In this episode, Ash and Dusty delve into the complex relationship between ADHD and substance use. They discuss how individuals with ADHD may turn to substances like alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and even more illicit drugs as a form of self-medication. These substances can provide temporary relief for symptoms such as impulsivity, under-stimulation, and social anxiety. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind substance use, distinguishing between actual addiction and behaviors driven by ADHD-related challenges. They also highlight the difficulty of moderation for those with ADHD, as impulsivity and inattention can lead to overconsumption without realizing it.

The conversation extends to strategies for managing substance use, including setting personal goals and understanding one's own relationship with different substances. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to get curious about their habits and explore whether their substance use is masking other ADHD-related issues. They stress the significance of finding a balance that works individually, acknowledging that sobriety isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The episode concludes with a reminder that anyone dealing with serious substance use issues should seek professional help, and they mention the potential benefits of 12-step programs for those needing full sobriety.

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In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty explore the crucial topic of setting and maintaining boundaries, especially for those with ADHD. They begin by discussing the importance of understanding personal boundaries as rules that define how others can interact with you, emphasizing that these boundaries are not about controlling others but about ensuring one's own safety and comfort. Dusty introduces the concept of the "boundaries escalator," a step-by-step approach to gradually enforcing boundaries, starting from polite requests and escalating to more firm reminders if necessary. They also address common challenges faced by people with ADHD, such as impulsivity and rejection sensitivity, which can complicate boundary-setting.

As the conversation progresses, Ash and Dusty tackle the complexities of maintaining boundaries in relationships and discuss how to handle situations where boundaries are crossed. They emphasize the importance of being willing to prioritize personal well-being over maintaining a relationship that does not respect established boundaries. The hosts also share personal experiences and strategies for effectively communicating and enforcing boundaries, encouraging listeners to practice setting boundaries and consider them as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding in relationships. The episode concludes with practical tips, such as using boundary flashcards for practice and enlisting support from friends, to help individuals with ADHD consistently uphold their boundaries.

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In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty delve into the complex topic of boundaries and toxic relationships, especially as they relate to individuals with ADHD. They explore the increased vulnerability of people with ADHD to manipulative and exploitative relationships due to factors such as poor working memory, low self-esteem, and a tendency to people-please. Ash and Dusty discuss how these traits can lead ADHD individuals to doubt their own recollections and trust others too easily, often placing them at risk for uneven power dynamics in their relationships.

The hosts also emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s own boundaries and the necessity of setting and maintaining them. They highlight the challenges that ADHD individuals face in centering themselves in their own experiences and understanding what is acceptable to them. Ash and Dusty stress the value of introspection and the role of coaching in helping individuals with ADHD develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose. They conclude by discussing the need for ongoing negotiation in relationships and propose a future episode dedicated to exploring Boundaries 101 for a more in-depth understanding of this crucial topic.

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In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the intriguing intersection of kink and ADHD, discussing how neurodivergent individuals may be drawn to unconventional sexual interests. They emphasize the importance of curiosity and communication in navigating the complexities of kink, particularly for those who may struggle with societal norms or personal inhibitions. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the potential for self-discovery and growth within the kink community, advocating for a safe and open-minded approach to exploring one's sexuality.

The conversation also delves into the significance of establishing trust and safety in power dynamics, particularly for individuals with ADHD who may face unique challenges in relationships. Ash and Dusty discuss red flags to watch out for in potential partners, emphasizing the critical role of consent and ongoing communication. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace curiosity in their sexual journeys, fostering an environment where both partners can express their desires freely and explore new experiences together.

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In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty explore the complex relationship between ADHD and sexuality, discussing how attention challenges can impact intimacy and arousal. Dusty highlights the disconnect many individuals with ADHD may feel towards their bodies, illustrating how hyper-focusing on daily tasks can overshadow the awareness of physical desires. The conversation touches on the societal pressures faced by women and the emotional labor involved in sexual relationships, as well as the unique experiences of trans individuals navigating their identities and desires.

As the discussion unfolds, the hosts share personal insights on rejection sensitivity and the importance of boundaries in intimate relationships. They emphasize the necessity of communication and intentionality in sexual encounters, arguing that scheduling can serve as a practical tool for both arousal and life balance. Together, they set the stage for a follow-up episode that will delve deeper into building a fulfilling sex life while managing ADHD and other personal challenges.

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In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty explore the challenges and opportunities that the New Year presents for individuals with ADHD. They delve into the concept of clean slate thinking and how it can be both a trap and a motivational tool. While traditional New Year's resolutions can often feel overwhelming due to heightened expectations, Ash shares a personal practice of choosing a word to guide intentions throughout the year. This approach helps in maintaining focus and aligning actions with personal values, without the pressure of strict resolutions.

The conversation shifts to the difficulties of maintaining routines amidst disruptions, such as holidays or life changes, and how these disruptions can significantly impact those with ADHD. Dusty introduces the idea of an "11-month year," allowing January to serve as an adjustment period rather than a time for rigorous goal-setting. Both hosts emphasize the importance of curiosity, awareness, and non-judgment in managing routines and personal goals. They encourage listeners to find humor and joy in setting unique, personal intentions that align with what truly matters to them, rather than succumbing to societal pressures of productivity.

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In this episode, Ash and Dusty continue their exploration of effective systems that help them manage their lives with ADHD. Dusty shares how implementing multiple overlapping systems has allowed her to better organize her time and prioritize quality moments with her child, emphasizing the importance of novelty in maintaining motivation. She discusses how creating a visual weekly schedule for her child has enhanced their planning and engagement in activities together. Ash contributes by highlighting the significance of finding win-win situations in parenting, sharing his experiences running errands with his teenager, which fosters connection and communication.

The conversation transitions to household management, where both hosts share their unique approaches to cleaning and organization. Dusty explains the importance of setting up a minimalistic environment to reduce clutter while Ash discusses his strategies for keeping track of infrequent tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining home maintenance. They conclude by reflecting on the value of planning ahead and establishing routines that align with their personal preferences, showcasing how understanding oneself can lead to more effective systems in daily life.

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In this episode, Asher and Dusty share their personal experiences with various organizational systems that help them manage their ADHD. They discuss the importance of having a clear calendaring system, as well as how they prioritize appointments over tasks to reduce notification fatigue. Both hosts emphasize the need for simple, effective methods that cater to their unique preferences, such as using Google Docs for task management and pre-deciding meals to streamline dinner preparation.

The conversation also explores the significance of maintaining social connections and how their approaches differ. Asher highlights the benefits of eliminating social media for more meaningful in-person interactions, while Dusty shares strategies for keeping friendships alive through regular activities. Together, they illustrate that finding the right systems is a dynamic process, encouraging listeners to embrace trial and error in their journey toward organization and fulfillment.

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• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
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