The phrase ‘dopamine detox’, as you point out, is so misleading. I think it’s much more constructive to think in terms of a substance or behavior detox, or even micro-dosing. Nicotine patches work because they phase out the dependency in stages, as opposed to a cold turkey ‘detox’.

I do propose however that the addiction isn’t to the substance or behavior, but to the chemicals involved, e.g. be it nicotine in smoking or the Opioid and Endocannabinoid biochemicals involved in “Liking”.

Incidentally, my understanding is that dopamine IS sometimes involved in the acquisition of pleasure, as in the ‘liking’ phase of nicotine addiction. Nicotine causes the release of dopamine in brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex, which enhances feelings of pleasure and well-being, reinforcing the act of smoking as enjoyable. Nicotine ALSO stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers produced by the brain.