Addiction, Anxiety & Dyslexia

Ever feel like anxiety keeps you trapped in a loop you can't escape? That's exactly how many of us feel when we wrestle with addiction. It sneaks up on you when your mind is already racing, and before you know it, you're relying on something that may not actually fix the deeper issues.

In this episode, I explore how addiction and anxiety are often intertwined, especially for those of us with dyslexia. We talk about how the dyslexic mind can amplify feelings of stress. I also share personal steps I'm taking to peel back the layers, so maybe you can try them too.

Understanding the Link Between Dyslexia, Anxiety, and Addiction

There’s a common misconception that anxiety or dyslexia alone might spark addiction. Sometimes it’s simply the desire to shut off our anxious thoughts or feel a sense of control. Dyslexia can mean racing thoughts, wandering focus, and struggles with processing. That stirring in our heads often raises our stress levels and leaves us vulnerable to escaping through substances or unhealthy habits.

When anxiety comes knocking, we might reach for something to calm us down. This could be alcohol, comfort food, or even distractions like social media. But that relief is often temporary. Dyslexia adds to the mix by turning simple tasks into mental marathons. Our minds get overloaded, which can leave us even more tempted to escape through addictive patterns.

“Addiction can often hide behind our anxious thoughts, making it tough to see a way out.”

How It All Started for Me

I’ve found that my anxiety rarely stands still. If I’m not careful, it can lead me toward dangerous coping methods. My first brush with addiction wasn't about some glamorous moment of temptation. It was feeling overwhelmed and mistakenly thinking that a quick fix might be the best remedy.

For me, it was a few after-work drinks that turned into a bit more. I’d get home, anxiety swirling, and think, “Just one will take the edge off.” The problem is that “just one” can quickly become a regular habit. Before I knew it, my mind was training itself to think a drink was my only way to handle stress. It was the same pattern with other vices like junk food or mindlessly scrolling through my phone.

That’s how easy it can happen. We don't notice it's a problem until we try to step away and realise we can't. Our dyslexic brains already have a lot to handle. Throw in chronic anxiety, and you’ve got a recipe for leaning on something that gives you a temporary break.

Strategies and Tools I'm Trying

I'm not claiming to have all the answers, but I’d like to share some things that are helping me manage anxiety without diving back into old habits. Every little step counts. Here are a few approaches that have been changing the way I cope:

• Mindful Breathing: It's a cliché for a reason. Pausing for slow, intentional breaths helps me lower stress levels before my mind leaps to an addictive behaviour.
• Daily Journalling: Jotting down my anxious thoughts is like emptying a cluttered drawer. It doesn't always solve the problem, but it helps me see what I'm dealing with.
• Accountability Buddy: A friend who understands dyslexia and anxiety can be your sounding board. Sharing even a simple update can keep you aware of your tendencies.
• Replace, Don’t Just Remove: If I remove a habit, I try to plug in something healthier. For instance, instead of reaching for a drink, I grab a cup of herbal tea or go for a short walk.

These might seem small, but consistency makes a difference. Dyslexia isn't going away. Anxiety might still pop up. Yet by taking deliberate steps, you can reduce the power these challenges hold in your life.

Why the Dyslexic Mind Gets Stuck

Anxiety and dyslexia are like two dance partners that won't let go. Dyslexia can create a swirl of scattered thoughts that make ordinary tasks feel intimidating. When we feel stuck, anxiety often compounds the stress. If we can't calm our minds in healthy ways, it’s easy to crave an instant release from that mental whirlpool.

I’ve noticed that trying to force myself to think in a linear way doesn’t always fix the anxiety. Instead, I focus on practical shifts. If my brain needs a break, I channel that energy into something like doodling, stretching, or listening to a short guided meditation. It doesn't need to be fancy. It just has to pull me out of that anxious loop.

It’s important to remember that feeling overwhelmed isn’t a failure. I’ve come to accept it as a signal that I might need a fresh approach or a moment to myself. Dyslexia might be a factor, but it doesn’t have to define the outcome. A quick pivot in activity can disrupt the anxious cycle and cut off the urge to reach for a bottle or another unhealthy crutch.

Encouragement for Anyone Struggling

Consider spotting the patterns rather than simply blaming yourself when you give in. It's easy to feel shame or guilt, but that rarely helps. See it as a life experiment in which you're learning what sets you off and what soothes you. Sometimes even humour can ease the burden. If you catch yourself in full-blown anxious mode, try to observe it like a curious bystander, “Well, there I go again, thinking doomsday thoughts.”

If you want to do a bit more, try these steps:

1. Track Your Patterns: Jot down when you feel the worst and what triggers it. Do you notice a certain time of day or situation?
2. Plan an Exit Strategy: If you find yourself reaching for a substance or an unhealthy escape, plan something else you could do to break that cycle.
3. Celebrate Tiny Wins: If you skip that extra glass or log off social media early, give yourself a mental pat on the back. These little victories add up.

Everyone’s journey is different, but nobody has to do it alone. You might consider a counsellor who understands dyslexia or a group that supports people with similar issues. Don’t underestimate the power of community. With time and the right tools, you can chip away at anxiety's grip on your life and find healthier ways to cope.

• Forgive yourself when you slip
• Recognise triggers and seek healthier alternatives
• Lean on people who understand
• Journal or track your thoughts
• Experiment with approaches like meditation or therapy

If you're feeling like you need more insights, I've shared extra detail and personal stories in the full episode at the top of the page. Feel free to give it a listen. It might spark a direction for your next step or simply remind you that you're not on this path alone.

Anxiety likes to whisper that you’re stuck. But every small choice you make can undercut that fearful voice. I hope these ideas help you see what's possible and give you the confidence to keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia and anxiety can make each other worse, which often leads people to seek quick relief.
• Addiction can start subtly while you're trying to cope with the chaos in your mind.
• Mindful breathing, journalling, and healthy substitutes are simple tools that add up.
• Recognising patterns can help you avoid or lessen the grip of addictive behaviours.
• Remember, you're allowed to pivot and try new methods until you find what works.

If you’d like an even deeper dive into how I'm tackling anxiety and addiction, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. It offers personal insights and tips that might fit your life. Jump in whenever you’re ready. We’re all in this together, and every step matters.