Definately get your gait tested !!I wonder how many women they surveyed, it could be that you are in that .1% who aren't overpronators. The achilles problem may also be due to the wrong shoes ,as the kind of problems we are talking about tend to start low down and then work their way up to your hip then back and even your neck.
You've answered some of this question youself with regard to rest days .Whilst there are always exceptions to the rule rest days or easy days/weeks are a good thing,as they allow your body to absorb the training you're doing.
With regard to training it really depends on what you're training for so it's hard to answer that one .
I don't know what state your injury is at now but i would urge you to rest it until it clears up .You could substitute running with some no impact training ie swimming
When you start back running build it back up slowly, probably like me you don't feel satisfied by a short run, but it really is best practisce to avoid further injury.Also if it's possible for you try running on a softer surface eg grass as this will be much more forgiving on your body.
Finally addictions,not something i suffer with apart from chocolate, beer and wine ,oops turns out i do i must be in denial or something .I'll have to find an addictive personalty website now.
take care don't hesitate to ask anything else and i hope you get sorted !
