Sober & neurodivergent: How understanding ADHD unlocked my lasting sobriety

If you've ever felt like your brain is working against your best efforts, this podcast episode is essential.

I recently had a deeply personal chat with Lotta Dan (Mrs. D) on the Living Sober Sobriety Chat podcast about sobriety and ADHD, and I’m thrilled to share a summary of it here.

My recovery journey, like many, had its twists and turns but the biggest revelation came years along the track, the diagnosis of adult ADHD. This conversation dives into my experience of fighting addiction while unknowingly navigating a neurodivergent brain. If you've ever felt like your brain is working against your best efforts, this episode is essential. Understanding how  your body and mind work is the first step toward building truly good health. 

Prefer to listen on the Living Sober website? Listen to it here.

My conversation with Mrs D about sobriety & neurodiversity

In the Living Sober podcast, my story covers points about addiction, environment and the need for personalised recovery:

1. The torture of knowing: I described the internal battle of "having a head full of recovery and a belly full of booze." This underscores a critical aspect of addiction: it is a mental condition that actively works against your knowledge and self-interest. You are not weak; you are fighting a debilitating internal war.

   
   

2. The ADHD-addiction link: The statistics I shared a critical piece of information: "One in two people with neurodiversity (like ADHD) end up having substance abuse issues." This high rate is sadly validated by research. The NZ Drug Foundation highlights the clear link between untreated ADHD and significant drug harm, citing that people with ADHD are "significantly" more likely to use drugs and develop Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) compared to the neurotypical population.

   
   

   Further Reading: View the NZ Drug Foundation's report on Neurodivergence and Substance Use here.

   
   

3. Taking the conversation off the table – the power of Antabuse: My success in early sobriety was largely due to using medication like Antabuse (Disulfiram). I explained it served as an "insurance policy" that stopped the exhausting, non-stop mental debate about whether or not to drink. By removing the option, I freed up energy to focus on rebuilding my life and health.

   
   

4. Sobriety is not always a picnic: While many expect a "window opening and the light shining in" moment, I stressed that my early sobriety was hard. It involved intense fatigue, mood swings, and the need to address underlying anxiety and depression that were independent of alcohol. This validates the experience of many who find the initial years challenging.

   
   

5. The importance of the "operating manual": I view the ADHD diagnosis as being "handed the keys to the car" or the "operating manual" for my brain. Understanding my neurodiversity allowed me to stop fighting my nature and instead develop rigorous, self-compassionate routines—like prioritising sleep, exercise and social connection—that directly support my neurodivergent needs and, thus, my sobriety.

Understanding ADHD: The key to lasting sobriety

ADHD and co-occurring conditions are like a layer cake.

In the podcast, I shared an analogy that my psychiatrist used to explain ADHD:

"The bottom layer is ADHD, next layer is depression, next layer is anxiety, and then the next layer is substance abuse. If you take that bottom layer away, the other layers might not even develop."

This speaks to the importance of looking beyond the alcohol use itself and treating the underlying mental health conditions. For me, treating my ADHD in conjunction with not drinking has been the key to sustained stability and happiness.

Don't wait years for your "operating manual." Let's uncover the root cause of your struggles together.

Book your free 15-minute consultation today. Let's discuss a coaching strategy that moves beyond just quitting alcohol and helps you find the clarity and balance you've been searching for.