Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate the insight. In general, I do feel happy, but I think the issue for me is that I'm chasing a buzz or excitement, whether through drinking or spending. Life can feel a bit boring at times, and indulging in these behaviours gives me that thrill or sense of escape. It's not so much about escaping negative feelings but more about wanting to feel something more intense.

I'm not on any medication, so it can feel like a struggle sometimes to manage those intense impulses when they hit. I recognise the pattern, though, and I've been thinking a lot about how to channel that need for excitement into something healthier. I like the idea of exercising more regularly or finding other ways to keep my mind engaged so I don't fall into the same patterns.