The Impact of Alcohol on ADHD: Breaking the Vicious Cycle

Welcome to Landing Imperfect! I’m your host, Jen Lander, and today’s episode delves into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: ADHD and alcohol. We’ll explore how these two conditions interact, the psychological and emotional consequences, and why this combination can create a vicious cycle. From impaired judgment and emotional volatility to the added stigma that hinders individuals from seeking help, we’ll uncover the challenges and offer practical advice. Plus, I’ll answer some common questions about managing ADHD and alcohol misuse, and how cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and other resources can play a crucial role in recovery. Whether you’re personally affected or supporting someone who is, this episode aims to provide valuable insights and encouragement. So let’s jump in and tackle this important topic together!

00:00 ADHD and alcohol misuse: stigma, support, prevention

03:02 Education and support for ADHD prevents alcohol misuse.

07:40 Support makes living a fulfilling life possible.

09:20 Thank you for joining, follow on Instagram.

Follow Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.lander/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.butram/

Resources:
Landing Imperfect Website
https://landingimperfect.godaddysites.com/

Transcript

0:00

Hey guys, welcome back to landing and perfect. I'm your host, Jen Leander. And today I want to talk with you about a topic that I'm very passionate about, and that is ADHD and alcohol. So ADHD and alcohol, um, there's a lot of psychological and emotional aspects that create issues between the two of these beyond physical consequences. The psychological toll of combining ADHD and alcohol can be devastating. Alcohol can exacerbate existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which are already common among people with ADHD. So. So it can create this vicious cycle where alcohol is used as a self-medication strategy. And it only worsens that underlying issues in the long run. So moreover alcohol can impair judgment and decision-making. Making it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms, effectively tasks that might be challenging, but manageable when sober can become overwhelming and impossible under the influence. So this can lead to a lot of frustration, low self esteem, and just this sense of failure. And then alcohol can also amplify emotional volatility. So a common trait. I mean, this is just truly a commentary in. P people. I can, I can talk, um, It's a common tree and people with ADHD mood swings can become more intense and the ability to regulate those emotions can be compromised. So this emotional instability constraint, relationships, both personal and professional. The shame and guilt that's associated with alcohol misuse can be particularly overwhelming for people with ADHD. They may. May already struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt and alcohol-related behaviors can exacerbate those negative emotions. People with ADHD often face additional challenges when seeking help for alcohol misuse. And that's that stigma that's surrounding both conditions and it can create this barrier to accessing treatment. It's essential to challenge those stereotypes and create a positive supportive environment. for those who are struggling. And that's another reason why I'm so passionate about this podcast and offering support and education around a lot of important topics. Um, family. And friends play a crucial role in supporting individuals with ADHD who are dealing with alcohol misuse. So offering understanding, patience and encouragement can make a significant difference. It's essential to avoid enabling behaviors. And I know this isn't always. Easy. But. But it's. So, so. So important. To really. Really have those boundaries and those limits and to not enable these behaviors and to encourage your family member, your friend, to seek professional. If that's what's needed. Preventing alcohol misuse. Among people with ADHD starts with early diagnosis and intervention for ADHD. So providing education and support to children and adolescents with ADHD. Can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of alcohol misuse later in life. The impact of ADHD and alcohol misuse can extend beyond personal life. So in the workplace, people struggling with both conditions may face additional challenges. Alcohol consumption can lead to decreased productivity. And paired judgment and increased absences from work. This can obviously negatively affect job performance and career advancement. So some things that obviously people with ADHD may already struggle, especially if it's untreated. Treated ADHD. And then adding alcohol to this. It's it's just, like I said, it's this vicious cycle and it can create a lot of unhealthy. Um, consequences so employers can play a crucial role in supporting their employees with ADHD and alcohol misuse. By offering them resources, such as employee assistance programs and mental health benefits. Creating a supportive and understanding workplace culture that can make a significant difference as well. So if you or someone that. You do know is struggling with ADHD and alcohol. It's essential to seek professional help if professional help is needed. So there are effective. treatment options that are