Pretty much ANYthing can give some person a dopamine rush. Even scientology — sometimes, — for a short while.

My involvement was much shorter in duration than yours, but even so I can relate to what you’re saying.

No kiddin, eh? I used to say that playing Warhammer 40k “is more expensive than, and less socially acceptable than, a heroin habit.” But now it seems that Scientology beats them out in both, and is more destructive to boot. You might lose non-using friends and family if you have a heroin habit, but Scientology REQUIRES that you break contact with them!

*nostalgia*…One of my most enjoyable memories playing 40k comes from a game i lost 1-10, where i had just absurdly bad luck the entire time; getting my only point on the very last roll of the very last turn! THAT was satisfying, and makes for a warm fuzzy memory and good story. 😀 */nostalgia*

Great question. I have considered the issue for years. The answer is yes and no. I was a total space cadet on OT VIII and I followed the level. It turned out that I handled a few personal issues on the level unrelated to the state of OT. Just figure that I was concentrated on the level, paid a ton of money, and went through years of preparation. Naturally when I got on the meter the personal issues came up and I had feelings of relief. The negative part involved an enormous internal struggle about Scientology. Where did Hubbard get this stuff? Why did I get involved. Also the financial hardship was enormous. We also paid a great price when our kids figured out we were once in Scientology. Pain and suffering.

You can get a good dopamine rush playing penny arcades – take a big bottle of collected small change and try to get rid of it all as quickly as possible one penny at a time.

WAYC proffered:
“Look, scientologists, you might get a little spike in dopamine for a fleeting moment as you think you are leveling up in scientology, however there is a way to get that same feeling without losing your money, your family, and your dignity.”

Drugs and alcohol, perhaps?

So did you feel like you had any significant wins from OT VIII?

I watched his videos and read his book too. I think but job is a more accurate description.

Level up!

Look, scientologists, you might get a little spike in dopamine for a fleeting moment as you think you are leveling up in scientology, however there is a way to get that same feeling without losing your money, your family, and your dignity.

Try leveling up in computer games, or better yet, in wholesome tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons or something.

Cheap! Fun! Affordable! (Three words that could never be used to describe scientology)