Neal Mankey, Chair of ADHD UK, joins the podcast to discuss the connection between ADHD and alcohol. They talk about its impact on work and personal life, its connection with entrepreneurship, and the difficulties in coping with ADHD symptoms. The episode also highlights the importance of community and making connections with like-minded individuals.
Alcohol use among individuals with ADHD is often a coping mechanism for the challenges and symptoms they face, worsening mental health and exacerbating conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Access to assessment and treatment for individuals with ADHD is a significant challenge, with long wait times for assessments within the NHS causing detrimental effects on mental health, highlighting the need for increased support and resources.
Deep dives
The Link Between ADHD and Alcohol Use
One of the main topics discussed in the podcast is the strong link between ADHD and alcohol use. The speaker shares their personal experience as someone with ADHD and how they used alcohol to cope with the challenges they faced. They discuss the impact of alcohol on mental health and how it can worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. The speaker emphasizes the need for awareness and support for individuals with ADHD who may be struggling with alcohol addiction or misuse. They also mention the importance of getting a proper diagnosis and seeking appropriate treatment.
The Challenges of ADHD and Wait Times for Assessment
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, particularly regarding access to assessment and treatment. The speaker highlights the long wait times for ADHD assessments within the NHS, which can range up to eight years in some regions. They express concern about the impact this has on mental health, especially for those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. The speaker shares the efforts of ADHD UK in raising awareness, advocating for change, and providing resources and support for individuals with ADHD and their families.
Research on ADHD and Suicide Rates
A significant research finding highlighted in the podcast is the link between ADHD and increased suicide rates. The speaker mentions a study conducted at the University of Glasgow that found one in four boys with ADHD and one in four girls with ADHD will attempt suicide at some point. These alarming statistics shed light on the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health and well-being of individuals with ADHD. The speaker emphasizes the need for increased awareness, improved access to medication and psychological support, and the impact of ADHD on society as a whole.
Positive Changes and Advocacy for ADHD
The podcast also explores the positive changes that can occur when individuals with ADHD remove alcohol from their lives. The speaker shares their personal journey of gaining confidence, clarity, and self-worth after giving up alcohol and receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They express a newfound passion for helping others and advocating for neurodiversity, particularly in the workplace. The speaker discusses the work of ADHD UK in providing resources, support groups, and education to promote understanding and inclusion for individuals with ADHD. They encourage others to seek out like-minded individuals and strive for authentic self-expression.
In this fascinating exploration of ADHD and its many facets, we're joined by Neal Mankey, chair of ADHD UK, who shares some personal experiences and insightful topics on the connection between ADHD and alcohol. This episode talks about the impact it has on work and personal life, and its connection with entrepreneurship. Neal's role in ADHD advocacy aims to highlight the need for increased awareness and resources in ADHD education and support.
Listen as Neal and Ruari share personal stories of living with ADHD and how it has influenced life decisions, including the choice to eliminate alcohol from their routines. We hear about the difficulties in coping with ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, as well as the unexpected advantages it can bring.
This candid episode also highlights the importance of community and making connections with like-minded individuals.
Learn more about our guest Neal Mankey and the work that he is doing here: