#67 ADHD & Addiction

06/24/24 • 25 min

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I just thought I had an addictive personality. Turns out that I had undiagnosed ADHD.
For me it was food (sugar), alcohol & shopping. I used them as a way to both escape the painful parts of my life & to feel good.
All addictions have one thing in common: DOPAMINE.
And while many articles will tell you we become addicted because we are "dopamine seeking"... I don't fully agree.
In this episode we explore:

What addiction looks like & how it develops in people with ADHD
The 2 things that I believe lead us towards addiction
The work of Anna Lembke & the role of dopamine

In this episode I recommend & refer to Anna Lembke's book: Dopamine Nation
Find Xena here:
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What addiction looks like & how it develops in people with ADHD
The 2 things that I believe lead us towards addiction
The work of Anna Lembke & the role of dopamine

In this episode I recommend & refer to Anna Lembke's book: Dopamine Nation
Find Xena here:
Instagram
Website
Facebook

Previous Episode

#66 Setting boundaries & improving relationships

The root of self-care is setting boundaries: It’s saying no to something in order to say yes to your own emotional, physical & mental well-being.
Healthy boundaries are "what's ok & what is not ok."
Setting & upholding boundaries is a skill we can learn. One that not only prevents burnout, but also improves our relationships & creates more balance in our lives.
In this episode we are talking about:

Why adults with ADHD often struggle with boundaries
Examples of healthy boundaries in relationships
How to know when you need to set a boundary
Why setting boundaries is hard & worth it

The book recommended in this episode is: Set Boundaries, find peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
For more support from Xena visit:
Instagram
Website
Facebook

Next Episode

#68 Creating Connection with Vince Ford

"We are hard wired to connect with others" And for us ADHDers this can be tricky as we navigate RSD & a busy mind...
And today's special guest, Vince Ford, is an expert on creating connection.
In this episode we cover:

The link between physical pain & the emotional pain of rejection. Plus a surprising cure that works for both!
What mentalizing is & how it impacts our interactions with others
A simple trick for reframing the overthinking & negative stories we might spiral in
How “practicing” social connection feels good & lessens the fear of rejection
Using stories to connect
How social connections are changing & what we can do to bridge the gap when we interact with others

And as usual you’ll hear my “ADHD in real time” throughout this interview!
Connect with Vince here: https://vinceford.org/

For more support & resources visit: navigatingadultadhd.com