So true. I've experienced more than my share of addiction, and the dopamine hits, while intense, only bring momentary pleasure. Instead of happiness, feelings o

So true. I've experienced more than my share of addiction, and the dopamine hits, while intense, only bring momentary pleasure. Instead of happiness, feelings of shame are often the result. Fortunately there are many things out there that both bring happiness and pleasure. But the pleasure happens at the appropriate time and place. For instance. 1. The high one experiences during or after strenuous exercise. 2. The satisfaction of a job well done (whether physical labor or not). 3. The feeling of relief after going through a difficult time. 4. Even sex, when it results from genuine emotional/spiritual connection with a spouse. These things all involve a moderate-to-severe degree of pain. Yes, even the fourth one. It is hard to trust another person with our own personal darkness. Those things (drugs, eating, shopping, porn, etc.) that attempt to isolate and repeat just the reward/pleasure sensations experienced in life not only cheapen the experience, but limit our capacity to enjoy real life fully.