.

[@angusyates828]

Bupe long term causes anhedonia.

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

dang. I didn't know this was a thing, I just thought I was over life.

[@MrCarcia96]

Same.

[@livelaughlove1190]

Same guys this is bad

[@thejollysloth5743]

@@livelaughlove1190 Well, yes it is bad. But it's better than thinking you are "over life". At least people know it can be sorted out.

[@livelaughlove1190]

@@thejollysloth5743 yea but it’s extremely hard to do so for people who are in hard situations on top of it and for some people it’s way harder then others

[@thejollysloth5743]

@@livelaughlove1190 Oh, I know that. It sucks real bad.

[@User_........]

The most realistic explanation of how addiction is affecting us. Thank you

[@janeramos9472]

Hi! This video is filled with answers to my ample questions. I am in the midst of starting my journey and this video will be a bookmark for my future reference. Thanks for sharing this informative video.

[@gradyjones8873]

Thank you so much for this video guys. I'm gonna go see how many pushups I can do in 2 minutes lol. Last time I tried I only did like 20 I didn't realize how unfit I had become. If I use anything now I will feel so much worse than I feel at the moment. Its not a very nice feeling to reach the "end of the road" where the substance doesn't even give much reward either anymore. If I'm gonna be sad USING, and im gonna be sad NOT USING, i might as well just be sad NOT USING. Im going to go to the beach this weekend and look out at the water...something about that endless expanse of water... kinda calming for me

[@Mehki227]

It's not always linked to drug and alcohol withdrawal. I believe I experienced this after a series of events, including my mom almost dying and being very sick. We were very close. I'm not a drug or alcohol addict.

[@Mel-os3ld]

It's depression which can be triggered by many things trauma, substance missuse due to depleted dopamine levels .. no it's not always drugs.. but you make a good point cos ppl assume the long term waiting for it to pass is down to this condition when it could be trapped trauma.. or denial of certain emotions or being around toxic ppl ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anneloving8405]

I feel like this all the time,I can literally count the number of times on one hand I have felt anything even close to a good mood in 10years,I don't think anything would help,too much pain.

[@DjDeja]

I'm coming up on 18 months clean on May 14. I haven't had any desire to use but I can't remember the last time I felt happy

[@mikeoconnor2894]

Thanks man. Anhedonia is something I've battled through depression for years now - but giving up alcohol recently, it's hit me really bad and sent me looking for answers. You do a great job putting it into context of addition recovery.

[@theedge5584]

ALCOHOL IS A DEPRESSENT

[@lK-rw1mv]

This video is so informative! I have MDD and I take antidepressants and they do the most they can do for me. But I did have a habit (🍃💨) that felt like it combined with antidepressants helped. I felt great. I’ve recently stopped that habit. I’m a week away from a month clean. Yet I feel more depressed than I ever have. I don’t enjoy any of the things I use to. Looking for ways to cope led me to finding out what anhedonia. Reading about it I realized that’s what is wrong with me. Hence how I stumbled on this video.

[@jcbanbury]

Hey you ok?

[@lK-rw1mv]

@@jcbanbury thanks, I’m trying! Lol.. 😅🥹☺️

[@Username_Invalid]

Kinda the way I see it. Most people drink because yes they are depressed but more from being bored or also not knowing where to put their energy. When we take alcohol away we are extremely shocked and we are unsure what to do with our restless energy. For me understanding that I need to get excited about my hobbies and life in general will be the only thing that will keep me away from alcohol. Being depressed about not drinking is no way to live. We have to find excitement in our life again by finding people that make us happy, finding hobbies that make us happy, living healthy, and having an enjoyable enough job that covers our finances.

[@kevslive]

Vally Hope Colorado - Maureen McGinn this video needs to be seen by more people

[@BastognePitBull]

Great video. Has me nailed. I was a big time ACOA thrill seeker. I made too many changes in early recovery and went straight into this state. Thanks for the explanations.

[@archieg8009]

Thank you. This approach seems so much more productive than 12 step groups. I feel like I just learned a lot about myself just from watching this.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

We are happy to here that this information is helping you.

