One thing I notice about all the times I tried to quit is the very deep fight or flight anxiety I had when I gave in and went back to caffeine. I had a small cup after trying to quit last time after a few months, and I felt crazy anxiety almost immediately. I wonder why I continue to drink even when it makes me feel bad. I don't know. It's not even a pleasant experience, for the most part. There was this other time when I was off for less time then went back and I felt euphoric, so it's really unpredictable how I will feel.
I got really good at compartmentalizing the anxiety caused by caffeine while on copious amounts of it, and then my body realized that I could finally relax when I got off of it until I went back. It's like it was on vacation even though calm is supposed to be its natural state and I'm constantly pushing it so much I don't know what calm is really like. My body knows how it feels about all that cortisol but my mind forgets.

Hey everyone, so I have read this sub's Defqon FAQ but still have a couple questions. I am flying over from the UK and get a shuttle to defqon. I am obviously trying to spend as little as possible and want to avoid buying alcohol at the stands, so is there a shop at the festival where you can buy alcohol, or even just big bottles of soft drinks (so I can buy spirits at Duty Free)? If not where would I be able to buy big crates of beecider before the journey to defqon?

Wow...Can't believe it! I wish I had all these amazing transformation stories but I really don't have any...Biggest Transformation I have is going from a guy who has been a HEAVY drinker his whole life and drinking Daily the last 3 yrs or so....to a guy that hasn't had a drop in an entire year.
This place really helps and I wish everyone the best in their journey! I remember when I started on here and saw people with a year and I was like MAN...how did they do that?
Well If I can do it everyone else can too! Good Luck to everytone!

I was feeling a little reflective today and went through old records of my university days. At the beginning, I didn't drink, and I didn't really like being around those who did because of how stupid they acted. During my sophomore year, I drank occasionally, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. My grades were great. But by the time I studied abroad the second semester of my junior year, my drinking had quickly accelerated and I was scaring myself.
After coming back, things only got worse. A combination of poor mental health and heavy drinking led to abysmal grades. One semester I even failed all my classes. I had tried going on SSRIs, seeing a counselor, etc., but I wasn't being honest with anyone, not even myself. I did not graduate on time. I did not graduate until several years later.
I carried around this shame for many years. Why did it take me basically 8 years to graduate college, including two years "in the wilderness" and another year and half cobbling together the final credits? I can even feel some shame typing it all out now; I've carried it around for so long.
Today, I put everything in a spreadsheet, and imagined an alternate universe where my life hadn't been derailed because of drinking. Instead of all those courses I failed due to nonattendance, I withdrew from them. Instead of C's and D's, I gave myself A's and B's. Looking at that final imaginary GPA was nice, but then I realized it didn't matter.
My life would have been totally different to what it is now, one of an infinite combination of possibilities. But the truth is, I'm really happy with where I am now. I was able to stop drinking. I've definitely become someone my 22-year-old self would have been proud of. Those grades don't mean anything now.
Instead, I started thinking what I would have told my younger self. It's ok to feel the way you're feeling. What you're going through is nothing at all unusual. You don't need to feel ashamed, fearful of judgment from doctors, counselors, people near to you. You don't have to do it alone. It's gonna be ok.
I would tell myself there are plenty of people going through the same thing, and many have gotten better. If you really give yourself a chance, you have a good shot. What that looks like is up to you; there are a myriad of ways. But the self-isolation and the hiding and the trying to deal with it on your own isn't working, and it probably isn't going to fix itself that way. In the end, there may not be any clear "reason" why you drink the way you do, but the good news is that reason might not even be the important part. The important part is that you can get through this and it's gonna be ok.

Ive been dealing with sciatica pain all year and been going to the chiro. I've noticed that when I drink heavy on the weekend my back flares up for the next couple of days. Since I've curbed that, my pain has went from a constant 3 or 4 in the morning down to a 1. Just an FYI but I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience?

