ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

EP. 310: Addiction and ADHD: A Conversation You Haven't Heard Before

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Dec 11, 2024

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ANECDOTE

Early Testing Experience

Andrea Epting recalls being tested for learning disabilities in elementary school.
The results indicated she was smart, implying her grades should be better.

ANECDOTE

Gymnastics and Hyperactivity

Epting was a competitive gymnast, training intensely for many hours.
She believes this physical activity helped manage her childhood hyperactivity.

ANECDOTE

Taking ADHD Seriously

Andrea Epting didn't take her ADHD seriously until wanting to attend college.
Medication and focus led to improved grades and college acceptance.

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How do ADHD, trauma, and addiction intersect, and what strategies can help break this harmful cycle?

In this episode, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Andrea Epting, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma recovery, addiction, and neurodivergence. As a professional with ADHD and OCD, and a mother to two neurodivergent young adults, Andrea brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the conversation.

Andrea delves into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and addiction, explaining how trauma, emotional dysregulation, and a search for dopamine can create vulnerabilities. She shares her therapeutic approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of abstinence, community, and replacing unhealthy habits with meaningful alternatives. Andrea also highlights the unique challenges ADHD women face in emotional regulation and how breaking harmful cycles can lead to resilience and healing.

This episode provides strategies for navigating the intersections of ADHD, trauma, and recovery. Andrea offers insights into the role of mindfulness, self-compassion, and creating structure in building healthier habits. She also discusses her work through her nonprofit, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS), to make mental health resources more accessible.

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