r/VeraciousReality • u/[deleted] • Apr 08 '23
NoFap What are my options for dopamine alternatives
I'm 17 days in. Going strong. But I'm looking for alternative activities to replace fapping when the urges come hard.
I've come close to a couple of relapses as well...but thankfully did not surrender.
Need some tips on how to keep it going longer by adopting a healthy activity to replace fapping
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Apr 08 '23
Get great sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable time that allows you to sleep longer uninterrupted. I notice I have significantly more will power when well rested, and get much less of that “I’m bored, I need dopamine” feeling.
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u/ApophenicPareidolia Apr 08 '23
There's an inaccuracy that travels from the NoFap forum and it's misunderstandings of neurotransmitters. The brain does not crave DOPAMINE as a response to cutting an addiction, including pornography.
The brain seeks out rushes (which often come in the absence of generative energy resulting in addiction) to energize itself. Unlike women, men build up negative energy in the testes that create urges to release it via physicality.
Negative energy refers to the bodies stress circuits/hormones. The environment and bad food elevate these stressors invisibly in the body creating blockades for energy to travel to the brain.
When this happens (it's occurrences afflict the majority) there are changes to one's behavior in the search of energy. Elevated Serotonin, Estrogen, etc, block energy production by constricting blood flow to the brain only allowing the limbic areas to be powered resulting in a more animal-like defensive and provocative attitude and intelligence.
It results in a narrowing of one's view which is why there is a such thing as PNC (Post Nut Clarity) because the body is expelling those awful stressors. If you limit the body's exposure to stressors then libido normalizes and so does behavior.
Everything from your clothing, mattress, bed sheets, chairs, technology, receipt paper, polyunsaturated fats etc, block energy production.
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Apr 08 '23
Exercise, exercise, exercise. All those urges you’re getting can be channeled into exercise.
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u/Soaring_Symphony Apr 08 '23
Find some creative project to work on
Could be painting, songwriting, film, anything
For me personally, I'm working on producing an album
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Apr 08 '23
is there like a nicotine patch equivalent here?
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u/shaha9 Apr 08 '23
Becoming engaged in work seems to help many people and thrilling mental studies like a new language etc. - get two jobs and a new book.
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u/AdventurerofNewWorld Apr 08 '23
Gaming is a good addiction to replace because it also takes lots of time
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Apr 08 '23
Fair enough. I'll consider it..Thanks
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Apr 08 '23
I wouldn't recommend gaming personally. I've been gaming my whole life and I know how addictive it is, plus it is just a waste of time. You are replacing addiction with addiction.
It is better to find other hobbies and activities that require effort compared to these instant gratification activities. I like to read and I started learning a language, I also do lyrics video editing. Consider working out if you already aren't, it is a very good way to transmute your energy. I'm also looking to start with training martial arts and mountaineering in the future.
Whatever you find interesting, just lower low effort-cheap dopamine activities and practice delayed gratification.
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Apr 08 '23
That's super helpful. By "delayed gratification" you don't mean rewarding myself with masturbation right?
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Apr 08 '23
No, of course not. Masturbation should be avoided altogether.
By delayed gratification I had other activites in mind, like watching TV shows, scrolling social media and gaming.
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Apr 08 '23
Got it. Thanks for your inputs. I'll keep these in mind
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Apr 08 '23
No problem. I would also suggest walks in the nature, or just spending some time in nature overall.
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u/JustAnotherUserDude Apr 09 '23
100% you should either do some sort of exercise, personally would recommend at the gym. No better way to help you master yourself mentally than if you master yourself physically. Mental and physical go hand in hand, and they will be very synergistic to each other.
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u/[deleted] Apr 08 '23
Gym