When I (22M) was a senior in high school, I weighed 140 pounds and was in good shape. Its been 4 years since I graduated, and I’ve gained 100 pounds since then. I was 5’10” then and haven’t gotten any taller since then either. I’ve been working for over a year and no matter what I do right, the pounds don’t seem to come off.
I’ve been going to the gym consistently 5 times a week. I’ve followed workout regiments, do my cardio and weight lifting accordingly, and nothing seems to change no matter how consistent, or alternatively how much I change things up. I lost 10 pounds my first month in, then nothing has changed since then. No physical changes, and no notice of myself getting stronger either. If I wasn’t losing weight because I was replacing fat with muscle gain, it would at least make sense, but that isn’t the case. I don’t go any faster or further on a treadmill, I don’t get any more reps or any heavier weight than when I started, it’s as if I plateaued after the first month and have gotten no change since then no matter what I do.
I’ve been on and off different diets that lasted a couple months, to no avail. Eating less than 1500 calories a day, making healthy food choices like vegetables and grilled chicken, the only fluid I drink is water, consuming appropriate amounts of protein. It doesn’t make sense why I haven’t lost any weight.
At one point, I got so desperate I tried to starve myself. I consumed absolutely nothing for a week and a half straight other than water. I didn’t lose a single pound. I know it sounds crazy, I wish I was making stuff up. It’s a biological phenomenon. I KNOW I’m doing stuff right (other than the starving, I haven’t done that again since then, I was just desperate), so why have I seen no results after a whole year? Should I see a doctor?

Hi all! Hope you’re hanging in there. Quick background: horrible perimenopause from age 37 on (hemorrhagic periods, nausea, migraines). Last real period in February 2022. Hot flashes, rapid stomach/thighs/butt weight gain, systemic dehydration, and sporadic bouts of hopelessness/depression started in fall 2022.
Started HRT pellets in March 2023 and they’ve been amazing. But no matter what I do, I can’t seem to lose any weight. I’ve gained 40 lbs in 3 years, 15lbs in the last year alone, 5’10” and 190lbs, lifelong athlete. And now I just had blood work from annual exam and my bad cholesterol and triglycerides both have gone through the roof. (148 and 200 respectively)
Any tips on what’s worked for you to bring down the numbers and lose the centralized guy/butt/thighs weight?
I am pretty healthy: strength train, run, walk, stopped drinking alcohol in May, no soda, only occasional sugar, flour, fried stuff. I feel so betrayed by my own body 😩

I've been having increasing swallowing problems for the past few years. I visited an ENT a bunch of times before they suggested I get an Endoscopy, which revealed that I had some wounds in my esophagus and stomach, as well as a hiatal hernia.
That doctor asked me about Heartburn, I replied that I don't really have it, so he didn't prescribe anything. It was only after visiting another doctor a year later, and asking here on Reddit, that with the acid caused wound in my esophagus and my hiatal hernia, acid reflux is by far the most likely candidate.
So that was a month ago, and I was prescribed some PPI's. Unfortunately I went on vacation where I didn't sleep with my head propped properly, had a lot of alcohol and nicotine, and wasn't religious with taking the PPI's. Towards the end of the holiday I developed a postnasal drip, and it's still kicking around 2 weeks later, along with big problems swallowing, a big lump in the throat feeling and a dry cough.
I'm posting because I wanted an idea of how common it is to have GERD without any Heartburn sensations? Before the PPI's I would get very very minor heartburn symptoms a couple times a week, but since I started them I get none at all.
Currently I've cut out alcohol, I also am not having any nicotine but I never vaped full time anyways, just when drinking, my previous drinking was around 5 drinks a week. I also bought a good chair, I was lying down on the couch a lot because my set up was very uncomfortable to sit in, now with the chair and wedge pillow my midsection is never horizontal at any point in the day.
Food wise however I haven't made any changes. My dysphagia is quite strong these days, and when I look at lists of heartburn friendly meals it all seems like stuff that would be very hard for me to get down. As ridiculous as it is I probably get 30-40% of my daily calories from milkshakes these days, because it's easy and filling. I've been telling myself that as I don't consume any food or drinks for 4 hours before bed, and get no sensation of pressure/heat or frequent burping, that my symptoms are likely caused by acid leaking out of my stomach due to a fubar esophagal sphincter and not by too much acid or anything, probably just copium though.
So just looking for some feedback from other people who share the same problems.
Thanks!

