> I could only truly stop playing it when I completely internalized the fact that the game didn't bring me anything except misery
Being cognizant of this was among the first steps to curbing addiction for me, but I found that I would quickly forget when my mind was in pursuit mode. Anticipation creates a large spike in dopamine - I've shaken in anticipation, you've got blinders on at that point. I needed the discipline to avoid entertaining the thought of cravings and take myself out of situations, offer alternatives even. When I was stressed or sleepless is when this was hardest. Eventually your baseline dopamine levels improve, and you find more motivation and focus for everyday life. It can get better with most other things remaining equal, which in my experience was beyond my imagination until I lived it.
Being cognizant of this was among the first steps to curbing addiction for me, but I found that I would quickly forget when my mind was in pursuit mode. Anticipation creates a large spike in dopamine - I've shaken in anticipation, you've got blinders on at that point. I needed the discipline to avoid entertaining the thought of cravings and take myself out of situations, offer alternatives even. When I was stressed or sleepless is when this was hardest. Eventually your baseline dopamine levels improve, and you find more motivation and focus for everyday life. It can get better with most other things remaining equal, which in my experience was beyond my imagination until I lived it.