ADHD and Recovery: Insights with Dr. Sarah Church
Episode Overview
ADHD symptoms in women are often missed, leading to self-medication. Proper diagnosis from a neuropsychologist is crucial. Untreated ADHD can complicate sobriety efforts. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention can help manage symptoms. Executive functioning coaching offers practical strategies for daily life.
It's like I have a lot of programmes running all at the same time, and medication helps them line up.
In this episode of 4 Sober Chicks, the hosts welcome back the brilliant Dr. Sarah Church for a deep dive into ADHD and its impact on women in recovery. Dr. Church, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, shares her extensive knowledge on the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and substance use disorders.
The conversation kicks off with a discussion on why ADHD is frequently missed in women, touching on how symptoms can differ from those typically seen in men. This misdiagnosis can lead to self-medication with substances like alcohol, creating a cycle that's tough to break without proper treatment. Dr. Church explains the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis from a neuropsychologist and highlights how untreated ADHD can exacerbate challenges in sobriety.
The hosts share their personal experiences, making the discussion relatable and engaging. Heather and Dana, in particular, open up about their struggles with sensory overload and mood swings, shedding light on how these symptoms affected their recovery journeys. The episode also covers practical strategies for managing ADHD in recovery, such as mindfulness-based relapse prevention and executive functioning coaching. Dr. Church emphasises that understanding and addressing ADHD can significantly improve one's quality of life and aid in maintaining sobriety.
By the end of the episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the intersection of ADHD and addiction, along with actionable advice for seeking help and managing symptoms. This candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone dealing with ADHD or supporting someone in recovery. Tune in to learn more about how recognising and treating ADHD can make a world of difference in your recovery journey.