Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Dr. Ben Walden discusses the unique challenges of sobriety for individuals with autism and the importance of personalised treatment approaches.
Explicit
34 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Educational
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
304 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Autism and Sobriety: Navigating Unique Challenges with Dr. Ben Walden
Episode Overview
- Understanding the complexities of diagnosing autism.
- The role of community and group work in recovery.
- Debunking myths about autism and addiction.
- The importance of personalised treatment approaches.
- Potential medical pathways in recovery.
"The reality is, like most things, it probably did exist and we didn't see it as much."
In this episode of the Soberful podcast, Veronica Valli welcomes Dr. Ben Walden to discuss the intricate relationship between autism and sobriety. Dr. Walden, an experienced psychiatrist specialising in addiction, shares his knowledge on the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum who are also dealing with addiction. The conversation kicks off with Dr. Walden explaining the complexities of diagnosing autism, highlighting how it's often overlooked or misunderstood, especially in adults.
He emphasises that new research is continually emerging, offering fresh perspectives and better understanding of autism and its connection to addiction. Dr. Walden discusses the significant role of community and group work in recovery, while acknowledging that these settings can be particularly anxiety-inducing for those with autism. He stresses the importance of personalised approaches in treatment, recognising that what works for one person might not work for another.
This episode also touches on the misconceptions around autism and addiction, debunking the myth that people with autism are less likely to have addiction problems due to their social avoidance. The conversation takes a compassionate turn as Dr. Walden shares anecdotes about individuals who have found relief and understanding through proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. He also addresses the potential for medical pathways in recovery, such as the use of medications like Naltrexone, while cautioning about possible side effects.
Veronica and Dr. Walden wrap up the episode by encouraging a more inclusive and understanding approach within recovery communities. They discuss how awareness and communication can make a significant difference in supporting those with autism on their sobriety journey. If you're interested in learning about the intersection of autism and sobriety, and how tailored approaches can make a world of difference, this episode is a must-listen.