[@mattsheezy5469]

I’ve been stuck in Methadone treatment since 2006. There was one time in 08’ that I succeeded in tapering my dose all the way down, and the one thing that gave me a sense of joy was going to be beach, and bodysurfing. It was fun, physical, and also spiritual all at once. Unfortunately, I was back in MMT within 2 months, and I’ve self isolated, and remained trapped ever since 😞

[@thejollysloth5743]

Hi! I am in the same position as you. I've been stuck on that crap longer than I care to think about. I'm going into detox and rehab for it at some point this year. Luckily I live in the UK so it's free, but I am worried that I will fail anyway because I can barely remember a time when I wasn't taking methadone every morning when I wake up.

[@mattsheezy5469]

@@thejollysloth5743 I have the same opportunity, I’m so fortunate, and yet I’m so afraid to go. Methadone withdrawal is so notoriously intense & long lasting that I imagine being too uncomfortable to do the work of recovery (I’m sure of it). If I did go, I’d likely try switching to a short acting opiate & make sure that I could get a naloxone implant prior to leaving. That way, no matter what, I can’t get high. Switching to another opiate is no cakewalk either when you don’t feel any euphoria for days & days. I actually felt bad the few times I tried taking another opioid on methadone (like my blood had been contaminated). I use to exclusively drink poppy tea made for dried poppy seed pods (flower decorations) and the withdrawal was much much less intense than say oxycodone. This mess has ruined my life, I’m in my later 30’s now & I have nothing, no wife, no kids, no friends, no life. This sick part is that to have the consciousness we have, and to have been born in 1st world countries at this time in history is like hitting the lottery a zillion to one, and I’m crying about not being able to get high off of this toxic garbage.

[@vstef5891]

@@mattsheezy5469 kratom will solve all of your problems. look it up

[@amyb7823]

@@mattsheezy5469 If you are using the medication properly and not over-medicating on it, you are sober. It's a medication necessary for your body(particularly the brain) just like any other disease that requires a daily medication to manage. Other people make their pleasure chemicals in their brains that are necessary for survival naturally. Everyone's brains create painkiller and pleasure chemicals daily. It's what helps to motivate you, get you up in the morning, Ppl on Methadone get their chemicals artificially. Because their brain stopped making those chemicals after getting the artificial ones (opioids) for a long period of time. And I'm sure you know it takes a long time for the brain to start making those chemicals again after you stop methadone medication. Don't let ignorant, uneducated people tell you that you are bad. They do not understand how opioid addiction works, what it does to the brain or for that reason, their opinion isn't worthy of your consideration. I understand one day you'd like to be completely off the medication, but that requires a lot of things. You should be in a good place physically, mentally, emotionally, financially before you come off. It takes many months to start feeling better. But until then, as long as you're taking he medicine as prescribed, arent abusing it, aren't getting high or euphoric or nodding out on it, you're using it appropriately and at that point, yes, you are physically dependent on it but you aren't addicted to it. Addiction and physical dependence are two different things. If you aren't aware of the difference between the two there is good information online about this. You can be on methadone maintenance and live a good life. You can do all the things a normal person could do. Don't let it hold you back. Also, it's no ones business what medication you take. You do not have to disclose that to anyone. You're just as normal as every other individual in this world.

[@anthonyrez7000]

GET SUBLOCADE! It's a way out

[@zdjhjsbfhushx]

I don’t do drugs, but I’ve been addicted to gaming for 7 years. The past few years I’ve been especially feeling the symptoms of anhedonia, the lack of feelings and gaming has become less and less exciting along with everything else. If only I could go back and change things. I’ve dug myself into a hole and I don’t have the will to bother doing anything about it.

[@michaelrhodes6730]

Thats the real danger of drugs especially for ppl who were depressed before, take a drug, and suddenly feel good. It's sad to feel so good and then feel apathy in daily life.

[@InlogixEnterprises]

Well said and greatly appreciated. It would have been ideal to include a hint of social media reward cycle instead of only saying 'drugs' . Childhood trauma, use of antibiotics, and other illness caused my anhedonia. Plant medicine ceremonies (ayahausca, psilocybin) are helping a great deal.

[@Mel-os3ld]

How many ceremonies you had.. or doses??

[@PlayshotKalo]

Antibiotics really kill off beneficial bacteria in your gut along with all the bad bacteria. All those beneficial bacterias being gone means less nutrient absorption. The brain and gut are connected like everything else, if gut health is off then so will your hormones and mental health

[@djspacey2509]

Finally sober but feel so sad and bored. No dopamine release! Its hard 😢

[@VerbalVenom-wt3rn]

being sober is traumatic ....

