What Kelly McDaniel has said about Addiction and recovery

McDaniel claims every daughter she has treated who grew up with a critical, non-attuned mother has an addiction, because addiction mimics connection.

“every daughter that I've worked with that has grown up with that will have an addiction. Why? Because an addiction gives us a sense of connection”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: You’re Not Broken: Why You People-Please, Feel Anxious, & Never Feel Good Enough – and How to Heal (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 34:46

McDaniel notes that healing mother hunger eases cravings but that addiction may still need its own specific treatment.

“I'm not saying that if you treat mother hunger, your addictions are going to go away. They may need some specific care”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: You’re Not Broken: Why You People-Please, Feel Anxious, & Never Feel Good Enough – and How to Heal (May 21, 2026) · Listen from 1:06:54