ANHEDONIA and how it applies to me . Interesting

So this term was just applied to me. I had never heard the term before . .So I asked AI , wow I’ve never felt so completely pegged .

Anhedonia is a term used in psychology to describe the inability to experience pleasure from activities that were once enjoyable. It is often associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

For individuals who have struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, anhedonia can be a common experience. The constant use of substances to cope with negative emotions and numb pain can lead to a desensitization of the brain’s reward system. This means that over time, the brain becomes less responsive to pleasurable activities and experiences, making it difficult for individuals to find joy in things that used to bring them happiness.

When someone decides to stop using drugs and alcohol, they may experience anhedonia as a withdrawal symptom. This can be a challenging and frustrating experience, as it can feel like there is no longer any joy or satisfaction in life. It can also increase the risk of relapse, as individuals may turn back to substance use in an attempt to feel pleasure again.

However, it is important to remember that anhedonia is a temporary state and can be overcome with time and support. Seeking help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial in addressing underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to anhedonia. Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, and socializing with loved ones, can also help rewire the brain’s reward system and increase feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Recovery from addiction is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and perseverance. By acknowledging and addressing anhedonia, individuals can work towards rebuilding a fulfilling and meaningful life without the need for substances. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and there is always hope for a brighter future.
Yeah this applies to me for sure
Anhedonia is a term used in psychology to describe a condition in which an individual is unable to experience pleasure or enjoyment from activities that they once found pleasurable. This can include activities such as eating, socializing, or engaging in hobbies. Anhedonia is often associated with depression, but can also be a symptom of other mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Anhedonia can manifest in different ways, such as a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, a feeling of emotional numbness, or a general sense of apathy. It can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, as they may struggle to find motivation or enjoyment in everyday activities.

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I can 100% empathize with anhedonia.

I had burned out pretty much all of my dopamine so, when I first got clean, there were days where just putting my shoes on made me wanna hang myself … much less do anything I used to derive pleasure from.

It took some time but, eventually, as I got nearer to homeostasis, I started feeling better. Then, one day, I just woke up happy. That, in itself, was bizarre and took some getting used to.

I still have low days but, overall, I’m pretty much happy and have rediscovered some of my passions in life.

It really does get better, for what it’s worth. Don’t give up and be kind to yourself.

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I don’t normally have the patience for long posts like that but I found that really interesting and today I have learnt something new. Thanks :+1:

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Yes today i learn something new too .
Im a very factual person but once something makes sence i get it

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Thanks , the last 2 years i have not understood what the hell was happening to me . I thought get clean meant get better and it was having the exact opposite reaction. Like i just lost my girlfriend over be caving in on myself , and not beimg able to socialize . But this made compleat sence . This i can wrap my head around .

For me, getting clean was only the first (but, of course, crucial) step. Initially, I, too, questioned if I really wanted to be clean; especially when the anhedonia hit.

Worse, for me, though, was when I started feeling all of the emotions and inner turmoil I had been choking down with drugs & alcohol.

My problem wasn’t drugs. My problem was/is my character defects, as well as running away from childhood trauma. Drugs were my feeble attempt at finding a “solution.” Oblivion and/or being disconnected from feeling aren’t solutions and, obviously, compounded my real problems.

Once I bought in and started living a life of recovery (instead of merely being abstinent) and confronting my problems & my wreckage, my life changed. Substantially.

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I’ve been sober for almost three years, and I definitely suffer with anhedonia as well as depression. Seems like they go hand in hand with each other. Sucks when you can’t enjoy your life.

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Yes ive had this too…still do to a degree but i have noticed the longer i stay sober the more im beginning to find the joy in little things again

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Thanks for sharing!
This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this term. It hit home with me. I’ve been experiencing it.

I’ve been in a funk that has been hard to shake. Its been frustrating because I cant find a logical reason for it. Overall my life is much better than it was. I’ve accomplished many things in pursuit of happiness but my life has felt pretty meaningless to me. Depression has been higher. If this is as good as it gets then what’s the point thoughts cross my mind. My inner alcoholic/addict loves to engage in the inner conflict.

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Thanks for the term. It’s normal when leaving an addiction considering how we played with our dopamine.
Still, I’ve never fully recovered. Like walking in nature for instance. I used to do that almost everyday, now I have to kick my own butt to find motivation. Same with some other passions. Luckily some remain intact and I still find pleasure in doing them.
But to be honest except my daughters I don’t really care about anything anymore

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Never knew there was a term for it, thanks for the lesson!

The fact that I couldn’t enjoy things I once used to, or enjoyed them less, without a drink was a clear sign to me that I had to change.

Given how shitty most bars are, and how shitty most drunken conversations probably are (we never remember them but sober I do), I’m shocked at how much time I wasted in them.

Now, every day I do the basic stuff to trigger pleasure. Sunlight, exercise, company, quality food, working with my hands, avoiding screens if possible. It does get easier, and it does come back.

One thing I realised is that some days are just unremarkable, and that’s ok. We used to drink to make them more interesting. Now I just go to bed early and reset :blush:

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Thanks for this information! Now I have another perspective on my husband’s situation that I didn’t have before. It helps. Thanks!:pray:

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Well all I can say is, Michelle had to move out , we are talking constant, we still love each other deeply . She is in so much pain from her back, going back and forth to hospital waiting on surgery . On top of me not dealing well wiyh the situation it was destroying us . I know us being apart right now is best for her. Its fucking turning my brain to jello. I worry all the time , shes my whole world , because i shut the rest of the world out .Right now its everything i have to function . I want to give her all the time she needs, but her not being her just takes everything completely out of my soul .Because that hope is gone. She tells me we cant come back , and i just can not hear that . I just have to ask her to please stop saying that. Just please take all the time you need but please dont tske away that hope. If thats anywhere close to your situation . All i can say is that hope is extremely important to me . Its the only thing that just completely is crushing me. Just dont do that to him if you love him .

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Thanks, I appreciate your perspective. Sounds like Michelle needs her space and you are challenged to find your way to a happier sober version of yourself. On your own . For now. One day at a time. Do it for yourself. :pray::heart::peace_symbol:

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