[@Sonofwill]

Hope ur still sober and your feeling better

[@doofiedoof6379]

Dude probably smoking a fat one rn

[@mariopuzo4509]

U mean traumatizing. I agree. Hope u can find some sort of peace my dude. Hope we both can.

[@mariopuzo4509]

@@doofiedoof6379 💩

[@scout6180]

Many people turned to drugs (Opiates) to escape severe depression/anxiety disorder to find a sense of calmness and euphoria in life they could in no way obtain prior to the drugs. Now, explain to me again the happy anhedonic smiling face I am going to have in recovery so I can return to the baseline depression/anxiety dessert with the new anhedonic cherry on top? I can hardly wait.....

[@dylanhayes2646]

Something that worked for me I swear is full body submersion in 50 degree water for like 20 to 40 minutes... super adrenaline rush and if you research it its good for you ...it actually is a high

[@normajean695]

I am experiencing this - I stopped vaping 6 weeks ago and I am shocked at my inability to enjoy anything!! I am shocked that I was so dependent on nicotine to trigger dopamine that I feel empty and without any Joy. All of the things I thought I used to enjoy apparently I was only enjoying because they coincided with vaping? Or that's just my brain playing tricks on me but that's how it appears. I am struggling, but I will hold on and allow my brain to heal. 🤞 Giving in would just mean I would have to repeat all of this terrible process again one day. I will persist, but IT IS SO TOUGH.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

You're not alone. Many people are surprised to learn how potent nicotine can be. But nicotine didn't allow you to enjoy these things. It was just a way to pump dopamine quickly into your brain, and now your brain is to used to those high levels. It will re-adjust. Hang in there. Be social, get your heart rate up for at least 30 min as many days as you can (every day if possible), and you should start to feel improvement. If you want some guidance give us a call [phone]

[@ashleymacinnon9442]

Yes Norma Jean I was a vaping addict almost never put it down before that smoked for over fifteen years have recently quitt smoking and vaping feel bad depression anhedonia tiredness and boredom I quit because of the expense and difficulty locating juice

[@jaydogg505]

Ive been sober over a year and still feel no pleasure in anything. Video games or playing guitar or anything. Is this normal. I dont want to start drinking again, i feel healthier and sleep better but i have no enjoyment in anything. I go to the gym and workout but idk. I didnt even know this was a thing. Never even heard of this. I just dont wanna do anything

[@justinrobertson4960]

I'm so glad to know what it's called. If anyone sees this, I have a question. I've been sober over a year. About 14 months to be specific. I haven't gotten any better yet. I also suffer from major depression disorder and have since I was a young child. I know that Anhedonia is also caused by MDD and apparently restless leg syndrome ties in with this, which I've also had forever. My situation has improved dramatically since I got sober. I finally have an apartment again, I've got money in my pocket for my needs, I have my dog here with me, and hell my kids even came down to stay with me for over a month! Things aren't perfect, especially being in a new state where I only know a few people but it's Florida where it's always sunny and warm and the beach is a mile from my apartment. I don't understand why I still feel like this. Also I'm always in pain too. Not like excruciating pain or anything. It feels like a dull pain radiating from my bones all over my body. Is this normal or does anyone have any ideas on what I should do?

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Major Depressive Disorder can sometimes cause aches and pains to manifest. It's not uncommon to experience that in addition to anhedonia if anhedonia is also caused by Major Depressive Disorder. Best advice would be to seek counselling. It's nearly impossible to beat depression in your own head. Let someone else help you.

[@anishnehete]

I can relate to your condition on some level, I am in college but I don't have any drive to pursue any goals or responsibilities. You have a pet and children and therefore you have some motivation, none in my case tho :)

[@DerekPaparella-dy1nw]

1) Go to the gym every morning before you start your day no matter how tired or pointless it seems. 2) Dial in your nutrition, eat whole foods and avoid sugar. 3) Foster new relationships - this is key. 4) Stop looking back and trying to change the past - you're exactly where you need to be right now so focus on extracting growth from the moment and just be grateful. Out of the eternity of time you get about 80 years and somehow you're in that tiny amount of time now so enjoy the ride. Good, bad and all - you get to experience it and that's a gift. Love you man - you got this

[@SandcastleAndy]

