The hottest Addiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

I am addicted to my phone

Trying In Public • 279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Feeling constantly compelled to check your phone can make everything seem urgent and overwhelming.
  2. Social media can feed insecurities and comparison, leading to a focus on external validation.
  3. Setting boundaries with technology can help you reconnect with the present moment and your own thoughts.

How to Quit Coffee

Deep Fix • 569 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Quitting coffee can improve sleep, energy levels, and reduce anxiety and jitteriness.
  2. Slow and steady tapering off coffee is recommended for long-term success.
  3. There are alternatives like pu’erh tea, matcha, oolong tea, cacao, and MudWtr for sustained energy.

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

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

Psychedelics as Catalysts for Recovery

Deep Fix • 471 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.
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Altered states: The new science of appetite and brain plasticity

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

Hippie Crack: The Highs & Lows of Nitrous Oxide

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

Everything I’ve Been Working On

Deep Fix • 452 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Focus on sharing updates, offers, and engaging with readers on platforms like Substack.
  2. Engage in impactful work such as running a non-profit addiction program and leading a men's group for personal growth.
  3. Offer coaching services and explore topics like predictive processing, sincerity, and Hakomi somatic psychology.

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
  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.

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 Addiction
  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 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.

Why do people drink alcohol?

The Joyous Struggle • 434 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

How Phenibut Went From Russian Space Drug to American Addiction

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Phenibut was initially used by Russian cosmonauts for anxiety and sleep during space missions due to its calming effects and GABA-related properties.
  2. Phenibut, an analog of GABA, can have both stimulating and sedating effects depending on the dosage, posing risks of addiction and severe withdrawals when misused.
  3. The use of phenibut is on the rise in the United States among young adults, despite efforts by government agencies to regulate its availability due to its addictive nature.

GUEST POST: We cannot hate Purdue Pharma or the Sackler family, which owned it, enough

Unreported Truths • 25 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Addiction
  1. Purdue and the Sacklers ran cold, data-driven marketing that pushed doctors to start and then titrate patients to higher, long-term OxyContin doses, using tactics like savings cards and targeted campaigns to create dependence and drive huge profits.
  2. The Sackler family pulled billions out of the company and used bankruptcy maneuvers to avoid full legal accountability, leaving only limited payouts to victims while the company rebrands and continues operating.
  3. Broader systems — medical organizations, advocacy groups, and parts of the media — promoted aggressive pain treatment and downplayed addiction risks, which let pharmaceutical marketing campaigns normalize heavy opioid use and fuel the overdose crisis.

Chart Pack: The Fentanyl Era

Curing Addiction • 119 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. US drug overdoses are at a record level, with around 112,000 deaths annually, and 75% of these involve fentanyl, often combined with stimulants.
  2. Efforts to prevent smuggling of fentanyl are challenging since it is 40 times stronger and smaller than heroin, making it easy to accidentally overdose.
  3. Fentanyl is extremely potent; a small quantity, like a sesame seed, can be lethal, showing how dangerous it is and why it's a growing concern.

Q&A on alcohol use: binge drinking + marijuana use; supporting a sober spouse; Ozempic + alcohol cravings; & social anxiety + alcohol

Are You Okay? • 299 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Consider the impact of alcohol on your sleep, mood, physical health, and relationships to evaluate whether you may benefit from a break from drinking.
  2. Individuals may turn to substances like alcohol and marijuana due to anxiety and stress, but seeking help and being honest with oneself is key to addressing any substance use issues.
  3. Supporting a sober spouse involves open communication, understanding one's boundaries, and seeking help from resources like Al-Anon for loved ones of individuals in recovery.

The onward march of semaglutide and friends

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Addiction
  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.

junk food for the soul

bad cattitude • 177 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Social media acts like a quick fix to escape pain, but it often leads to deeper problems rather than solving them. People become addicted to the temporary relief it provides.
  2. The digital world creates a false sense of community, making people reliant on online validation which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety in real life.
  3. Social media can be very unhealthy because it promotes extreme behavior and divides people into angry groups. It's important to be aware of how it can shape our thoughts and relationships.

A Visit to the Goon Cave

Many Such Cases • 939 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Gooning is a practice where people engage in prolonged masturbation sessions to pornography, often for several hours. It focuses on reaching a trance-like state while edging, enhancing the experience of pleasure.
  2. Many gooners create personal spaces called 'goon caves' filled with pornographic materials and multiple screens to fully immerse themselves in the act. These setups reflect a commitment to their pursuit of pleasure.
  3. Some individuals involved in gooning see it as an addiction and even celebrate the negative aspects of their behavior. This fascination can lead to isolation and a lack of meaningful social connections, raising concerns about the impact of pornography on relationships and society.

America - and Americans - must stand against drugs of abuse. ALL drugs of abuse.

Unreported Truths • 32 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Addiction
  1. Drugs that produce a high are harmful and addictive, and making them more accessible has caused real social and public-health harms.
  2. High-THC cannabis has limited proven medical benefits and is linked to psychosis, severe vomiting, accidents, heart risks, and can act as a gateway to further drug use.
  3. Society should discourage and stigmatize drug use rather than normalize or commercialize it, using higher costs and legal consequences to reduce use because drug use creates harms for families and the public.

