Emotional Sobriety: ADHD, Alcohol, and Dopamine with The Hangover Whisperer, Colleen Kachmann

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or struggled with that all-or-nothing mindset that so many of us with ADHD have, then today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Colleen Kachmann—certified master life and recovery coach, mindful drinking coach, and host of It’s Not About the Alcohol. Colleen has a powerful story of overcoming alcohol use disorder while navigating ADHD, and she’s here to break down the science behind addiction, dopamine, and why traditional sobriety approaches don’t work for everyone.

Colleen introduces how self-directed neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and how shifting your mindset from “I have to quit” to “I want to feel better” changes everything. Colleen shares her personal journey, the myths around addiction, and the small, sustainable steps that make lasting change possible. 

Episode Highlights:

[2:26] – Colleen’s journey with ADHD, alcohol use disorder, and the moment she realized something had to change.

[6:31] – The difference between an addiction and an identity—why the word “addict” kept her stuck.

[10:47] – Debunking the “once an addict, always an addict” myth and the science of how the brain heals.

[15:06] – Why traditional sobriety doesn’t work for most people and what to do instead.

[21:05] – The first step to breaking the habit (and why it’s NOT quitting cold turkey).

[25:12] – Why small habit shifts are more effective than all-or-nothing thinking.

[30:40] – The importance of nervous system regulation and how to stop living in fight-or-flight mode.

[36:06] – How to bounce back from setbacks and avoid the shame spiral.

[40:00] – Colleen’s unexpected analogy for negative thoughts (this one’s hilarious and SO true!).

[41:45] – Trusting your felt experience and paying attention to your body’s cues.

[43:50] – Find the non-judgmental support and getting out of your head.

Connect with Colleen Kachmann:

• Podcast It’s Not About the Alcohol: https://itsnotaboutthealcohol.com/ 
• Social: Instagram @thehangoverwhisperer TikTok @thehangoverwhisperer

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