Great Video - I know someone in Rehab and your video was very helpful in helping focus on what to say and not to say when they get out. I have never dealt with anything like this before and I have a life where stimulation and gratification all come from the happiness in my work. People say I'm lucky but I have always set my mind on "the harder you work, the luckier you get!" but that isn't really it as I have faced failure and disappointment too. Your comments about feeling guilty if not "over stimulating" are BANG ON THE MONEY. Even when i am trying to watch one of my passions on the TV (which i pay for and love) I am finding myself wandering, working while listening, and especially when I watch the whole event - 4 Hours worth - I feel the guilt of not doing something on my list, or just not multitasking to be productive. Mindfulness, but more especially listening - or trying to as I struggle with that if not stimulated - has been a focus lately and NOW, especially. Wanting to be with someone is a big focus atm and it's been difficult - I am a Helper/fixer - I am a man - that's what we do - or try to - trying to think what will help and what can be a focus for the person coming out of Rehab. Having the mindset to listen and help if possible is very difficult for someone who is used to finding solutions every day for what people say cannot be done - I don't have a box so the random nature of my thinking has not helped my thought process - UNTIL NOW Thank you for the advice - I will focus on putting that to use in my own life before trying to fix someone else's. They have asked for my help - but before they went in and they have a long history of this behavior so I am very wary of not hurting myself in the process - but that is tempered by my own history and self-motivation Now I will get off the computer and go do some real work! LMAO - not stimulating but necessary - that feeds the accomplishment Node in my brain but not much else!! #wedontdoboring #howtobuildasandcastle #thingstodo #mindfulness #listen #helpdontfix #lifeistooshortnottohavefun #whenwesharewegrow #collaborationisastrengthNOTaweakness

[@kaffenaddict8864]

I’ve been told I’m an alien and a robot because I don’t have feelings. I don’t know why when I know I should feel something I try and nothing happens. It’s disappointing.

[@boogieap3617]

The eyes 😍

[@pavelinaodkonjsk3907]

Maybe Find your purpose , works for me❤

[@RayRenati]

I don't think it's just dopamine. There are other enzymes like GABA and others that are not being activated. That's what I've read anyway.

[@ronnie-lynn]

Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins.

[@tdunn779]

So I think what I took away from this is I need to start running and working out to start creating natural dopamine again bc this withdraw process is tough. 11 years of use is a long time Ike

[@bradfarley5591]

I'm blessed to have stumbled on your very informative video I have a better understanding of what I am going through

[@locomocochocho]

Almost two years sober, but honestly I’ve felt no joy in life. I constantly compare my life to when I drank.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Congratulations on the 2 years. If you're interested, we can refer you to some people who specialize in anhedonia. 855-202-2138

[@bluetick2529]

Same, brotha. I'm over 5 years clean. The only thing that brings me joy are moments with my 7 year old son. This shit is tough! Good luck

[@claracash4800]

Due to a genetic problem, I had a lot of dental problems from childhood to young adulthood....my dentist(s) did a lot of over prescribing. I didn't even know I was physically dependent until my last procedure when I was cut off of all meds in a single moment.....dentists don't worry about the taper down method or anything like that....my body turned against me automatically...I couldn't function.....at all....not sure how close I actually came...but I thought I was going to lose my life.....and in a way I actually DID.....I started going to outside means to find ANY type of relief from withdrawl…..I finally found something that toned down the affects and finally got me free from substance abuse....But Its literally YEARS later and I still have trouble finding ANY type of pleasure in the activities of daily life. No matter what I do I still deal with depression and a general lack of enthusiasm for ANYTHING and I don't know how to fight it. I've tried revisiting old hobbies.....no luck. I've tried meditation and other sources of calm and healing as well. I still have a general lack of emotion and drive towards any and everything in life....its becoming a huge problem....For someone like me...do you have any real suggestions? You know...Other than" jumping back into the saddle?"

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Hey Clara, thank you so much for sharing your situation. Addiction is not just a physical disease, there are psychological components as well. Based on what you've explained it sounds like there was a strong emotional connection to the medications you were taking, one that you may not have consciously realized was happening at the time. Anyone can become physically dependent on a substance, but in order for addiction and emotional cravings to follow, it typically shows something more than physical dependency is happening. If you do not see a therapist, I'd highly recommend seeking counseling to explore what the underlying root causes are. Once you discover what the mental draw towards substances is, you can then began to work on healing the root cause. From a physical stand point, the first step towards treating anhedonia is safely stopping the use of all mind altering drugs and alcohol with a doctors oversight. Definitely work with a professional before stopping any medications you may be on. The next step is to get moving. Exercise is a guaranteed way to rebalance your brains chemistry and neurotransmitters. The next piece is social connections. This is one of the most important aspects of healing, and often times, it get's overlooked. Relationships with friends and family will repair the brain in so many ways. I highly recommend putting social connections at the top of your list. How do these steps sound to you? Have you tried any of this yet?