I know the title seems a little less dramatic then I’m feeling but I feel this is the best place for me to get honest advice. Me and my boyfriend of two years have been going through a bit of a rough time. We are both still uni students me studying Criminology and boyfriend doing a architecture so things have been difficult with finding time for each other. We have never really had problems in the past besides the normal silly bickering so it’s safe to say this is new to both of us.
I wasn’t really sure what to do so I turned to my mum and dad for advice on how to solve things and at first everything seemed fine they said relationships are hard but we will get through it. Cut to a family barbecue where my whole family are gathered at my grandparents house and I of course brought my boyfriend. No ones ever had a problem with him and in fact they seem to really like him especially my grandad who loves talking to him about fishing and football. Everyone was having fun my nephews and nieces playing and us adults having a few drinks when my mum starts talking to my aunties about my “failing relationship.” Overhearing this I took my dad aside and asked him respectful to tell mum to stop talking about my relationship. I thought i was disrespectful to be talking about this in front of my boyfriend and single him out when he’s with my whole family.
My dad just grunted and walked over to my mum. I thought that was going to be the end of the drama for today but it turns out my mum wasn’t done with ruining our day. She then called my boyfriend over and started patronising him loud enough for everyone to hear. Saying things like “your times more valuable then ours” and “I’m shocked you could make time for us little people.” Now I get that my mum is trying to defend me in her own way but doing this in front of the whole family was too much. My poor boyfriend stood there wide eyed for a second when he just came out and said “take time to fix your own marriage before you start playing Cupid with mine.”
My mum and Dad were stunned at this as their faces turned red from embarrassment. They started demanding that either they get an apology or I have to breakup with him which I can proudly say will never happen on their terms.
After about 10 minutes of my parents shouting and screaming at my boyfriend we decided it was best to leave. I’m now getting messages and calls from my parents and aunties demanding that I break up with my boyfriend.
AITA for telling them no and sticking up for my boyfriend?

I’ve been an avid listener to Elis James and John Robins for years. Listening to them during my first attempt at sobriety from August 2020 really helped me through some dark times.
Paused my listening last year as John talking about alcohol really gave me notions about getting back on the sauce. As it turns out I bloody relapsed anyway.
Decided to give it another go today and listen to their first episode in the How Do You Cope series and, would you believe, John’s talking about his sobriety and the realisation that he was an alcoholic.
As one of my favourite presenters his story really resonated with me. He describes so many things in this podcast that struck a chord, from the planning of drinking sessions down to his first encounter with booze which was very similar to mine.
A very interesting listen for anyone, whether you’re sober-curious or well on your journey to sobriety.
Here’s the link (not sure if it will work).
If it doesn’t, just type in How Do You Cope with Elis and John
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-do-you-cope-with-elis-and-john/id1484491260?i=1000615806980

I’ve tried each of these consistently for two weeks:
It is prescribed to take on an empty stomach, I take two pills daily…. And nothing. Doesn’t work. No poop 9 days
Tried mixing it up. Took while eating breakfast. Explosion zone, but it brought relief!
I continued experimenting with the time to take it before eating and I can’t find a happy medium.
At this point I feel like my 2 doses of miralax a day works more consistently, then this outrageously priced prescription.
Thoughts? Experiences. Suggestions?
Info: 42F, drinks around a gallon of water a day, IF some days. Other days OMAD. I eat when my body says it’s hungry. I heard eating every three hours might help? Mostly healthy meals, veggies and meat or legumes. We eat out on Fridays. Lebanese or Indian are our treats. My main processed foods are crisps, ritz crackers with peanut butter, and graham crackers. I walk on a treadmill and row fourish times a week (each) some days overlap.
If you tell me go paleo and workout for an hour a day. Ok. I’ll do it for a month. I just want to bring some consistency. PS-I go into the office now once or twice a week and am bloody terrified that I’ll have a pooplosion or sweat poops there.
Hi, why are you covered in sweat? I pooped. Let’s try and avoid that…

To start off I'm English we have a huge drinking culture I'm not looking to cut that out of my life but I'm looking to put away alcohol. I have a few mate who will no doubt try gete to drink every time we go out but I can deal with it I think... My main worries is more so when going to a pub or BBQ or the like what else is there to drink that's not just full of suger or an Alcohol replacement?
I'm looking to stop with the bloated upset stomach and the only thing I can think of is water?

