Comment · Sat, March 7, 2015 · Ceretropic
Will we ever be able to change our baseline "homeostasis" level?
Original post in this thread
FindingFrisson · 18 points
I don't know the limits of what is currently possible with the latest cutting edge technology. With the advent of (weak) AI in regards to medical discoveries, I am sure what was once though impossible will seem like ignorance in the future.
Until then, what are the limits of what we can do TODAY?
Are there "black market" gene modifications that can change the expression of a certain neurotransmitter?
If an individual had real money and a real desire to permanently change his neurochemistry is that even within the realm of possibility?
What they were answering
DeltruS · 9 points
You don't need to do gene modifications to make yourself feel better permanently. The people who say "you can't beat homeostatis" are just disillusioned because they met one obstacle. One obstacle is not the end of the world.
There are so many people who feel 100 times better after taking modafinil, caffeine, nicotine, nsi-189, semax, moderately dosed adderall, psychadelics etc. Homeostatis isn't an all powerful rule, just a good heuristic.
We just don't know exactly how things work so nobody can say for sure what will work in the long run.
For this same reason, you can't just throw money at a problem like "homeostatis" and expect to get good results. You can't just assume your problems are from off-balance neurotransmitters. It might be a whole system of things out of whack, or your body might be adapting to something with inflammation etc.
A 23andme.com kit is a good start if you want to actually figure out the "roots" of problems. After that you just have to try a bunch of stuff and learn as much as you can.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
I love getting emails from people that have found the right combination for their brain chemistry. "I am feeling like I have never felt. Is this what I am supposed to feel like? Fricken unbelievable!" It makes my day to know that they are finally getting themselves to a level playing field. The problem is that it takes a lot of trial and error to get there, so some people become disillusioned and give up.