[@suzianthony4928]

Late on the scene but YES hours in nature alongside prayer. Time for you in lovely environments communing with God..as well as being around supportive people ❤

[@avery-brown]

I really feel trapped by my anhedonia. It has gotten so bad that I don’t even want to eat or pet my dog. I think about ending my life at least 3x a day because I fear that I don’t have the discipline nor motivation to take action to possibly come back from this.

[@salvadorgarcia3213]

We all think of suicide everyday, because we say “why do things” just keep fighting its all we got

[@godd3vil447]

Same

[@01234567594]

Jesus loves you brother don't give up my brother I love man

[@michaelpeters404]

Don’t give up bro

[@donnapatrick1804]

Same for me. It has taken my life away. I hope you have recovered.

[@dereakcolumbus3603]

LOve this. I know someone who is having difficulty with addiction and this Tree house approach sounds cool. Unfortunately, the person I know dealing with addiction feels trapped by fame and public responsibility . And they feel like they can't get out.

[@Dizzz127]

Music helps, I find it helpful to listen to energetic music ex. Heavy metal, rock, rap, electronic... whatever your taste is. If you have to get something done around the house turn on something with energy.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Severe anhedonia makes it impossible to respond to music. You could love it to death, but forcing yourself to listen to it will make it annoy you and make you very depressed.

[@desireericheymesser1951]

So true.

[@desireericheymesser1951]

@@devilsoffspring5519 I went through this,I understand exactly. Its surreal.

[@Omarvazcar1]

I’m on a 7 day cold Turkey smoke free. and I’m moody wish is not my normal self. I Realize that I don’t know how to deal with my emotions I don’t know how to Chanel them. I used to smoke when I was happy I used to smoke when I was sad I used to smoke when I was frustrated I used to smoke for any reason. Any how I have learn and experience a lot in this short week. I have more compassion and respect for anyone trying to break free from any substance.

[@Ioannikios174]

Got pretty severe anhedonia after breaking from a porn addiction. Couldn't even enjoy conversations, rollercoasters, or pretty much anything, it definitely made depression worse. Porn is awful.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Thank you for sharing this. It sounds like you were able to overcome this state and get back to a balanced state. Congratulations! Any advice for those struggling at the moment?

[@Ioannikios174]

@@TreeHouseRecovery Most important: Exercise consistently. Eat right. Take grass-fed beef brain supplements. Sleep well. These things are a must not only to help heal from mental illness but they are good for your overall well-being, period. Also good: Fast once to twice a week (full days without eating), take cold showers, learn new skills like a playing a musical instrument, a martial art, something that is difficult and may be uncomfortable at first, but rewarding, maybe relearn cursive. There are many things that are good for the brain, there are also many things that are bad for the brain. Do the things that are good for your brain.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

@@Ioannikios174 This is so great. You just touched on many things we teach our clients! Sounds like you did your research Joel, and that in itself is one of the first necessary steps to healing. We love what you're doing, keep up the amazing work!

[@liquidsquid101]

@@Ioannikios174 If you don't mind. Would you like to tell us(me) how things are going now? I find myself in the same situation as you were once in. I manage 2-3 weeks without it and go on a binge and right after I feel just.. meehh... Like no interest in real sex/no motivation/poor sleep patterns. Congratulations on your path towards a happier you

[@Ioannikios174]

@@liquidsquid101 Feeling a WHOLE lot better now!

[@JamesP44]

I made myself go on a long walk through the woods today to try and deal with this. It worked ok but just hoping this thing will wear off soon. By Sunday 7 weeks without a drop of alcohol and just want this spell to pass now of crazy anxiety and just this anhedonia whatever its called. Definitely end of booze for me that's all I have to say. Didn't know how bad it really was, my goodness 😢.

[@nativechique7589]

Antipsychotics caused this. Its been a few months n a coupl weeks off. Idk if ill ever be me again 😢

[@keithleeuwen877]

Everyone should want the clean feeling !