What are you drinking today? What questions have been on your mind? Any stories to share? And don't worry, no one will make fun of you for what you drink or the questions you ask.
You can also talk about anything else on your mind, from your specific routine while making tea, or how you've been on an oolong kick lately. Feel free to link to pictures in here, as well. You can even talk about non-tea related topics; maybe you want advice on a guy/gal, or just to talk about life in general.

I’ve been in Polaris lounges at three different airports. They are all disappointing. Sure the drinks are free, and the food is a little better than in the United Club, but the lounges are usually just as crowded as the United Clubs. I would rather sit in a restaurant in the airport and pay for dinner.
Just all around disappointing, and not at all a perk of international business class on United.

I wish so much that my life wasn’t ruled by alcohol. I foolishly convinced myself that I could drink casually after almost 4 months sober. I’m back to drinking every day and I’m tired. I wish so much that my life wasn’t revolves around alcohol. When I’m sober I’m okay; but I want to drink more than anything. When I’m drinking I miss my life from when I was sober. I hate this cycle.

tldr: My therapist is worried about my media consumption, but I feel misunderstood and want to communicate that. But I feel like there is no ground for discussion since she views me as an addict and I am not sure if I am as good as i feel or unaware of my severity.
​
Dear Dr. K and healthygamers,
I (25/f, "gifted child") am in psychoanalytic therapy (for 2 years now) and started taking Bupropion about 2 months ago. These two combined help me feel noticably better, working through a lot of unfortunate situations I had to got though in my past and handling present misfortunes.
Yesterdays therapy session though felt like a reality check/hit into a wall and caused confusion and discomfort in me. I am/was quite happy with my situation and emotional state, since I cut lose from my former toxic environment (and handled it more stable emotionally this time), got the necessary work done for uni (Master of Applied Research in Engineering), started a few fun things like learning to play drums (together with my boyfriend), teaching a danceclass nearby and found new aquiantances online to play csgo with (I feel a great vibe with them).
Though, after my therapist asked me how many hours I'm currently spending infront of my computer or other media, since she felt like i was emotionally leveled that day, and I answered 8hours+ she looked at me with an aghast face and the mood in the room dropped. I tried to justify myself because I didn't feel out of control and wanted it to not be a problem. It is not like I'm currently escaping from sth (which does/did happen) but more like I'm really enjoying this freedom right now. And I'm talking about 8+ hours where my pc is running. During this time I feel like I'm doing lots of stuff like listening to music (I do stand up to dance, stretch, train and do chores to the music), looking stuff up, educating myself, calling friends, socializing, reading one piece, looking for entertainment, playing games etc.
I can't represent how it went exactly but after some explaining from myself, she stated that she felt so worried and it was like having to watch an alcoholic taking drinks.
Those words hurt and irritated me. In the moment I thought that in my case it didn't feel like a problem and I'm using the time somewhat valuably to me and there should be a better way to help me with my addiction when I really need it (I like to look for responsibility outside from myself). But quickly I had a sinking feeling, that that's exactly how an addict would react to this kind of confrontation. And now I feel so disappointed and set back, since I felt like being in such a happy place and can't comprehend if I'm unaware of my severity or if it's actually the lack of expertise of my therapist regarding media/gaming addiction and how to handle its patients. Also, I don't like to doubt my therapist. It is an uneasy feeling and I would love your takes on my situation.
Thank you so much for reading!
Since I started therapy I stopped watching your content for me to be uninfluenced in therapy and let her do her work, so PLEASE let me know on here if there's going to be any video or clips of Dr. K talking about this post. I would be overjoyed!

Want to find the best espresso machine according to Reddit users? This post is a hub for Reddit discussion on that topic!
Here you'll find links to Reddit threads discussing the best earbuds (with input from users who have sometimes used a product for years), as well as a sourced summary of the most recommended items, including pros and cons if any.
Other than that, you'll find a list of good resources and important tips on buying wireless earbuds by Redditors.
Got your own questions or product suggestions? Make sure to leave a comment here to get even more discussion going!

