Ask a Sober Lady | Katie MacBride | Substack

#advice

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

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#thoughts

My sobriety can now buy cigarettes and lottery tickets

Plus: Relapse nightmares, a cartoonishly accurate metaphor, and why I write this newsletter.

Jan 22 • Katie MacBride

Ask a Flu-ridden Lady

She'll have answers next week.

Jan 8 • Katie MacBride

Who should have known about my drinking?

I didn’t tell you the truth about my substance use because, until very late in the game, I refused to believe it.

Jan 1 • Katie MacBride

Party tips for sober people, introverts, and misanthropes

How to stay sane and sober through alcohol-fueled winter holiday celebrations.

Dec 18, 2025 • Katie MacBride

RFK Jr. is a dangerous, ignorant hypocrite. But there’s one criticism he doesn’t deserve

The legitimacy of Kennedy's sobriety has now become a pawn in the ongoing Olivia Nuzzi-Ryan Lizza mess.

Dec 4, 2025 • Katie MacBride

#newsectionwhodis

Talking Addiction, Shame, and Resilience with Melissa Petro

"[I] remember thinking, 'Wow, these bitches are cool. Too bad they don’t drink.'

Feb 12 • Katie MacBride

Introducing 'Making A Scene:' "All Her Fault" scene deep dive

A (mostly) spoiler-free look Peter's "addicts lie" scene in episode five.

Jan 29 • Katie MacBride

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