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I haven’t done AA’s 12 steps and it makes meetings uncomfortable
Why does AA expect me to share my trauma with someone who isn’t a mental health professional?
Sep 24
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Katie MacBride
34
40
2
AA is helping me, but I’m still hoping I can drink again
How can I reconcile the benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous with the persistent fantasy that one day, I’ll be able to drink moderately?
Aug 27
•
Katie MacBride
36
14
2
My 16-year-old nephew needs addiction treatment; no one can agree on a plan
Everyone in the family has conflicting ideas about how to handle his substance use disorder. How can I help without adding to the chaos?
Jul 30
•
Katie MacBride
35
6
3
As a teenager, could anyone have talked you out of drinking?
My cousin comes from a long line of alcoholics, and her drinking is getting worse. She’s going to college in the fall; I’m worried but don't know what…
Jun 25
•
Katie MacBride
39
11
5
My Partner Drinks. I Don't. Now What?
On navigating sobriety in a relationship with someone who drinks — and figuring out what you actually need vs. what's just uncomfortable.
May 21
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Katie MacBride
25
11
3
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
48
14
4
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
22
3
3
When I’m stressed, my family and friends worry I’ll relapse
The unbearable suspicion of well-meaning loved ones.
Feb 19
•
Katie MacBride
24
5
1
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
23
14
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
13
7
2
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
43
11
5
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
43
11
2
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