[@SHerit-q3v]

I have anhedonia but I have never had addictions

[@klanderkal]

I made a stupid foolish mistake . I put my career job in jeopardy. I became so afraid... the Stress destroyed my mind, and that caused me to give up my job.. I couldn't believe it. I lost my mind . I got severe depression, snd anxiety... now the therapist said I have anhedonia. I hate living, suffering like this....

[@dderico78]

The reason why you have it, it’s because you are experiencing a sensory overload. A constant sensory overload. Extremely overstimulated with devices, such as computers and iPhones and iPads, KZbin, addictions and social media, addictions, and Internet in general

[@firebellymel5557]

This is genius. Very helpful. Negative stimulation but stimulation versus nada.

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Riding quads got me happy quicker. And finding out my passion

[@blackflyingfox3365]

The irony is that I turned to heavy drinking because of anhedonia. I lost enjoyment in everything after being over medicated when I was a teenager. Alcohol was the only thing left that I got some pleasure out of. The heavy drinking also caused me to make bad choices. I am being prescribed a dopamine agonist now that helps me with the anhedonia and depression. I take Cabergoline. Without it I would either be dead or still a complete drunk right now. I still have to be careful and not hang out with drunk people because I can still fall back into drinking too much.

[@danielmeuler2877]

Has there ever been a study on the correlation between a patient with ADHD suffering more from Anhedonia than a patient without? Just wondering because I saw a study that links ADHD to the person having a lot less Dopamine receptors than a "Normal" Brain.

[@vernpalechek9314]

I've learned from having 2 children with it as well as myself that ADHD isn't what it's being sold to us as, the problem for 99% of sufferers is the standard American diet, look up the ketogenic diet and healthy fats and why these are needed for our brains to function, along with proper nutrition. The food we eat is horrible and unless you do the research and learn just how bad some things really are, you may never get better. Carbohydrates or sugars are the enemy, along with pesticides and other chemicals, not to mention that our soils have been depleted of many nutrients that used to exist in nature. I'm also a recovering opiates user. Diet and exercise will help cure what ills you. Don't take any advice from the government and most doctors, not even nutritionists are giving out the best advice...you have the power to learn right in your hand. Use it.

[@amaterasugokamekkyaku579]

@@vernpalechek9314 agree with @vern Palechek... ADHD its bs. its funny how in early 90's ADHD and ADD wasnt even popular.. nowadays almost everyone its diagnosed with ADHD lol.

[@vernpalechek9314]

@@amaterasugokamekkyaku579, absolutely, I grew up in the 60's and 70's and ADHD, didn't exist, it was big pharma's answer to the increase in the use and consumption of HFCS, which our government was part of when they changed the dietary guidelines for the standard American diet. Next thing you know the country is getting fat. When I was in school there was literally a handful of big kids.

[@anthonyrez7000]

I do have to say from being on Vyvanse something like Adderall and doing opiates for 11 years it helped ALOT with just getting by the day. But I have learned from immense trial and error that no drug is the way to go. Get sublocade and set yourself free.

[@Sunflowergirl-b9b]

One day I just quit that was it I changed my mind.

[@HarrellB_US]

I know this is an old video. I've been sober 3 years after 10 years of fighting the addiction of opiates. My question is: Is there any science behind a detox that happens every once in awhile years later after completely being clean of everything and I mean any "illegal drugs". When i say detox i mean that really bad twitch trying to sleep sweats and more importantly lack of energy and can't eat. It's very weird, it's not a panic attack. I call it my shadow man LOL. Comes around to say hello and leaves as quick as his came. Thnx

[@cliffkonkle3467]

Could be PAWS. POST ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME. Can last for years depending how long and how much you used. Everyone is different. I was an opiate addict for 12years and I am now 3 years clean cold turkey and still have problems.

[@tessthemess4614]

3 years! Wow! That’s incredible! 9 days for me & I feel so crappy.

[@tessthemess4614]

It’s funny u say shadow man, I’m keeping a video diary ( cause my brain is going to explode ) and I just talked about the Devil walking beside me always! I’ll be so happy when he’s only coming around as a shadow man.