Summary: best espresso machines 2023 according to reddit

1. Breville/Sage Bambino Plus - beginner home espresso machine (around $500)
2. Gaggia classic pro - beginner home espresso machine (around $450)
3. Breville/Sage Barista Express - best espresso machine with built in grinder, make 2 espresso's at once (around $750)

Below you'll find more info on where they've been recommended, and why.
1. Breville/Sage Bambino Plus
Features: 64 fl oz water tank, milk frother, 9 bar, stainless steel. (Amazon link, rated 4.3 stars after 1400+ reviews)
Mentions by Redditors:

• "The Bambino Plus can produce 9 bar hot water for espresso at the right temperature quickly (3 seconds from start up using a thermoblock) AND automatically steam the milk unti you learn how to do it yourself. Right out of the box the Bambino Plus makes good coffee. It is semi-automatic meaning that you dont have to fiddle with a load of settings to find the right way to use it." - source, 32 upvotes
• "If you buy new, $1K is sort of a no-mans land for espresso machines. For less money, the most often recommended machines are Breville Bambino (or Bambino Plus), Gaggia Classic Pro, or Rancilio Silvia." - source, 8 upvotes
• "I got the bambino plus about 3 weeks ago and love it so far. I’m a home espresso beginner. [...] My overall impression is that it’s a phenomenal first home espresso machine. I’ve had better shots at specialty coffee shops but generally pull far better shots than I get at most coffee shops" - source, 3 upvotes

2. Gaggia Classic Pro
Features: 72 fl oz water tank, milk frother, 9 bar, stainless steel (Amazon link, rated 4.6 stars after 2300+ reviews)
Mentions by Redditors:

• "If you buy new, $1K is sort of a no-mans land for espresso machines. For less money, the most often recommended machines are Breville Bambino (or Bambino Plus), Gaggia Classic Pro, or Rancilio Silvia." - source, 8 upvotes
• "Been running a stock Gaggia Classic Pro for about 8 months and have been loving it. I personally don't mind it being a bit loose on accuracy as someone that mostly uses dark oily roasts." - source, 3 upvotes
• "gaggia classic pro or bambino plus" - source, 17 upvotes

3. Breville/Sage Barista Express
Features: 67 fl oz water tank, mil frother, built-in grinder, 9 bar, make 2 espresso's at once, stainless steel (Amazon link, rated 4.6 stars after 21000+ reviews)
Mentions by Redditors:

• "The Breville Barista Express, and some of their other models, comes with a grinder and makes pretty damn good espresso. <$1000USD. It’s entry level and a good starting point, IMO." - source, 7 upvotes
• "The best one is the Breville Barista Express: [...] It's on for about $700 but there are always deals. I've had it for a year and I haven't looked back. I drink coffee every day." - source, 7 upvotes
• "I started with a Breville Batista Express and would recommend that to anyone looking for a budget minded entry level option." - source, 6 upvotes
• [on best bang for your buck espresso machines] "Brevile barista express. Got it on sale for 500 in 2020 and it has done everything I could want" - source, 9 upvotes

Amount of comments and upvotes of: june 7th, 2023.

Reddit threads discussing the best wireless (bluetooth) earbuds

Here's a list of Reddit threads with genuine recommendations about the best wireless earbuds:

• Official espresso: Espresso Machine Budget Buyer's Guide (on espresso, 149 comments)
• [Opinions] In 2023, which machine is the best value for money for home use? (on espresso, 49 comments)
• Best espresso machine under $1000? (on Coffee, 34 comments)
• What to look for when buying an espresso machine (on Coffee, 46 comments)
• Best Starter Machine? (on espresso, 77 comments)
• Home Espresso Machines under $1000 (on Coffee, 37 comments)
• Best bang for your buck espresso machine? (on espresso,60 comments)

Amount of comments as of: june 7th, 2023.

