Not just ‘other people’s’ problem: Addiction in everyday life

‘If you want to know what it feels like for an addict who wants their drug of choice, leave your phone at home.’ Lauren’s journey through addiction and recovery, which she shares on the Things I Wish I Knew podcast, challenges listeners to assess their own behaviours and be alert to those close to them who might be struggling in silence. In both cases, responding with compassion and candour can be the first step towards healing.

Addiction is often seen as an issue for ‘other’ people – those with chaotic or visibly troubled lives. Lauren Windle’s reflections, in the second half of her conversation with Julia Corcoran for Things I Wish I Knew, challenge that assumption. Her story shows that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of background, social status or outward success.

Lauren’s early experiences with alcohol were unremarkable in themselves. Drinking was part of friendship, celebration and simply feeling at ease in social situations. At first, it seemed harmless. But over time, it became something she relied on more than she realised. Addiction rarely begins as a dramatic moment of collapse. More often, it develops quietly within ordinary lives that appear outwardly stable.

She also draws attention to how addiction can take subtler forms, including everyday habits. Our relationship with technology, for example, can mirror addictive patterns. Lauren observes that for many people, the pull of a smartphone is strong: ‘If you want to know what it feels like for an addict who wants their drug of choice, leave your phone at home.’ Each instinctive reach for it brings a small pang of discomfort, showing how dependent we have become.

Human beings are created to adore, to give attention and devotion. When that impulse is misdirected, it can become a kind of idolatry. Lauren places phone use high on the spectrum of addictive behaviours, noting that few people would rate their relationship with their phones lower than seven out of ten. Even when phones provide useful tools, such as apps for engaging with Scripture, they can also distract us from what is truly good. Recognising how ordinary habits can become controlling is a step towards self-awareness and freedom.

Lauren emphasises that addiction is not about moral weakness or visible chaos. Cultural norms and social pressures often mask harmful patterns, making it harder to recognise when habits are becoming dangerous. Honest conversations with friends were crucial in her own recovery, helping her see what she could not see on her own.

Self-reflection was another key element. Tools like the AUDIT questionnaire are helpful not as clinical tests, but as a way to pause and consider one’s habits. Small acts of awareness can disrupt assumptions that ‘everything is fine’ and open the way towards change. Recovery is built in ordinary moments: it begins with noticing what is really happening and being willing to face it. It comes from repeated choices, honest conversations and the patience to live through discomfort. It is not about perfection, but about persistence. Neuroscience shows that the brain can adapt, that habits can be reshaped and that new patterns can be learned.

Faith became a companion in Lauren’s journey. It was not a sudden conversion but a steady presence, reminding her she did not have to carry her struggles alone. Faith offered reassurance and dignity in moments of shame, and encouraged her to accept support, rather than hide behind self-reliance. Addiction may feel isolating, but Lauren’s story reminds us that connection, honesty and community can be part of recovery.

Listen to 'Things I Wish I Knew About Addiction’; and to get all of our new episodes and catch up on our back catalogue, subscribe now >>

You can follow us on Instagram @tiwik_pod.