302 One Year SOBER(ish): My Story Plus the Surprising Link Between ADHD and Alcohol Dependency
Feb 11, 2025
auto_awesome
Dive into a personal journey of sobriety and the transformative effects it has on ADHD. Explore the shocking link between alcohol and cancer, shedding light on a lesser-known risk. Discover the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance and how traditional parenting can fall short. Plus, confront the stigma surrounding ADHD medication and advocate for compassionate understanding. With heartfelt insights and practical advice, this is a compelling discussion for anyone navigating similar challenges.
01:01:08
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The host shares her transformative journey to sobriety, revealing improved mental and physical health outcomes linked to eliminating alcohol from her life.
The podcast discusses the significant connection between ADHD and alcohol dependency, highlighting the need for proper ADHD treatment to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Deep dives
The Journey to Sobriety
The host shares her personal journey of becoming alcohol-free, celebrating over a year without alcohol. She discusses her past struggles with daily drinking, where even modest consumption became a habit that negatively impacted her life. Despite never feeling excessively drunk, she acknowledges that everyday drinking contributed to health issues such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and brain fog. The realization that moderating alcohol intake was not an option for her led to a decision to quit entirely, ultimately improving her well-being significantly.
The Positive Impact of Quitting Alcohol
The transition to sobriety has brought numerous benefits in the host's life, including improved sleep quality, higher energy levels, and weight loss. She emphasizes the noticeable changes in her physical and mental health, including a reduction in anxiety and enhanced creativity. By eliminating alcohol, she reports feeling more alert and productive, dispelling the notion that alcohol was a necessary stress relief. This experience has transformed her view, revealing that sobriety does not equate to missing out on enjoyment.
Understanding ADHD and Alcohol Use Disorders
The podcast highlights a significant link between ADHD and alcohol use disorders, with research indicating that individuals with ADHD are more susceptible to developing such issues. Statistics reveal that up to 43% of those with ADHD may struggle with alcohol dependence, often using it as a coping mechanism to manage their condition. The host underscores the need for proper ADHD treatment, suggesting that untreated ADHD can lead individuals to seek relief through alcohol. This discussion shines a light on the importance of recognizing and addressing these connections to find healthier coping strategies.
The Role of Community and Support
Supportive communities play a vital role in the host's recovery journey as she emphasizes the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences. Joining groups that focus on sobriety and sharing stories provides not only camaraderie but also accountability. The podcast encourages listeners to explore various support systems, including sober communities and resources like podcasts dedicated to sobriety. Such interactions can help individuals gain insight into their own relationship with alcohol and motivate them to consider healthier choices.
In this raw and personal episode, I open up about my journey with alcohol dependency—how I struggled with moderation, what finally pushed me toward sobriety, and the surprising ways it transformed my ADHD experience. If you've ever wondered about the connection between ADHD and alcohol use, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
I also dive deep into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—what it is, how it shows up in kids (and adults!), and why traditional parenting strategies often backfire. I share what I’ve learned from my own experiences and offer a fresh perspective on supporting kids with PDA by understanding their nervous system and need for autonomy.
Plus, we’re tackling some big, often-ignored topics:
🔥 The shocking link between alcohol and cancer—what you NEED to know.
💊 The stigma around ADHD medication—why it's harmful and how we can push back.
This episode is packed with real talk, science, and personal insights to help you navigate ADHD with more clarity and confidence. Tune in now!