I think one of the causes of addiction is dopamine dysregulation where the normal feels bad and drugs help fix that, at least temporarily. I wonder if instead of using strong drugs such people would be better off skipping the addiction part and go direct to a rehab where they use a weaker drug like modafinil. I think the dopamine dysregulation caused by strong drugs is already likely pre-existing in those who are seeking the drugs in an effort to fill the hole. Those same people are more likely to become addicted and have more difficulty quitting.
I take Modafinil at half the normal dose of 100mg and have been on that same dose steadily for years with little sign of building a tolerance or an addiction.
Modafinil aka provigil? As opposed to taking an amphetamine? I can never find modafinil, I've wanted it forever because I like staying up 48 hours a few times a year. Coffee only gets me to 32 hours, miserably.
I find that stuff like methadone is really quite strong, and I don't see how it isn't addictive. I figure it's to keep addicts alive while they get treatment instead of them getting a hot shot somewhere and ending up in a grave.
I remember my first hit of modafinil, it was a rush, too much energy and unpleasant even at the half dose of 100mg. But this appears to only happen to people who have a pre-existing dopamine dysregulation. I've given modafinil to many people who appear to have rather normal pre-existing dopamine levels and they've reported practically zero effects.
The brain quickly adjusts and the rush from the modafinil goes away, it was gone by my second dose - it feels rather more like a coffee but longer lasting and smoother / cleaner I guess, it's hard to describe.
I think most people seeking such drugs are actually self medicating and would generally choose normal if it was an option. While I do have access to stronger drugs I have no desire for them. I also take Amitriptyline which helps balance out the Modafinil and the two together with Modafinil in the morning and Amitriptyline at night have been really effective at treating my dysautonomia and keeping me on a productive even keel.
> I find that stuff like methadone is really quite strong, and I don't see how it isn't addictive. I figure it's to keep addicts alive while they get treatment instead of them getting a hot shot somewhere and ending up in a grave.
I am not an expert, but yes Methadone is addictive. It is drug replacement therapy, and Methadone is still a drug. The primary criticism of its use in addiction treatment is that it replaces dependence on one drug, like Heroin, with dependence on Methadone. A benefit of its use is indeed that it's a well regulated drug whose composition is known.
My understanding of why it helps in addiction treatment is that it triggers the same receptors as the drug it replaces, therefore satisfying the addiction, but it produces less intense effects and stays active for much longer, with less severe withdrawal symptoms spread out over a longer time period.
AFAIK it's the speed of the effect that is the dominant cause of addiction in this class of drugs, the drug has to outrun counter effects in the brain. Modafinil is slow onset and long lasting. It's also a weaker ligand so the body/brain can still overcome the effect so if you don't allow your body to rest modafinil won't be able to keep you awake. I've had to go cold turkey a few times and it was rather mild.
I take Modafinil at half the normal dose of 100mg and have been on that same dose steadily for years with little sign of building a tolerance or an addiction.