Life is about identifying your values and finding ways to work towards those values. If he does that with productive evenings instead of watching TV, I am sure that gives him purpose and makes him happy.

I agree, but you must admit hustle culture is a thing, and the OP sure sounds like they've fallen victim to it.

I'm a Stoic.

Anyway, getting off all drugs has been great, mostly due to the hedonic treadmill/tolerance.

Similar with video games. Games are fun today, but if I play them for a few weeks, they become work.

I get way more excitement out of achieving a new 3D print design or finishing a coding feature. Not to mention, reading non-fiction is pretty great, mind blowing stuff if you find the right book, as previously mentioned.

I somewhat blame Disney, I get all excited for some hedonism, and they release a crappy starwars episode. I'm more disappointed than if I worked all night.