What is your fix?

[JimDaydreamer]

My psychiatrist told me that a person with ADD usually have a “fix”, something that gets the dopamine to rush through his veins, something that calms down the restlessness. Things like tobacco, drugs and alcohol are common fixes but others find their fix in activities where they can hyper focus. If not controlled, they can get obsessed with such activities to a point where they dedicate all their time to them. It can affect their relationships and /or other necessary (boring) activities. I have tried tobacco, drugs and alcohol but they did not do it for me. My fixes are sex and video games.

What is yours?

[Mini-S8]

I totally identify with this. I became fixated with essential oils and literally make everything in my home using them. Even my washing up liquid and laundry powder, cleaning products, food, make up - everything contains them now. I have spent hours researching and learning about them. I feel like I could open my own shop 🤣

I feel like maybe we can’t do things by halves. I’m all or nothing, as mediocre just doesn’t give me that much needed dopamine boost. 😝

[Mini-S8 in reply to Mini-S8]

By the way - mine used to be drugs, alcohol, food etc. But I am in recovery so I had to find other obsessions 😊🙌🏻🙏

[JimDaydreamer in reply to Mini-S8]

👏🏼 good job and keep it up!

[Neurolancer]

You are probably in good company! I had plenty of party time in my youth, but not to excess. A steady flow of dopamine is triggered by hyper-focusing on work that is truly stimulating and rewarding — this is how I’ve typically gotten into the flow. I stopped working in a paid position and in a field / job that I was really good at due to the demands of family. Without the work it has been a rough go — i sort of wallow and drown at the same time. I take on voluminous volunteer high level work to try and compensate but it doesn’t quite do the job. Oh yes, when I was younger it was also skiing, running, hiking.

Enjoy your obsessions — they could be worse!

[JimDaydreamer in reply to Neurolancer]

May I ask what kind of stimulating work did you use to do?

[OTBrain]

Yes. This is me. When I was young it was partying, then exercise. I still exercise incessantly to try to manage my symptoms (I haven't braved medication yet), but more recently I am also stuck in a sugar cyclone. I am sure my husband wishes sex was my fix, ha ha.