The hottest Addiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

America and Public Disorder

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 17162 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Public spaces across the U.S. are increasingly filled with visible mental illness, addiction, and antisocial behavior, making streets and transit feel dirty, unsafe, and chaotic.
  2. That disorder prevents the kind of dense, vibrant public life seen elsewhere, so cities build austere, ‘asshole‑proof’ infrastructure and people retreat to isolated suburbs.
  3. The humane and practical solution proposed is mandatory treatment and stricter enforcement for the severely ill or addicted, redirecting existing resources into involuntary care, detox, and secure programs to protect both individuals and the public.

How I Grew Out of Weed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Occasional weed use in high school escalated into daily smoking and experimenting with prescription pills.
  2. Parents discovered lies and pills, gave stern warnings, and ultimately issued a nonnegotiable ultimatum.
  3. Being kicked out after graduation forced a reckoning and marked the turning point that began a new phase of life.

How Big Pharma Mixed Addiction With Social Justice

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3638 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Addiction
  1. Purdue ran a deliberate, identity-targeted marketing campaign to get doctors to start and keep patients on high-dose opioids, using fake patient profiles and other tactics that helped drive widespread addiction.
  2. They co-opted feminist and empowerment language to sell pills to women, planning to "educate women in their natural settings" — including things like Tupperware parties — to normalize and increase demand.
  3. After massive harm and lawsuits, bankruptcy deals offer modest payouts (often $3,500–$16,000) and let the company rebrand and move into addiction treatment, even as many clinicians were misled about how addictive modern opioid therapy really is.

On the knife's edge of hope and despair

Jeff Giesea • 598 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

Screens Are Stressing You Out of Your Mind

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Compulsive scrolling and constant phone use have become a modern social contagion that spreads behavior widely and quickly.
  2. Heavy screen use is changing how our bodies and minds handle stress, contributing to increased mental and physical strain.
  3. The hunched-over posture people show while glued to their screens is a visible sign of a widespread, psychogenic epidemic similar to past social contagions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Vivre avec le TDAH

L'Atelier Galita • 179 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness 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.

The State of the Culture, 2024

The Honest Broker • 121016 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

The Rise and Fall of Sly Stone

The Honest Broker • 15392 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎶 Music Addiction
  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.

Is today your day?

Disaffected Newsletter • 2138 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Getting sober is possible, and there are many ways to do it that work for different people.
  2. Some people quit drinking all at once, while others might go to rehab or join support groups.
  3. The important thing is to find what works best for you and your situation.

Why Fentanyl Deaths Are Falling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Fentanyl was mixed into the heroin supply starting around 2014, and many dealers and users didn’t even know they were getting it.
  2. Because fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin, its effects hit faster and stronger, which accelerated addiction and initially increased overdoses.
  3. Big shifts in supply and demand, plus the toll of roughly a million deaths, have disrupted the fentanyl market and contributed to falling fentanyl-related deaths.

What Gambling Has Done to Sports—and to Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 496 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Addiction
  1. Legalized sports betting is now widespread and lets millions place fast, in-game wagers from their phones.
  2. Easy access to betting has driven rising addiction and debt and changed how fans watch and behave at games.
  3. Betting has fueled harassment, death threats, and game-rigging scandals that threaten players’ safety and the integrity of sports.

Culture Links, 1/23/2026

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Use of drugs, gambling, and online sexual content has exploded, causing real harms and sparking growing public support for tougher regulation and a cultural backlash.
  2. The old Eastern Establishment has largely lost its broad political and cultural dominance and now holds power mainly in insulated institutions like the courts and intelligence agencies.
  3. Modern professional systems rely on credentialism and surveillance-style peer reviews that punish deviation and protect mediocre elites, which undermines true merit and mastery.

Indulge Your Internet Addiction By Reading About Internet Addiction

Astral Codex Ten • 11769 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  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.

Family Week

Ladyparts • 1058 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

The Drug Turning Philadelphia into a Zombieland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 593 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Kensington Avenue is an open-air drug market that has shifted from heroin to fentanyl and then to animal tranquilizers, and now a new drug called medetomidine is appearing.
  2. Medetomidine is being mixed into fentanyl and other street drugs, intensifying harms and producing the extreme, 'zombifying' effects people describe.
  3. The area draws people chasing the strongest, cheapest highs, leaving families and the community grappling with a worsening public-health and safety crisis.

I Took 182 Drugs: But Which Was The Worst?

