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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 😢

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

It gets to the point for some where suicide becomes a constant thought, because life is just not fulfilling anymore. I’m really hopeful that my brain will heal, along with my body, to feel truly alive and fulfilling again.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

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.

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 😔

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

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

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 😊😍

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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! 💟🦋🕉

Great video. Thank you 🙏

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Hey thanks for this video man this explains a LOT ❤

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

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

Thank you so much for this video! 🙏

Thank you for this very informative video

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.

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.

This makes so much sense.

This helped me so much.

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

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.

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.

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

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

being sober is traumatic ....

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.

Thanks for the video.

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.

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.

Wow this is a great video thanks

Gosh this makes so much sense.

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.

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.....

Great videos in short lenght.

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

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.

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 😞

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

Great info

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.

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?

Thank you, sir!!

I’m so going to use this video with my sponsees in CMA

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.

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

These are amazing i wish i learned this stuff once upon atime

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

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.

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.

Dude seems so down to earth! 🤙

Thank you very much.

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.

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

I wish I could do your treehouse project. Thankyou for this vlog. You’ve explained probably why I am such a prolific relapser. Alcohol has ruined me and I love surfing

Thank you 🌹

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

Look thanks for this, I have the same way most people here have it, although lately I only drink and smoke but this isn't exactly helping me to get better with it, but I'm cutting back on booze and nicotine. It's so shit you want to feel enjoyment again so you dribk more booze and weed and coke and that but it's just digging a deeper whole. Still after having tried notropics and neurogenesis drugs like Lions mane or lithium, I noticed some some improvement, but *nothing* like it used to be, buropin or however you spell it is my next go to

Thank you !!

excellent i was blaming myself horrendously thinking why cant feel my sobriety from alcohol

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.

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?"

Thank you 🙏

yeah this is exactly what i feel.

Workout, it helps release all the bad stuff . Sauna, vitamins . Be disciplined

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?

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.

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