[ankushnarula]

To start, a good talk therapist who can help the client learn to face those negative emotions, and to come up with a plan on reducing the escapism (which itself functions like an addiction to diversions). Dopamine is the reward hormone, so excessively escaping into novelty or thrill-seeking or other self-satisfying stimuli functions like an addiction even without consuming substances. A good experienced therapist should be able to work with the client on mindfulness techniques and somatic awareness of emotions to help the client navigate. In extreme cases, where the client is unable to focus and control their urge to escape or obsess, the therapist might refer the client to a psychiatrist who might prescribe bupropion (Wellbutrin) or some similar dopamine regulation drug to bootstrap the therapeutic process.

And here’s a good video by Andrew Huberman on dopamine regulation and optimization - he’s big on lifestyle changes before medicating (as am I). But it’s really hard unless you’re committed to doing the work on yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-TW2Chpz4k

[lazide]

Except you basically just described ADHD and talk therapy is worse than useless for ADHD?