The Drug Users Bible • 59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

How to turn your phone addiction into a ripped body

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1232 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Many people struggle with phone addiction, and social media can cause stress and anxiety. It's important to find ways to limit exposure and create healthier habits.
  2. Creating physical rituals can help manage digital interactions. For example, doing exercises before and after checking social media can help make the experience more mindful.
  3. Understanding the networks we interact with and how they impact our lives is key. By mapping these networks and being intentional about our digital habits, we can reduce toxicity and feel more connected.

hello depression my old friend

Both Are True • 304 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. I’m dealing with a low, nagging sadness that comes with a lot of anger and shame, and there may not be a single clear reason for it. Trying to pin down or fix the feeling feels like quicksand.
  2. Recent changes—like cutting antidepressants and stopping weed—are likely making me feel off and in withdrawal, which is complicating my mood.
  3. Even with a loving family and a good life, the darkness can still seep in, but writing and being honest about it helps me feel a bit more like myself.

cheap dopamine

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 58 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Short bursts of social media give quick dopamine hits that hook you into endless scrolling. What starts as five minutes often turns into hours and leaves you tired and unfocused.
  2. Algorithms show curated, flashy lives that spark jealousy and make you want things you can’t afford. That comparison fuels dissatisfaction more than inspiration.
  3. Scrolling feels like relaxation but is really avoidance, stealing your time and killing real motivation. You end the day wondering where the hours went.

Smartphone Gambling is a Disaster

After Babel • 1169 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Addiction
  1. Smartphone gambling is super easy and everywhere now, especially for young people. It can quickly lead to losing money and cause big problems.
  2. Gambling companies use tricks to keep you betting and to make it feel fun, but this can lead to addiction. Young men are especially affected by this new kind of gambling.
  3. Parents, teachers, and young adults should talk about the risks of gambling openly. Understanding the dangers and setting rules can help prevent serious issues.

On cannabis, psychosis, and the long tail of the truth

Unreported Truths • 52 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Addiction
  1. High‑potency cannabis products, especially near‑pure THC vapes, are increasingly linked to psychosis, schizophrenia, and other serious mental‑health harms in teens and young adults, and new research and major outlets are starting to warn about this.
  2. First‑person stories from families and friends of people harmed by cannabis carry a lot of emotional weight and seem to be changing public perception more effectively than editorials or studies alone.
  3. Even with growing alarm, the commercial momentum behind legalization and the cannabis industry is strong, so this wave of concern could fade and real policy change remains uncertain unless more people recognize the risks.

I'm Giving Up Alcohol For the Month of November

Are You Okay? • 1897 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🏥 Health & 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.

Terror in New Orleans. Plus . . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Addiction
  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.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness 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.

When Internet Life Feels Futile

Deep Fix • 1120 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Sometimes we need to step back from intellectual pursuits and embrace non-conceptual awareness.
  2. Mindfulness can help us navigate the overwhelming online world and find peace.
  3. It's important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being, especially in a digital age filled with distractions.

"I thought you were dead."

Message from the Underworld • 569 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. The author celebrates 15 years of sobriety, showing that it's never too late to make a positive change in life.
  2. Alcoholism can lead to destructive behaviors, but seeking help and making a change is possible.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help in moving forward and making better choices for the future.

The Death of My Sister

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

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
  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.

You can do it

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

Boys and men online: Don't panic, do care

Of Boys and Men • 103 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Digital technology isn’t all doom; it can expand agency and connection if we design, use, and regulate it with intention. We need balanced, evidence-based research instead of moral panic or a libertarian shrug.
  2. Young men aren’t being mass-radicalized online; many are retreating into digital spaces and their political views haven’t shifted dramatically. That retreat matters because it links to harms like loneliness and rising suicide, so policies should meet them where they are.
  3. There are real gendered risks from sports betting, addictive platforms, pornography, gaming, and AI companions, and boys and men can be especially vulnerable. We need better guardrails, stronger evidence, and more real-world opportunities for play, connection, and safety.

Is Dry January a Good Idea?

Are You Okay? • 1078 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

What I’m Working On

Deep Fix • 491 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. The author shares updates and opportunities with readers, inviting them to participate in new projects.
  2. The author is launching a podcast called 'Deep Fix' and creating an online course on overcoming modern addiction.
  3. The author mentions projects like 'Sons of Now,' 'Natura Care,' and offers direct coaching services.

The Toxic Pursuit of Greatness in Chess (w/ Brin-Jonathan Butler) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 70 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. For a small, obsessive group, chess can act like a narcotic that consumes lives, driving extreme devotion, mental breakdown, and the loss of broader education or skills.
  2. Elite chess culture prizes domination and status, encouraging sadistic, hypercompetitive behavior where winning isolates and often masks deep insecurity.
  3. The modern chess ecosystem has structural problems: only top players earn well, technology makes cheating easier, and persistent misogyny and hostile atmospheres keep many women and newcomers out.

Don't Let The Vampire In

Reactionary Feminist • 30 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Engagement-driven algorithms reward strong emotions—especially anger, fear, or sex—which makes addictive, attention-seeking content spread fastest.
  2. Getting pulled into online fights or drama gives a quick ego hit but drains your focus, joy, and peace, so replying often costs more than it’s worth.
  3. Prevention is better than cure: set personal rules and stay grounded in real life (regular routines, physical activity, quiet or spiritual practices) to avoid getting sucked in.

Obsessions of Self and Synapse

Deep Fix • 628 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Narcissism and addiction exist on spectrums that everyone falls on.
  2. It is healthy to have a degree of self-interest but becomes a problem when it becomes extreme.
  3. Social media addiction is a real issue that narrows perspectives and can lead to severe consequences.

"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
  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.