233 One Year Sober: A Mom's Perspective on Weed and ADHD with Natalie Chien
Oct 17, 2023
52:41
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Former marijuana addict, Natalie Chien, discusses her journey of sobriety and how undiagnosed ADHD played a role. They explore the increased susceptibility of individuals with ADHD to substance use and addiction. The chapter covers the speaker's emotional regulation, parenting challenges, and the return of dreams after quitting substance use.
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Quick takeaways
Individuals with ADHD are more susceptible to substance use and addiction, emphasizing the importance of seeking proper diagnosis and finding healthier coping mechanisms.
Emotional regulation plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction, and therapy, coaching, and self-reflection can help develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Deep dives
The Journey of Overcoming Cannabis Addiction
In this episode, the host discusses the topic of ADHD and cannabis use with a guest who overcame an addiction and is now an ADHD coach. They explore the reasons why individuals with ADHD often turn to self-medication and the potential risks involved. The importance of proper diagnosis, medication, and emotional regulation is emphasized as key factors in managing ADHD and finding healthier coping mechanisms. The guest shares her personal journey of using cannabis to self-medicate and eventually deciding to quit, highlighting the role of coaching and support in the process. The episode offers understanding, insights, and support for those who may be struggling with cannabis addiction or seeking alternative ways to manage their symptoms.
The Significance of Emotional Regulation in Overcoming Addiction
One of the main themes in this episode is the importance of emotional regulation in overcoming addiction. The guest shares her own experience of using cannabis to cope with overwhelming emotions and how learning emotional regulation skills was crucial in her journey towards quitting. She discusses the role of therapy, coaching, and self-reflection in shifting her mindset and building healthier coping mechanisms. The episode emphasizes the impact of emotional awareness and processing on managing addiction and finding alternative ways to feel better.
The Role of Medication and Proper Diagnosis in Managing ADHD
The podcast episode highlights the role of medication and proper diagnosis in managing ADHD and reducing the need for self-medication through substance use. The guest discusses how her ADHD medication played a significant part in her ability to quit using cannabis. The episode emphasizes the importance of finding the right medication and seeking professional guidance to effectively manage ADHD symptoms. It encourages listeners to explore medication options and consider the potential benefits in their own journeys.
Support and Coaching for Parents with ADHD
The episode also touches on the challenges faced by parents with ADHD and the importance of support and coaching in navigating parenthood. The guest shares her experience as a parent and how her ADHD diagnosis and coaching training helped her find new coping mechanisms and improve her relationship with her children. The episode offers encouragement and insights for parents with ADHD, highlighting the possibilities for growth, change, and finding balance in their parenting journey.
We have a unique episode this week, covering a topic I’ve honestly never known how to approach here: cannabis use for adults with ADHD. First things first, you need to know that this episode will be only one perspective on a subject I’d never pretend to be an expert in.
Joining me is a very special guest, Natalie Chien, @Natalie.C.ADHD who is not only a member of my group coaching program FOCUSED, but she’s also completed my ADHD coaching program! Natalie was formerly addicted to recreational marijuana and is now celebrating one year of sobriety after smoking for almost two decades.
Like many everyday marijuana users, Natalie started smoking with friends at a young age, but by the time she reached college, she had developed a serious dependency and failed to learn real and beneficial coping mechanisms to deal with things like stress and family issues.
On top of that, Natalie had an underlying suspicion that she had ADHD, but it went undiagnosed and largely untreated until her thirties. Today she can look back and recognize that the marijuana numbed her of any and all real feelings, and emotional regulation was never even on her radar until she joined FOCUSED. She missed out on significant life experiences and self-development by being tied down to a plant with temporary benefits.
The biggest message both Natalie and I want to leave our listeners with in this episode is that those of us with ADHD are more susceptible to substance use and addiction. When our ADHD is left undiagnosed, unmedicated, or untreated, we will inevitably find some way or something to help us feel better. For Natalie, starting therapy, ADHD medication and joining FOCUSED opened her up mentally and physically to start making serious life changes and motivated her to step away from cannabis use entirely.
See below for an insightful article on ADHD and cannabis as well as where you can connect with Natalie. For those of you who have never tried ADHD coaching before, I invite you to come join us in FOCUSED.