Dyslexia, Adhd & Addiction

Ever wondered why some of us with dyslexia or ADHD feel drawn to certain habits or experiences? This episode tackles the fascinating link between how our brains process stimulation and the pull of addiction. I used to keep them in separate boxes, thinking my struggles with each were unrelated. Turns out, they're far more connected than I realised.

In this podcast, I share stories from my life and delve deeper into what really goes on in the mind of someone juggling dyslexia and ADHD. We explore how cravings for stimulation can lead to addictive behaviours, and why awareness is the essential first step. If that sounds like you, strap in—there’s a lot to uncover.

How Dyslexia and ADHD Shape Our View of Stimulation

Many of us dealing with dyslexia and ADHD have experienced intense highs and lows. We might crave variety, excitement and novelty to keep our interest alive. Our brains aren’t always wired for prolonged focus in the same way as others, so we compensate by seeking extra stimulation.

Think about it: dyslexia often brings creative thinking, but it can also create challenges in processing information. ADHD might set our minds racing, jumping from one idea to another. When we put these together, the need for new or intense experiences ramps up.

It’s not always a bad thing. This energy can drive innovation, help us think outside the box and give us a unique perspective in problem-solving. But it can also push us to look for shortcuts, impulses and bursts of excitement. Understanding this is a crucial part of recognising why addiction can feel so compelling.

When Stimulation Becomes Addiction

There’s a fine line between healthy stimulation and harmful addiction. The thrill of chasing something new might initially feel positive, but habits can spiral when they become an all-consuming fix.

“For years I saw them as separate, but as I learned more I could see how connected they were.”

That line from the episode really resonates, because recognising the overlap can be a game-changer. When you start noticing your dopamine-seeking habits (like scrolling social media for hours or binge-eating sweet foods), you realise it’s not just a lack of willpower. Instead, it’s a way your mind is trying to cope with or compensate for a constant hunger for stimulation.

Sometimes, these behaviours become addictive patterns that disrupt our lives. The more we chase that quick rush, the harder it is to break free. It might be gaming, work, sugar or something else. Each of us is a bit different, but the addictive loop often feels the same.

Understanding Personal Triggers

We all have our personal triggers—those stressful or emotional moments when we’re repeating unhelpful patterns. If we don’t take a step back to figure them out, we’ll keep running in circles.

Try to reflect: do certain times of day or emotional states make you want to distract yourself or soothe some inner restlessness? For some, it’s late at night when the world is calm. For others, it’s right after a hectic morning. Knowing your triggers can help you prepare and respond differently, rather than diving headfirst into an old routine.

Here’s a quick approach for identifying triggers:

• Notice your energy levels: Are you seeking a quick boost?
• Track your emotions: Feeling anxious, restless or bored?
• Check your environment: Certain places, people or situations can start the cycle.

Moving Forward with Awareness

Self-awareness is often the missing link. Once you see the patterns, you can begin to shift them. It doesn’t mean your Dyslexia or ADHD will go away, and it doesn’t mean you’ll never crave that exciting jolt again. But you can create better habits, healthier routines and supportive systems to manage life’s demands.

You might try experimenting with:

• Mindful breaks: Even a few moments to breathe or stretch can lower the urge to dive into unhealthy habits.
• Setting boundaries: Time limits on social media or scheduled ‘fun time’ can keep your cravings in check.
• Talking to others: Sharing your experiences with a friend, therapist or online community can bring fresh insight.

If you’re looking for more strategies, scroll up to check out the new mini-course, The To-Do List For Dyslexics. It’s a brief but smart way to organise your day without getting overwhelmed by your mind’s constant need for new tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia and ADHD often link together, especially when it comes to seeking stimulation.
• Addictions can develop as a response to the brain’s craving for excitement or distraction.
• Identifying triggers is a vital step in breaking unhelpful patterns.
• Small changes in habits and routines can have a big impact on how you handle addictive impulses.

New to this topic? You can also find earlier episodes on addiction and stimulation by scrolling back to January and February 2021. There's a treasure trove of insight there waiting for you.

Listening to others share their stories can be a powerful motivator. If you’d like to be on the podcast yourself, reach out here—I’d love to hear your experiences. You can also join the waiting list for our next course or hop into our private Facebook community to connect with like-minded individuals.

To get more daily insights, feel free to subscribe to My Dyslexic Life on YouTube. It’s a fun and honest take on living with dyslexia, with plenty of tips you can actually use.

For all the details and a fuller explanation of everything discussed here, tune in to the complete podcast episode above. This conversation just scratches the surface, and the full chat takes a deeper dive into how your mind manages (and sometimes battles) stimulation, dyslexia and addiction. Thanks for reading and happy listening!