The hottest Addiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Rise and Fall of Sly Stone

The Honest Broker • 15392 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎶 Music Musicians Legends Addiction Biography Culture
  1. Sly Stone was a talented musician who peaked in his career early, creating hits that defined an era. Despite his early success, he struggled with addiction and self-destruction, leading to a long and painful decline.
  2. His life became a tragic story of missed opportunities for comebacks, marked by negative news and personal struggles. Instead of returning to music, he often appeared in headlines for the wrong reasons.
  3. In later years, Stone tried to turn his life around, claiming to overcome his addiction, but much of his story remains one of disappointment. Many fans wished for a redeeming comeback, but it never fully materialized.

The first RCT for GLP-1 drugs and alcoholism isn't what we hoped

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1109 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Addiction Medications Clinical Trials Public Health Research
  1. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide help with diabetes and obesity, but new research shows they might not be effective for alcohol addiction as previously thought. The first clinical trial results were disappointing.
  2. The trial had only 48 participants and mixed results, with no clear evidence that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption. Some data suggested it might help in a lab setting, but overall findings were weak.
  3. Despite the poor results, there are still many personal stories claiming these drugs help with addiction. More research is needed, as the search for effective treatments for addiction continues.

The State of the Culture, 2024

The Honest Broker • 121016 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Technology Social Issues Addiction
  1. The entertainment industry is facing challenges like Disney in crisis, Paramount laying off employees, and a decline in TV shows, showing a shift towards a post-entertainment culture.
  2. The culture is transitioning towards a focus on distraction and addiction, with tech platforms using stimuli to create addictive cycles, impacting people's brains and happiness levels.
  3. As our culture evolves into a dopamine-driven society, it becomes essential to be mindful of our consumption habits, unplug from technology at times, and appreciate the real world around us.

Terror in New Orleans. Plus . . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Gun Violence Foreign Policy Addiction Judiciary
  1. A truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day killed at least 15 people, raising concerns about the threat of terrorism in the U.S. that resembles recent attacks in Europe.
  2. RFK Jr. suggests using 'tough love' and community support to tackle addiction issues but there are mixed opinions on whether this approach is effective or could limit access to helpful medications.
  3. There is a growing debate within the Trump administration about how to handle Iran, with different factions pushing for either aggressive action or a more isolationist approach.

On the knife's edge of hope and despair

Jeff Giesea • 598 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Dynamics Coping Strategies
  1. Sometimes, you have to accept that you can't fix someone's problems. Letting go can be an act of love, not failure.
  2. There is a thin line between helping and enabling. It's important to know when to step back and allow someone to make their own choices.
  3. People struggling with mental illness or addiction face tough decisions that affect everyone around them. Your support matters, but ultimately, they must choose their path.
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Vivre avec le TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Disability Psychology Neurodiversity Addiction
  1. People with ADHD often face misunderstandings because their traits can seem normal to others. This leads to misconceptions like being labeled as lazy instead of recognizing the neurodivergence.
  2. ADHD can significantly impact a person's life, including higher risks for issues like addiction, job loss, and relationship problems. These challenges are often tied to how society views productivity.
  3. While treating ADHD can lead to positive changes in life, it does not change who a person is. Many people with ADHD also have unique strengths, like creativity and the ability to hyperfocus on topics they love.

Indulge Your Internet Addiction By Reading About Internet Addiction

Astral Codex Ten • 11769 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Addiction Family Dynamics Mental health Surveys
  1. Many people consider themselves addicted to the internet, and the more time they spend online, the more likely they are to perceive their usage as an addiction. On average, self-reported addicts spend more time online each day.
  2. There is a negative link between internet addiction and life satisfaction. Those who consider themselves more addicted tend to report lower happiness levels.
  3. Parents who restrict their children's internet use when they are young may help reduce the chance of their kids becoming internet addicts as adults. This suggests that early internet habits can influence future behaviors.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Therapeutics Addiction
  1. Different people value different effects of drugs. Some want deep life changes, while others prefer milder experiences.
  2. Ayahuasca is often seen as the most intense option, but MDMA is highly rated for pleasure and social experiences.
  3. It's important to consider the risks and benefits when choosing a drug, as different ones can impact your life in various ways.

