4 ms·

Ever since quitting stimulants I've been searching for something to make life as exciting as it previously was when I was on caffeine. I have tried several noo

Ever since quitting stimulants I've been searching for something to make life as exciting as it previously was when I was on caffeine. I have tried several nootropics, Tongkat Ali being the latest. These things definitely have effects, but the side effects were too great for me. I was able to get through the intense nausea, felt good for a few weeks and then was getting CRIPPLING anxiety whenever I'd take them. I've just come to the conclusion that day to day life isn't really meant to be "exciting" and I've learned to live with it. The last thing I want to do is become dependent on yet another thing to elevate my mood, and feel good. Would much rather focus on the external inputs and filter those to provide myself with the best mental state.

ericmcer 4y ago
I think of it less as being dependent on a substance and more as being able to cleanly segment my life. Especially with something like Adderall XR which has a 6-8 hour duration, it is pretty straightforward to turn on and off. Then on days off or after work it is easier to feel no particular obligation to do anything work related. Another bonus is getting so much done when 'on' that your time off is free from any anxiety around work achievements. That said I had a similar relationship to caffeine, it was more intense than adderall/ritalin to me but the afternoon drop off and affects on sleep/mood were too much and I have cut way back.