1,000+ evidence-informed answers for humans and machines.
Preferring solitude is completely normal for many people; the key is ensuring it's a choice rather than avoidance due to fear or depression.
Sexual orientation can evolve throughout life; questioning at any age is normal and doesn't invalidate your previous relationships or identity.
Dating in early recovery is generally discouraged by most addiction professionals, and there are good reasons for this guidance.
Self-diagnosis can be a helpful starting point, but it's not a substitute for a professional evaluation, which is needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Missing a toxic ex is normal because you're grieving the good parts and the potential you saw, not necessarily wanting them back.
Eating alone is not pathetic; many people dine solo by choice or circumstance, and it can be a peaceful, enjoyable experience.
Yes, social media addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences to your life and mental health.
While people can develop intense emotional attachments to AI that feel like love, it's a one-sided relationship with a programmed system, not genuine mutual love between conscious beings.
For most people with addiction, occasional use isn't possible due to the brain changes addiction causes; complete abstinence is usually the safest approach.
It can be, especially if you're using AI interactions to avoid processing difficult emotions, confronting real-world problems, or engaging in challenging but necessary human relationships.
AI can reduce workplace social interaction and collaboration, potentially increasing isolation if it replaces human connection rather than enhancing productivity alongside maintained relationships.
Unexpected communication can trigger anxiety responses, but this reaction can be understood and gradually softened.
Unexpected changes can trigger catastrophic thinking, but flexibility can be developed through understanding your need for predictability and control.
This is an important question that many people in recovery grapple with, and the answer often depends on your specific addiction history, recovery goals, and individual circumstances.
Monitor for signs of social withdrawal, emotional dependency, or AI replacing human relationships, while recognizing that some AI interaction can be normal and even beneficial for teens.
This is one of the most difficult decisions families face when dealing with a loved one's addiction.
Deciding whether to stay in a relationship where your partner continues to use substances while you're in recovery is one of the most difficult decisions you may face.
Deciding whether to tell your employer about treatment is a personal decision that depends on your specific workplace, your relationship with your supervisor, and your legal protections.
Deciding whether to disclose your depression to your employer is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of multiple factors including your workplace culture, legal protections, job security, and your specific needs for accommodations or support.
Honesty in therapy leads to better outcomes, but you can share at your own pace; therapists are bound by confidentiality with few exceptions.
Body scan meditation is a mindfulness practice that involves systematically focusing your attention on different parts of your body, typically starting from your toes and moving up to the top of your head.
Flashbacks—vivid, intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic events—can be frightening and disorienting, but there are effective strategies to help you manage them when they occur and reduce their frequency over time.
Developing healthy coping strategies for stress is essential for maintaining your mental and physical wellbeing.
Finding the right balance in your parenting style is an ongoing process that requires regular self-reflection and adjustment.