#advice

What counts as a "real" addiction?

On minimizing recovery, behavioral addictions, and why "I don't want to" is all you should need to say.

Apr 23 • Katie MacBride

Is my boyfriend addicted to gaming?

When does a hobby become an addiction, and what can a partner do to intervene?

Mar 19 • Katie MacBride

When I’m stressed, my family and friends worry I’ll relapse

The unbearable suspicion of well-meaning loved ones.

Feb 19 • Katie MacBride

Deepest apologies and dearest deer

My partner had a series of mini strokes and is in the hospital. He's stable and improving but no newsletter this week.

Feb 4 • Katie MacBride

My husband wants kids, but I'm scared of what they'll inherit.

Genetics heighten or lower a person’s vulnerability to developing a substance use disorder, but there's a whole other side of the equation that matters…

Jan 15 • Katie MacBride

The shockingly strong connection between ADHD and addiction

Kids taking ADHD medication shouldn't make you worry about a "drug cascade" — the alternative is worse.

Dec 11, 2025 • Katie MacBride

Is recovery the endless swapping of one addiction for another?

On so-called "replacement addictions" and dopamine's double-edged sword.

Nov 13, 2025 • Katie MacBride

My sister is coming home from rehab. I'm still angry; my parents are in denial.

Part healing is figuring out which harms need to be addressed and which ones you can let go of.

Nov 6, 2025 • Katie MacBride

Am I identifying as an alcoholic for attention?

There are roughly 7 billion more effective and pleasant ways of getting attention than identifying as an alcoholic.

Oct 23, 2025 • Katie MacBride

How do I handle family gatherings where sobriety talk takes over?

"Half of the time, my sober family members sound like they're talking in code."

Oct 9, 2025 • Katie MacBride

How do I ask someone out without suggesting a drink?

Don't make assumptions; channel Simone Biles; don't try to make a movie about sex addiction romantic.

Sep 18, 2025 • Katie MacBride

Am I a 'functional alcoholic'?

I can go for long stretches without drinking, but they don't last.

Sep 4, 2025 • Katie MacBride

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