Adult ADHD Stimulation Addiction

[MemphisAdhd1988]

I am currently struggling to find a Therapist that truely understands ADHD. I also can not find any support groups here in Memphis. I just need to talk to someone who understands me. Any one else struggle with addiction? Please read my story for more info.

[Gettingittogether]

There should be a lot of addiction therapists in your area ... I see that title more and more ... and there should be tons of 12-step groups in your area ... People often get therapy recommendations from going to 12 step groups. Members share the names of the good therapists they know. Some people are surprised to learn that lots of 12-step folks also go to therapy. But they do.

[F_RN_Dx_at_39]

Gabor Mate has some really interesting books on this. He also has ADHD and was diagnosed late in life. In the realm of hungry ghosts is a good read for anyone. You can listen to the audiobook for free with a Libby app and a library card.

[NeuroDivergentFairy]

I struggle with addiction tendencies too! I've been seeing a counselor but have the same problem. Licensed therapists for adults are not specialized in ADHD - it's literally not in their curriculum. Apparently we should seek out a CHILD Psychologist because that is who is trained in ADHD. I haven't done this yet but Child Psychologists see adults as well and may be worth looking into. I love my therapist but alot of my stuff is centered around my ADHD or an effect of which I find I need more accountability and support to handle. This is why I joined this platform but there are so many people and so many posts that it is overwhelming. I would really like an in-person support group for companionship with people who understand. But I am not finding any in my area (Knoxville, TN) that are geared towards adults. I love my neurotypical friends, but they just don't understand. lol

I am currently researching ADHD coaching which is a one-on-one approach and some of the research says that certain coaches may offer a group setting as well. I am not too far into this research, but this is the website I found so far: adhdcoaches.org. It may help you find what you're looking for! I will do my best to follow up with anything else I find that may be helpful!

[FindingTheAnswers]

I agree with you and others, in that I’ve yet to find a counselor who knows the special things we deal with. If you Google ADHD Specialist Psychiatrist and the list put up, after I’ve seed them, ADHD is not a ‘Specialty’ they treat, but an issue along with all other Mental Health issues. (I’m in Chicago, and have yet to meet anyone I would consider an ADHD pro. As someone mentioned above, we should look into child psychologist or psychiatrist. I know that sounds weird, but I’ve read up in that also. I want to say that I also know the feeling of ‘Living a Lie.’ But it was the only way I knew to survive. For support groups, if you haven’t checked out chadd.org give it a try. But the ones I’ve been to, I didn’t find what I needed. Keep going!

[GregorysMom]

Same here in both NJ and now Tampa area. Support groups in NJ few and far. Belonged to one initially and drove long distance to get to, then gave up. Moved to FL 4 years ago and less, nothing. Counselors I find even Ph.Ds in both places, and highly experienced ones, know NOTHING. What we're doing now on this blog is the best I've found.

I know more from years of researching online (using ADD magazine on line, CHADD,etc). NOBODY and I mean NOBODY has any idea what RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria ) which I have is, or who Dr William Dodson, its leading researcher/practioner in CO is.

ADD/ADHD coaches can do a lot but very expensive and not covered by insurance. What helps me is outdoors, nature, activity mindfulness / meditation exercises, this blog etc. Good luck.