[@HarrellB_US]

@@tessthemess4614 the trick is not trying to get rid of your demons but rather living with your demons. We all have them and when you made the choice to quit you decided to take control. So it's ok to have a little devil beside you. Wouldn't be able to enjoy the good things in life if everything was perfect. Keep it up it WILL get better. I promise!!!!!! There more hard days than good days but when you have good ones they are incredible!

[@deannatroy8113]

I'm off for 6 months and struggle to eat. Remembered recently that my mother starved me and only gave me a little food when I allowed myself to be raped or abused... She would say "Do you deserve to eat?" and "The food tastes awful doesn't it? You can't eat it, can you? Your going to go to bed hungry, aren't you?". I think she drugged my food too. I hate looking too skinny and I love cooking and eating, but food literally tastes bad sometimes when it's not, and when I'm depressed, I can't eat, and I feel bad when I do. One night I woke up stuttering and shaking. I was fighting something that got in, for the right to my mind. Prayed for ages and won in the end. It was pretty shaky stuff.

[@FuriousGerbil5]

Tonight is night one. I have smoked weed and nicotine for 8 years now I am 24 and I want my life back

[@texastoast2961]

Rob- Here’s a question for you. In regards to the person that used to love to surf and now by experiencing PAWS, they’re not experiencing or feeling the same way they used to because of their chemical imbalance. ** However its my understanding that that person should continue to surf because eventually each time that person surfs, a tinnnnyyyy bit of dopamine is released albeit not the same as what it used to be before they entered recovery but I’ve heard that the key to getting rid of the anhedonia is to keep doing those things you used to enjoy and getting those tiny squirts of dopamine and endorphins Because eventually your brain will be firing on all cylinders. True? Accurate?

[@crosscountryrunner8241]

Dude just keep on going through life, things will get better

[@desireericheymesser1951]

TY soooo much for explaining this!!!!

[@winryrockbell4361]

This is very interesting bcz im having anhedonia after stopping going to parties, meeting people, eating sugar, taking caffeine and social media. Im sure those things gave me that false pleasure feeling until i felt saturated so now im trying to heal slowly and in the first period you really gonna feel like shit.

[@Chex_Swift]

It’s hard to stay a functional addict. I’ve been on suboxone for going on 10 years. I literally got hooked on suboxone and here I am now still on it. My life has finally come together except that one thing. I feel it will become a larger problem when I get older.

[@TreeHouseRecovery]

Give us a call if you want to get off the suboxone. We can help.

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

I still feel this at just shy of one year sober. Almost seems to be getting worse, honestly. So depressing.

[@luciano3512]

I'm 8 months sober. I'm in the same boat. Nothing makes me happy anymore. Hang in there. I get kicks from caffeine now. Exercise helps, especially cardio to get the adrenaline running. I like to ride my bicycle. Stay busy, get a hobby, learn something new, travel.

[@lucarossi9453]

What were u on and how bad?

[@sangeetalambh6389]

Mary Smith how r u now

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

@@lucarossi9453 Lots of things over many years - since 14 (I’m now 32): alcohol, opiates, amphetamines, benzos, mdma, the list goes on.

[@maryhannahsmith9307]

@@sangeetalambh6389 still suffering greatly. I also came off my last psych med (lexapro) last year and have been in a pretty severe form of protracted withdrawal from that since then.

[@freetobememe4358]

This makes so much sense.

[@ayuanggraini2436]

Not able to feel anything or anhedonia is coming from unresolved trauma from time to time that related to your feelings or emotions, specially in family. Never feel heard, never feel seen, plus a nonstop abuse, neglect, invalidating environment that always invalidating your own emotions and feelings, opinions is one of the reason why you feel this way. I have been there and it's developed after over 25 years of neglect, abuse from toxic narcissistic parent+undiagnosed bpd. What a disaster! Felt like can't even go out from that situation But One thing that helped me to recover from anhedonia, it is a loving caring family from other people who love unconditionally and respect me and just give me what I never earned in my own family. God sent you people that you need and never know that you desperately need. To be able to recognize a mercy of God is one of things that can lift you up from this state, a higher level of frequency or power is what you desperately need. It's okay to not be okay God love you 🙆❤

[@jcbanbury]

The first part you are right (toxic narc parents). But the religious stuff is not relatable.

[@anthonyrez7000]

Yea.. but no

[@dami-o4w]

I Never knew that’s what I was feeling thanks bro 💯

[@NB-sq7ui]

You have to replace the chemicals with hard exercise and good food.

[@retaingang7858]

Exactly