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.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey guys, welcome back tolanding and perfect.

(00:02):
I'm your host, Jen Leander.
And today I want to talk withyou about a topic that I'm very
passionate about, and that isADHD and alcohol.
So ADHD and alcohol, um, there'sa lot of psychological and
emotional aspects that createissues between the two of these
beyond physical consequences.
The psychological toll ofcombining ADHD and alcohol can

(00:25):
be devastating.
Alcohol can exacerbate existingmental health conditions like
anxiety and depression, whichare already common among people
with ADHD.
So.
So it can create this viciouscycle where alcohol is used as a
self-medication strategy.
And it only worsens thatunderlying issues in the long

(00:46):
run.
So moreover alcohol can impairjudgment and decision-making.
Making it difficult to manageADHD symptoms, effectively tasks
that might be challenging, butmanageable when sober can become
overwhelming and impossibleunder the influence.
So this can lead to a lot offrustration, low self esteem,

(01:07):
and just this sense of failure.
And then alcohol can alsoamplify emotional volatility.
So a common trait.
I mean, this is just truly acommentary in.
P people.
I can, I can talk, um, It's acommon tree and people with ADHD
mood swings can become moreintense and the ability to

(01:30):
regulate those emotions can becompromised.
So this emotional instabilityconstraint, relationships, both
personal and professional.
The shame and guilt that'sassociated with alcohol misuse
can be particularly overwhelmingfor people with ADHD.
They may.
May already struggle withfeelings of inadequacy and
self-doubt and alcohol-relatedbehaviors can exacerbate those

(01:53):
negative emotions.
People with ADHD often faceadditional challenges when
seeking help for alcohol misuse.
And that's that stigma that'ssurrounding both conditions and
it can create this barrier toaccessing treatment.
It's essential to challengethose stereotypes and create a
positive supportive environment.
for those who are struggling.

(02:14):
And that's another reason whyI'm so passionate about this
podcast and offering support andeducation around a lot of
important topics.
Um, family.
And friends play a crucial rolein supporting individuals with
ADHD who are dealing withalcohol misuse.
So offering understanding,patience and encouragement can

(02:34):
make a significant difference.
It's essential to avoid enablingbehaviors.
And I know this isn't always.
Easy.
But.
But it's.
So, so.
So important.
To really.
Really have those boundaries andthose limits and to not enable
these behaviors and to encourageyour family member, your friend,
to seek professional.
If that's what's needed.

(02:54):
Preventing alcohol misuse.
Among people with ADHD startswith early diagnosis and
intervention for ADHD.
So providing education andsupport to children and
adolescents with ADHD.
Can help them develop healthycoping mechanisms and reduce the
risk of alcohol misuse later inlife.
The impact of ADHD and alcoholmisuse can extend beyond

(03:17):
personal life.
So in the workplace, peoplestruggling with both conditions
may face additional challenges.
Alcohol consumption can lead todecreased productivity.
And paired judgment andincreased absences from work.
This can obviously negativelyaffect job performance and
career advancement.
So some things that obviouslypeople with ADHD may already

(03:40):
struggle, especially if it'suntreated.
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 employerscan play a crucial role in
supporting their employees withADHD and alcohol misuse.
By offering them resources, suchas employee assistance programs

(04:04):
and mental health benefits.
Creating a supportive andunderstanding workplace culture
that can make a significantdifference as well.
So if you or someone that.
You do know is struggling withADHD and alcohol.
It's essential to seekprofessional help if
professional help is needed.
So there are effective.
treatment options that areavailable.

(04:25):
And this can include ADHDmedications.
So when used appropriatelymedication.
Can can significantly improveADHD symptoms and reduce the
reliance on alcohol as a copingmechanism.
Cognitive behavioral therapythat can help people develop
healthy coping strategies.
Manage impulsivity and addressthe emotional impact of ADHD and

(04:46):
alcohol misuse.
Connecting.
With other people who understandyour experiences can provide
valuable support andencouragement.
So connecting with.
Those support groups can reallyhelp.
And if alcohol use disorder ispresent, specialized treatment
programs can help people achievesobriety and develop healthy.
Healthy coping mechanisms.

(05:08):
So I wanted to include somecommon questions about alcohol
misuse and.
ADHD and.
Answer some of those for youguys.
So.
So the first.
Question.
Is can ADHD medication help withalcohol cravings?
While ADHD medication cansignificantly improve ADHD
symptoms.
It's not a treatment for alcoholuse disorder.

(05:29):
Medication specifically designedfor alcohol addiction, such as
naltrexone or Campral.
Those are more effective inmanaging cravings.
However, It is essential,please, to consult with a
healthcare professional, todetermine the best treatment
approach here.
Next question.
Does alcohol make ADHD symptomsworse?

(05:52):
Absolutely.
Alcohol is a depressant and thatcan worse than ADHD symptoms
like impulsivity and intentionand hyperactivity.
It can also impair judgment anddecision-making leading to risky
behavior.
The combination of alcohol andADHD can create this dangerous
cycle.
So not only if you're usingalcohol and you're intoxicated,

(06:13):
but it's that.
Afterwards effect.
So the hangover that can lasttwo, three days, it creates a
lot of anxiety and a lot ofdepression as well for people
who do have ADHD.
Okay.
So next, next question.
Are there specific therapytechniques for people with ADHD
and alcohol misuse?
Yes.
There are.
So kind of like I was mentioningbefore the cognitive behavioral

(06:35):
therapy is a commonly usedtherapy that can address both
ADHD and alcohol related issues.
It focuses on changing thoughtpatterns, behaviors, and
emotional responses.
Additionally, therapies likemotivational interviewing can be
helpful in addressing thechallenges of both conditions.
Um, next question.
So how can I support a loved onewith ADHD?

(06:58):
Who's struggling with alcohol,offer support, offer,
understanding, and offerencouragement, avoiding those
enabling behaviors like we weretalking about too, and
encouraging them to seekprofessional help.
So educate yourself about ADHD.
And alcohol misuse so that youcan better understand what your
loved one, what your friend,what your family member is going
through and what theirchallenges are.

(07:19):
And considering.
Attending your own supportgroup.
So support groups for familymembers of individuals with
addictions, that can be helpfulas well.
And last question.
Is it possible to recover fromboth ADHD and alcohol misuse?
Absolutely.
Many people with ADHD.
ADHD successfully.
Fully recover from alcohol usedisorder with the right

(07:41):
treatment support.
It's possible to live afulfilling life.
That's free of the grip of bothconditions.
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 astigma in mental health and
people feeling like it's aweakness.
To reach out for help, but I'mtelling you.

(08:03):
As a provider.
Seen people show.
Show.
So up to program.
Um, Being in there The mostvulnerable.
T like times of their life.
They're in sessions, they'redoing the hard work.
It takes a lot of strength toshow up, to do that.
It is.
I, none of it's easy.
Right.
But I want to say it's easier todo.

(08:24):
Nothing and to live.
I live.
in what you've been living inversus changing the behavior,
finding support, showing up,doing the work.
It is.
I mean, these people areincredible.
It is.
very hard to do what they'redoing.
So please be one of those peopleshow up, do the work, take care
of yourself because you deserve.
To live a life that's worthliving to you.

(08:46):
That's fulfilling and enjoyable.
So, if you are someone that youknow is struggling with ADHD and
alcohol misuse, just know thatthere are resources and support
available.
So don't hesitate to reach outto a mental health professional,
or a support group.
Keep listening to these types ofpodcasts, read the books, find
support groups, do all thethings that, that you know, can

(09:08):
help encourage recovery.
And.
Help you support a familymember.
Who's also struggling with thesethings.
So I will see you guys next weekand I hope you have Beautiful
day.
Thank you so much for joining meon this episode of landing
imperfect.
I truly appreciate you being apart of this community and
sharing this journey with me.

(09:28):
If you do want to connectfurther, then don't hesitate to
follow me on Instagram at Jendot Lander.
I would love to hear yourthoughts, any questions or any
stories that you want to share.
So, DME there, I also have awebsite.
It's a landing and perfectwebsite where I share a blog
post about my podcast, and thenyou can join my email list.
I have a PDF that providesanxiety and stress management

(09:48):
tools that you can.
And use as well when you join myemail list.
So check it out.
My website will be linked in myshow notes.
So don't hesitate to reach