The algorithm doesn't love you back

The Leftovers • 339 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Social media platforms are becoming more controlled and less beneficial for users, focusing on their own interests over user experience.
  2. Engaging with social media under the current algorithmic control can limit meaningful conversations and activism efforts, potentially leading to addiction.
  3. The idea of an unmediated life, free of constant sharing and social media influence, raises questions about our connection to solitude and emptiness.

The Struggle to Find Male Role Models

Deep Fix • 334 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. The search for healthy male role models is challenging due to societal and digital influences.
  2. There's a movement to redefine addiction in a positive light, promoting openness and shedding shame.
  3. Creating and exploring new forms of media, like short videos, can be a way to share ideas and connect with others.

On Clean Living

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Switching from drinking to not drinking can change your life. It might seem tough at first, but it can lead to feeling better overall.
  2. Noticing how alcohol and caffeine affect your moods and energy levels is important. Quitting them can give you a clearer view of yourself.
  3. Sobriety opens up a chance to see other habits, like phone use or gaming, as potential addictions. Learning to be okay with free time without substances can help you discover a different way to live.

Beautiful Disasters

Both Are True • 1509 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. The author explores their struggles with addiction and the search for meaning in life.
  2. The search for belief and longing for faith are central themes in the author's journey.
  3. The story reflects on past mistakes, growth, and finding a sense of meaning among chaos.

Friday Q&A: alcoholism in the family; marijuana use; food diaries; & supplements for stress

Are You Okay? • 299 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Supporting a loved one with addiction involves open communication and understanding their needs, without taking on the responsibility for their sobriety.
  2. Seeking support from resources like Al-Anon is beneficial for families dealing with addiction.
  3. The impact of marijuana use on youth and adults, including potential dependency, is a relevant topic to be aware of amidst its increasing legalization.

La pression à boire

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. It's important to challenge the societal pressure around drinking and redefine what is considered normal.
  2. Alcohol consumption is often normalized and even encouraged in social settings, but it's essential to recognize the potential harms and not fall into the trap of group pressure.
  3. There is a spectrum of alcohol consumption, and it's crucial to understand that less alcohol is always better for health, rather than categorizing people as either alcoholics or normal drinkers.

Losing All My Excuses

Sounds Good! • 157 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. At a young age, the author used drinking as a form of distraction and coping mechanism.
  2. The author reflects on their drinking problem and how it made them feel invincible and bulletproof.
  3. Reflecting on the past, the author acknowledges the privilege and anxiety associated with their drinking habits.

Gambling is a million times worse for young men than porn. It’s not even close.

Sex and the State • 98 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Gambling is a bigger problem for young men than porn. Many young men lose a lot of money and face serious consequences because of gambling.
  2. Gambling is much more addictive than porn. Many people struggle with gambling addiction, while the idea of being addicted to porn is often debated.
  3. The risks associated with gambling can lead to severe outcomes, including financial ruin and even suicide, which aren't typical issues linked to porn use.

On Malignant Escapism

Resident Contrarian • 1627 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Addiction
  1. Be cautious of using escapism as a way to avoid facing real life challenges or responsibilities.
  2. Escapism, like through video games or fantasy scenarios, can be alluring but may not help with real-world problems.
  3. Ensure that activities like watching sports or playing games serve as a healthy escape, not a constant avoidance of reality.

Can we cure Alcoholism?

Samstack • 1114 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  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.

The war on drugs needs to be fought from the demand side

Unreported Truths • 32 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Addiction
  1. We need to focus on reducing the demand for drugs rather than just tackling the supply. Addressing the reasons people use drugs is key to solving the drug crisis.
  2. There's a blurred line between legal and illegal drugs in America. Many prescribed medications can be just as addictive as illegal drugs, which complicates how we treat addiction.
  3. Instead of just accepting drug use as normal, we should be more critical about it and stop promoting drugs like Adderall for conditions that aren't as widespread in other countries.

Eight years in cocaine hell

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💾 History Addiction
  1. A Chicago society lady's life took a drastic turn when she tried a patent medicine with cocaine, leading to addiction and a downward spiral.
  2. The memoir 'Eight Years in Cocaine Hell' shed light on the dangers of addictive drugs in patent medicines, sparking discussions and legislative actions.
  3. Despite tragic experiences, recovery is possible - highlighting the importance of addressing substance abuse disorders in society today.

Dispatches from Treatment #1

The Chase • 157 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. In some recovery centers, individuals find creative ways to communicate and support each other.
  2. The quality of the treatment center can significantly impact the recovery experience.
  3. Access to high-quality treatment centers can be unfairly limited by financial means.

Are ultra-processed foods uniquely addictive?

Unsettled Science • 522 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction
  1. Experts suggest that ultra-processed foods may have addictive qualities due to their combination of sugar, salt, and fat, similar to how tobacco affects addiction.
  2. Food addiction research has developed tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale to understand dependencies on specific nutrients like sugar, sugar-plus-fat, and carbohydrates-plus-fat.
  3. Debates continue on whether food addiction is due to behavioral disorders or physiological dependencies, with ongoing discussions about the impact of food processing on addiction.