Applying The Bradford Hill Criteria To Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Social media Adolescents Public Health
  1. Heavy social media use is linked to poor mental health in teens, like depression and anxiety. This effect is often stronger in vulnerable groups, especially girls.
  2. The Bradford Hill criteria help us explore if social media actually causes mental health issues instead of just being correlated. It's a framework to understand more about how risks might affect health.
  3. Not all social media use is harmful; some might even be okay. The key is moderation and understanding the potential risks, especially for those who might be more affected.

Family Week

Ladyparts • 1058 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Recovery Betrayal Self-reflection
  1. The author realized her partner was an addict and had been lying about various things, impacting her trust and perception of their relationship.
  2. It is important to share stories of betrayal and shame as a way to heal, reclaim power, and counteract unwarranted shame.
  3. The experience with the addict partner highlighted the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the challenges of recognizing deceit even in close relationships.

I Took 182 Drugs: But Which Was The Worst?

The Drug Users Bible • 59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Drug Safety Addiction Harm Reduction Mental health
  1. Research the drugs you take to stay safe. Some substances may seem harmless but can lead to very bad experiences.
  2. Pay attention to dosage and be careful with potent substances. Taking too much can result in panic and fear, which can be hard to handle.
  3. Alcohol can have serious negative effects, even if it's socially accepted. Recognizing its harmful aspects can help you make better choices.

Altered states: The new science of appetite and brain plasticity

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Medicine Mental health Addiction Research
  1. New weight-loss drugs like semaglutide can help people lose weight and improve their overall health. They might change how we think about appetite and cravings.
  2. These medications could have benefits beyond just weight loss, including helping with anxiety and even substance use disorders. They show promise in many areas of health.
  3. There is potential for these drugs to change society by reducing healthcare costs, improving self-esteem, and even aiding in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s.

The Great Uncoupling™

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Digital Life Addiction Mindfulness Gadgets User Experience
  1. Many people feel too attached to their phones. It can be helpful to step back and rethink how we use these devices.
  2. Being overly reliant on smartphones can lead to issues like digital addiction. Finding ways to create space from our phones can improve our well-being.
  3. Exploring simpler devices and reducing phone usage is a good strategy. It helps to regain focus and brings balance back into our lives.

I'm Giving Up Alcohol For the Month of November

Are You Okay? • 1897 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Self-care Wellness Addiction
  1. Giving up alcohol can improve sleep, mood, and sense of agency.
  2. Taking a break from alcohol can help reevaluate its impact on various aspects of health, including behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical.
  3. Consider the benefits of alcohol you can't live without before deciding to join in giving up alcohol for a period.

The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me—And Taught Me Life’s Most Important Lesson

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1660 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Physical health Well-being
  1. Rob Henderson shares his heartbreaking childhood and the impact of abandonment from three adults in his life.
  2. Fentanyl epidemic in America is causing record-high overdose deaths, impacting people across all backgrounds.
  3. Concerns about Biden's age and the Democrats' shift in attitude towards his ability to run for reelection are becoming more openly discussed.

The onward march of semaglutide and friends

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medication Addiction Diabetes Research Public Health
  1. New diabetes drugs, like GLP-1 agonists, may help reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids. This suggests they could be useful for treating substance use disorders.
  2. These medications were originally designed for weight loss and diabetes management, but they are showing potential in other areas of health.
  3. The findings from recent studies hint at a broader impact of these drugs, which could change how we approach treatment for various health conditions, not just diabetes.

The Death of My Sister

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Family Trauma
  1. The author shares a heartbreaking story of his sister's struggles with addiction and mental health issues, leading to her tragic death.
  2. The importance of family support and forgiveness during difficult times is highlighted in the narrative.
  3. The impact of childhood trauma, like being given up for adoption, on a person's life and mental health is explored through the author's personal reflection.

You can do it

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Recovery Self-Improvement Personal Stories
  1. You have the power to choose to quit drinking and make positive changes in your life. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as it's a choice that helps you.
  2. Stopping drinking can reveal a lot of painful truths about your life and choices, but facing those realities is necessary for growth. It's hard at first, but it can lead to a healthier perspective.
  3. Believe in your strength and ability to change. Don't underestimate yourself; your willpower is stronger than you think.

Is Dry January a Good Idea?

