About this episode

This episode explores the connection between ADHD, dopamine, and alcohol use, discussing coping mechanisms and healthier responses to stress.

Why do so many adults with ADHD struggle with alcohol, even when they know it's not helping them? In this episode, Lynne Edris talks with Colleen Freeland about the powerful connection between ADHD, dopamine, nervous system regulation, and alcohol use. They explore: • Why ADHD brains often seek relief through alcohol and other coping behaviors • The difference between drinking for pleasure and drinking for relief • How dopamine and urgency drive unhealthy patterns • Why shame keeps us stuck • How to build healthier responses to stress and overwhelm • The mindset shift that makes lasting change possible Whether alcohol is your challenge—or whether your coping mechanism looks more like procrastination, scrolling, shopping, or overworking—this conversation will help you better understand your brain and create change with more compassion and less self-judgment. Colleen Freeland is an Intuitive Drinking Coach and host of the globally top-ranked It's Not About the Alcohol podcast. Colleen founded Emotional Sobriety Coaching© for high achieving professional women who want to reduce alcohol consumption by 80 percent. She combines holistic and evidence-based strategies in Neurophysiology…

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