Resources and other tips suggested by Reddit

Here are some tips suggested by Redditors:

• "You should fix your price limit and consider that 40 to 50% goes to a great grinder. Beginners often underestimate that and end up with a lot of frustration." - 14 upvotes

Here are some other resources suggested by Redditors:

• Espressoaf.com, detailed website with advice on espresso machines, recommended here, 8 upvotes

Questions or suggestions

Still have your own questions or suggestions? Comment below!

(welcome to those who have seen my last two posts this will be a surprise as i said i prefer to inspire rather then write so with out further ado i give you the prototype chapter one of royal conundrum)
9 years post liberation on the shil home world.
the sun was low on the horizon giving way to the first stars of the night as a young shil male walks through a dark street where signs glow a mixture of colors his walk becoming more relaxed as he nears a gold and white door with the center brass plaque reading Moon Harp Café.
after waiting but mere moments he opens the door to a sweet smelling fog and the sound of soft plucking style music and a grinder grinding beans to a fine powder the few patrons more interested in their data slates and cloud machines and drinks the gold seeming to flow like it was pouring of the crescent moon tables through the walls and the floor creating a golden sun in the center of the floor.
As he approached the counter he saw a young human with long arctic snow white hair and skin to match with amethyst eyes behind a machine a sweet yet bitter smell coming from it as the human said Kiaora its nice to see you again how have you been.
It has been a long day trying to keep my affairs in order. he responded
well each day is new cant find treasure in every river any way would you like the usual today? asked the young human.
that would be great. he said as he slid his credit chip across the counter.
no need consider this one on the house you've been one of the first regular's since i opened this café 2 years ago its the least i can do especially when one of my regulars has had a tough day. the human said as they pushed the credit chip back before handing him a number stand. please find a place ill have it ready for you soon. they said
as he sat at the table near the corner of the café he sat there staring at the human after what he heard of humans he was sure they where female but things where not right the jaw line was a little to sharp and they had a flat chest the clothes where not any help a black long sleeve hoodie and black denim boot cut jeans as well as seaming heavy boots with an extra layer around the toe area made of some sort of leather but they seemed to move gracefully over the floor making no sound with each step as the human walked over and placed a cup of his usual hot chocolate with extra marsh mellows a small slice of a red cake with white frosting.
There you go one hot chocolate and a slice of red velvet cake i hope this helps you relax this evening. they said as they took the number from his stand and left to enjoy his food and drink.
while he watch the animation on the wall sized display depicting a mountain range he had never seen before with a blue sky fading through orange and purple to a deep black the moon stark and bright illuminating the mountain range like it was covered in sparkling diamonds as time seemed to fade into a distant memory his watch beeped at him he groaned as he cheeked it a small message saying its time to come home he got up and began for the for door as it opened he saw a small car with his farther glaring at him.
get it your expected at home your mother is to busy to pick you up from your adventures. he said
as the younger male climbed into the car pouting as they began driving home under the star filled night sky the light clouds obscuring the moon from view.
end of chaptor 1
(hope you guys enjoy this is the first time putting any of my books into public view any way have a good day and dont forget each day is new no two are ever the same enjoy them as a final note this is a prototype chapter i intend on asking blue fish so i can continue this story in the ssbv )

When I (20m) was younger, i had absolutely no issues with bathroom use. I went normally and was rarely ever constipated.
Then one day I went for an entire week without using the bathroom as, at the time, I was staying with a friend and felt super awkward about going at his house. When I finally did go it hurt like hell and took about 2 hours to squeeze out. Ever since then I have never been able to have a normal or natural bowel movement. Immediately after this event I went another 2 weeks without the bathroom, not for lack of trying, but because I physically couldn't.
I ended up downing 2 bottles of magnesium citrate in order to get things moving, and have been on a daily dose of miralax ever since. It sucks. I find that as long as I am consistent with the medication things work OK, but if I miss even just 1 day I will be backed up for a week again. I have a relatively normal diet with plenty of fiber and I drink a lot of water. All the doctors I've been to have basically just told me to eat better and exercise. I suspect there might be something wrong with me beyond my lifestyle choices but nobody seems to care.
Any thoughts? Sorry for the long post I just really needed to rant about this