Are You Okay? • 1078 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Alcohol Addiction Mental health Self-reflection Recovery
  1. Alcohol use can have negative effects on our bodies and minds, even if it seems pleasurable in the moment.
  2. The appropriate amount of alcohol to drink varies for each person, and self-awareness is crucial in evaluating alcohol consumption.
  3. Identifying and addressing the underlying reasons for drinking, such as uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations, is important to develop healthier habits.

"Growing concerns" that Ozempic will disrupt big tobacco, candy companies, and alcohol brands, according to Morgan Stanley

Curing Addiction • 142 HN points • 26 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Food Pharma Mental health Treatment
  1. The use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic is showing potential to disrupt big tobacco, candy, and alcohol industries.
  2. Reports suggest that GLP-1 drugs are impacting consumer behavior, such as reducing spending at restaurants and consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
  3. The rise of GLP-1 drugs is projected to have a significant market worth and could potentially reshape consumer sectors by influencing behaviors related to food and substance cravings.

Psychedelics as Catalysts for Recovery

Deep Fix • 471 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Recovery Psychedelics Therapy Holistic health
  1. Psychedelics can be powerful tools for helping individuals facing addiction move towards recovery by promoting neural growth and restoring the gut-brain connection.
  2. Psychedelics should not be seen as shortcuts in recovery, but as catalysts that help individuals confront their darkness and engage in the healing process.
  3. By supporting the diversity of life within personal ecosystems, psychedelics can ignite 'second-stage recovery' and provide hope to those facing addiction.

Hippie Crack: The Highs & Lows of Nitrous Oxide

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Substance Use Mental health Pain management Addiction Physical health
  1. Nitrous oxide is a powerful dissociative drug that creates euphoric and out-of-body experiences but has extremely short-lasting effects.
  2. Nitrous oxide is commonly used for pain relief in medical settings, transforming intense pain into uncontrollable laughter.
  3. Recreationally, nitrous oxide is popular due to its potency, affordability, and short-lived effects, but excessive use can lead to addiction and various health risks.

Friday Q&A: treating substance abuse; Diet Coke & cancer risk; & how to get a decent lunch on the go

Are You Okay? • 439 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Addiction Cancer Treatment
  1. Treating substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach that addresses unique factors like genetics, behavior, and situations. Medications like Vivitrol (Naltrexone) can be effective in preventing relapse by blocking the effects of substances on the brain.
  2. The link between Diet Coke (containing aspartame) and cancer risk isn't definitively established. Recently, the World Health Organization mentioned a potential association, but more research is needed to confirm this connection.
  3. Supporting a loved one through substance abuse treatment involves holistic care, including counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. It's crucial to tackle underlying issues like trauma for long-term recovery.

Friday Q&A: Ozempic & alcohol; social media & teens; talking to adult children about weight; & erythritol (artificial sweetener) risks

Are You Okay? • 439 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Mental health Nutrition Addiction
  1. Some patients on Ozempic report reduced cravings for alcohol and other impulsive behaviors.
  2. Early data suggests that Ozempic may help reduce impulsivity and cravings linked to various habits, but medication alone is unlikely to be a complete solution for complex addictions.
  3. Research indicates that social media can have negative impacts on teen mental health, prompting concerns and further investigation.

Can we cure Alcoholism?

Samstack • 1114 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Therapies Effectiveness Treatment
  1. There are various drugs like Naltrexone and Antabuse aimed at helping with alcoholism, but their effectiveness is limited and some findings are questionable.
  2. Most alcoholics who successfully stop drinking do so without any formal treatment, suggesting treatment efficacy may not be as high as expected.
  3. Alcoholics Anonymous, CBT, and other therapies may help, but their impact on recovery is small and success rates are fairly significant even without treatment.

Why do people drink alcohol?

The Joyous Struggle • 434 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Spirituality Addiction Well-being
  1. People drink alcohol to reduce associations in their minds, helping them live in the present and elevate mood by weakening neural connections.
  2. Alcohol can facilitate an escape from self-consciousness, leading to unmediated connections with others, but it may also cause cognitive narrowing and self-centeredness.
  3. Drinking alcohol is intertwined with breaking taboos, often influenced by cultural perceptions, and can offer a glimpse of unity and transcendence, providing a shared spiritual experience.