available. And this can include ADHD medications. So when used appropriately medication. Can can significantly improve ADHD symptoms and reduce the reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Cognitive behavioral therapy that can help people develop healthy coping strategies. Manage impulsivity and address the emotional impact of ADHD and alcohol misuse. Connecting. With other people who understand your experiences can provide valuable support and encouragement. So connecting with. Those support groups can really help. And if alcohol use disorder is present, specialized treatment programs can help people achieve sobriety and develop healthy. Healthy coping mechanisms. So I wanted to include some common questions about alcohol misuse and. ADHD and. Answer some of those for you guys. So. So the first. Question. Is can ADHD medication help with alcohol cravings? While ADHD medication can significantly improve ADHD symptoms. It's not a treatment for alcohol use disorder. Medication specifically designed for alcohol addiction, such as naltrexone or Campral. Those are more effective in managing cravings. However, It is essential, please, to consult with a healthcare professional, to determine the best treatment approach here. Next question. Does alcohol make ADHD symptoms worse? Absolutely. Alcohol is a depressant and that can worse than ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and intention and hyperactivity. It can also impair judgment and decision-making leading to risky behavior. The combination of alcohol and ADHD can create this dangerous cycle. So not only if you're using alcohol and you're intoxicated, but it's that. Afterwards effect. So the hangover that can last two, three days, it creates a lot of anxiety and a lot of depression as well for people who do have ADHD. Okay. So next, next question. Are there specific therapy techniques for people with ADHD and alcohol misuse? Yes. There are. So kind of like I was mentioning before the cognitive behavioral therapy is a commonly used therapy that can address both ADHD and alcohol related issues. It focuses on changing thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses. Additionally, therapies like motivational interviewing can be helpful in addressing the challenges of both conditions. Um, next question. So how can I support a loved one with ADHD? Who's struggling with alcohol, offer support, offer, understanding, and offer encouragement, avoiding those enabling behaviors like we were talking about too, and encouraging them to seek professional help. So educate yourself about ADHD. And alcohol misuse so that you can better understand what your loved one, what your friend, what your family member is going through and what their challenges are. And considering. Attending your own support group. So support groups for family members of individuals with addictions, that can be helpful as well. And last question. Is it possible to recover from both ADHD and alcohol misuse? Absolutely. Many people with ADHD. ADHD successfully. Fully recover from alcohol use disorder with the right treatment support. It's possible to live a fulfilling life. That's free of the grip of both conditions. So I just want to remind you, please seek help when necessary and know that seeking. Seeking help is. As a sign of strength. I know there's a. A lot of talk out there with a stigma in mental health and people feeling like it's a weakness. To reach out for help, but I'm telling you. As a provider. Seen people show. Show. So up to program. Um, Being in there The most vulnerable. T like times of their life. They're in sessions, they're doing the hard work. It takes a lot of strength to show up, to do that. It is. I, none of it's easy. Right. But I want to say it's easier to do. Nothing and to live. I live. in what you've been living in versus changing the behavior, finding support, showing up, doing the work. It is. I mean, these people are incredible. It is. very hard to do what they're doing. So please be one of those people show up, do the work, take care of yourself because you deserve. To live a life that's worth living to you. That's fulfilling and enjoyable. So, if you are someone that you know is struggling with ADHD and alcohol misuse, just know that there are resources and support available. So don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, or a support group. Keep listening to these types of podcasts, read the books, find support groups, do all the things that, that you know, can help encourage recovery. And. Help you support a family member. Who's also struggling with these things. So I will see you guys next week and I hope you have Beautiful day. Thank you so much for joining me on this episode of landing imperfect. I truly appreciate you being a part of this community and sharing this journey with me. If you do want to connect further, then don't hesitate to follow me on Instagram at Jen dot Lander. I would love to hear your thoughts, any questions or any stories that you want to share. So, DME there, I also have a website. It's a landing and perfect website where I share a blog post about my podcast, and then you can join my email list. I have a PDF that provides anxiety and stress management tools that you can. And use as well when you join my email list. So check it out. My website will be linked in my show notes. So don't hesitate to reach