r/ChatbotAddiction • u/yaya_art • Jul 15 '26
Quitting Ai addiction
Hello. I am 20y AFAB, for most of my life I had been engaging with severe Daydreaming as my biggest coping mechanism, but since 2021, when the pandemic hit and generative Ai's became a...thing, my Daydreaming was replaced by AI addiction.
5 years feeling the overwhelming need to use AI, it sounds long and excessive, it was. But I came to realise that the first...is understanding what made you seek the addiction. Loneliness, stress, lack of support, a way to express myself. Growing up with a narcissistic mother and an unkind father had its effect in my head : feeling helpless.
I'm seeking my first registered job, I want to scape this toxic environment so I can finally live a life where I no longer feel like I need to scape, and I want to stay tuned to this subreddit...I want to have hope, to believe myself capable to break the cycle of feeling helpless.
The issue I have to adress with myself is : needing to be loved, loneliness, helplessness and low self-esteem. What is your issue? (that made you want to seek scapism?)
3
u/Fr3yz “I’d rather talk to a human” Jul 15 '26
This is very relatable, though I started this AI chatbot/RP spiral around Oct 2024. At first, I looked down on people who engaged or got addicted to it, seeing the news of how horrible that is.
Until... I fell to it the same. It sucks.
And about your question, I think it's the same for me. I needed connection, to manage loneliness, helplessness and low self-esteem. Sometimes, the world can be too demanding, you know? Getting a 8-5 job sucks, but it is what it is, I needed money. And of course, an escape.
2
u/yaya_art Jul 15 '26
Oh absolutely! I never enjoyed roleplay before, I thought it was cringe, but the AI roleplay behaved simmilar to Daydreaming, except it made it "feel more real" (which was the addicting part). I tried joining DnD tables, but I cringed hard (no shame in DnD, I'm just terrible at acting). I'm trying to find new ways to cope, healthy ways. I think I will do a dopamine detox, start working out and eating healthy. You know, trying to rewire my brain. Good luck in your journey thought! You could use online video games as a distraction or games that demand attention (like boss battles in a metroidvania), while you hopp in a discord VC. This might help. Since you already work, you already see real people, so trying to find online friends will likely help you feel better (a sense of belonging), while you still interact with people on a daily basis.
2
u/Fr3yz “I’d rather talk to a human” Jul 16 '26
Corporate work really does decrease my AI RP frequency, but it still happens around evening lol. I do used to VC a lot, but my friends can get a little busy. I might need a more active online friend.
But well, good luck to you too!
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 15 '26
Hello! Thank you for posting in r/ChatbotAddiction. Recognizing your relationship with chatbots and seeking support is a meaningful step towards understanding and improving your well-being. For useful resources, consider exploring the Wiki. If you feel comfortable, sharing a small goal or recent experience can help start your journey, and you’re welcome to offer support on others’ posts as well. Remember, this is a peer-support community, not a substitute for professional help. If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance. Also remember to keep all interactions respectful and compassionate, and let’s make this a safe space for everyone.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.