Disclaimer: The views expressed in this discussion are attributed to the individual speakers – they are not giving medical or professional advice. If you are struggling with addiction or need support, please contact your GP or visit the NHS website for a list of support services.

Throughout the Bible God is described as our refuge and fortress, our strength and shield, our ever present help. But despite these biblical truths, when we face trials and challenging seasons, many of us find other ways to escape. It could be one too many glasses of wine after a long day, or something as “innocent” as scrolling on social media for hours.
On this episode, host Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests ask why do we fall into bad habits and addictions, and how can we practice true dependence on God?

Callie Louise Nixon is the founder and CEO of Rainbow Promise, a Christian ministry providing supported housing and daily discipleship programmes for women struggling with addiction and homelessness. She is also a Christian trauma-informed counsellor with her private practice, Hope & Thrive Therapy.
Callie's article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/drug-addiction-nearly-cost-me-my-life/18857.article and you find out more about Callie’s ministry at www.rainbowpromisecic.org/

Ailsa Mckinlay is a medical doctor living and working in Gloucestershire. Ailsa is passionate about understanding and sharing the intersection between physical, mental and spiritual health. A church-led digital fast for lent, helped her identify an unhealthy dependence on her phone.

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘Why is my boyfriend always playing video games?’

The Woman Alive podcast is produced by award-winning podcast producer, Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Released on 26 Jan 2026