Dopamine Depletion Protocol v2.3

STATUS: EXPERIMENTAL | RISK: HIGH | DURATION: 72 HOURS

Objective

Reset dopamine receptor sensitivity through controlled depletion. Restore reward response to baseline stimuli that have been devalued through overstimulation.

Pre-Protocol Requirements

CRITICAL WARNINGS

⚠️ MEDICAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Protocol Emergency Hotline: [REDACTED]
• Psychiatric Crisis: 988 (US) / 111 (UK)
• Keep benzos on hand: Lorazepam 2mg PRN

Equipment & Supplies

equipment:
  - isolation_chamber
  - sleep_monitor (w/HRV, REM detection)
  - EEG helmet
  - dehydration_mitigation (IV saline)
  
sources:
  - chemical_supplier_1: TrustedSource Ltd.
  - chemical_supplier_2: BioChemicals R Us
  
emergency_antidotes:
  - diazepam (10mg)
  - naloxone (if opioids present)
  - dextrose (hypoglycemia)

cost_estimates:
  - equipment: $2,500
  - monitoring: $1,500
  - chemicals: $2,000
  

System Check

#!/bin/bash
# Pre-flight diagnostic

check_medications() {
  if [[ $SSRI_USE == "true" ]] || [[ $STIMULANT_USE == "true" ]]; then
    echo "ERROR: Contraindicated medications detected"
    exit 1
  fi
}

check_baseline() {
  echo "Rate pleasure from eating plain rice (1-10):"
  read BASELINE
  if [[ $BASELINE -gt 3 ]]; then
    echo "WARNING: May not require protocol"
  fi
}

Baseline Measurements

• Hedonic tone assessment
• Reward sensitivity index
• Attention span metrics
• Sleep quality score

Protocol Implementation

Phase 1: Preparation (Hour 0-12)

allowed_activities:
  - walking (no music)
  - reading (physical books only)
  - basic hygiene
  - meal preparation
  
forbidden:
  - all screens
  - music/podcasts
  - social interaction
  - novel experiences
  - sugar/processed foods

Phase 2: Deep Depletion (Hour 12-60)

Hour 12-24: Sensory Reduction

• Dim lighting only
• No flavored beverages (water only)
• Plain foods: rice, boiled vegetables
• No reading/writing
• Meditation permitted

Hour 24-48: The Void

• Complete digital abstinence
• Minimal human interaction
• No goal-directed activity
• Embrace boredom completely

Hour 48-60: Anhedonic Peak

• Peak discomfort expected
• Temporary emotional flatlining normal
• DO NOT ABORT - this is the reset point

Phase 3: Reactivation (Hour 60-72)

Gradual reintroduction sequence:

1. Hour 60: Single piece of fruit
2. Hour 62: 10 minutes sunlight
3. Hour 64: One song (choose carefully)
4. Hour 66: Brief social contact
5. Hour 68: Simple creative task
6. Hour 72: Full re-entry

Side Effects Profile

Expected (Normal)

• Extreme boredom
• Restlessness
• Mild anxiety
• Temporary anhedonia
• Increased dream vividness

Warning Signs (Abort If)

• Severe depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Panic attacks
• Dissociation
• Physical symptoms

Post-Protocol Integration

Immediate (Day 1-7)

const rewardSchedule = {
  day1: ["basic_pleasures", "simple_foods"],
  day2: ["music", "nature", "movement"],
  day3: ["social_interaction", "creative_work"],
  day4: ["limited_digital", "complex_tasks"],
  day5to7: "gradual_normal_restoration"
};

// Avoid immediate return to high stimulation
const forbidden_week1 = [
  "social_media",
  "video_games", 
  "pornography",
  "gambling",
  "binge_watching"
];

Long-term Maintenance

• Weekly "dopamine sabbaths" (24h mini-protocols)
• Stimulus rotation to prevent tolerance
• Regular hedonic assessments

Success Metrics

| Metric | Baseline | Post-72h | 1 Week | 1 Month | |--------|----------|----------|---------|----------| | Rice Enjoyment (1-10) | 2 | 8 | 6 | 5 | | Music Appreciation | 3 | 10 | 8 | 7 | | Work Satisfaction | 2 | 7 | 6 | 6 | | Natural Rewards | 1 | 9 | 7 | 6 |

Case Studies

Subject 2847 (Software Developer, 28M)

• Baseline: 14hr daily screen time, severe anhedonia
• Completion: 71/72 hours (aborted due to work emergency)
• Result: "Colors looked saturated for first time in years"
• 6-month follow-up: Maintained 50% improvement

Subject 3021 (Marketing Manager, 34F)

• Baseline: Social media addiction, coffee dependence
• Completion: Full 72 hours
• Result: Cried at sunset on day 4, reported "feeling alive"
• 6-month follow-up: Reduced screen time by 70%

Warnings

⚠️ DO NOT ATTEMPT IF:

• Currently on psychiatric medications
• History of severe depression
• Unable to take 3 days off responsibilities
• No support system available

⚠️ MEDICAL SUPERVISION RECOMMENDED

"The ability to be alone with your thoughts is a superpower in 2025."

• Anonymous protocol survivor