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Every Addiction Stems From Mother Hunger According to Clinical Psychotherapist

The Mel Robbins Podcast · You’re Not Broken: Why You People-Please, Feel Anxious, & Never Feel Good Enough – and How to Heal · May 24, 2026
Every Addiction Stems From Mother Hunger According to Clinical Psychotherapist
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast
You’re Not Broken: Why You People-Please, Feel Anxious, & Never Feel Good Enough – and How to Heal
"Every daughter that I've worked with that has grown up with that will have an addiction. Because an addiction gives us a sense of connection. Every substance in its original form feels like connection."
Kelly McDaniel made the sweeping claim that all addictions—from substances to food to relationships—originate from unmet maternal attachment needs. She explained that addictions activate the same dopaminergic brain pathways as human connection, making them effective surrogates for the nurturing that was absent. McDaniel argued this is particularly true for daughters of critical or emotionally unavailable mothers.
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The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast

You’re Not Broken: Why You People-Please, Feel Anxious, & Never Feel Good Enough – and How to Heal

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
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