EP46: The Familiar Zone - ADHD, Dopamine & Why Staying Stuck Feels So Easy

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of the 'familiar zone' in relation to ADHD, alcohol use, and the challenges of going alcohol-free.

We've all heard of the comfort zone. But what if it doesn't actually exist? This week, Rich and Andy make a distinction that changes everything - it's not a comfort zone, it's a familiar zone. And familiar isn't the same as comfortable. It's just easier than facing what's underneath. They explore how alcohol keeps people locked in cycles they know are hurting them - the Sunday bottle of wine, the Monday shame, the white - knuckling through Thursday - and why that loop can run for years without anyone around you even noticing. Then the conversation goes deeper. Andy opens up about his ADHD diagnosis and the uncomfortable truth that for neurodiverse people, alcohol isn't just a social habit - it's often self-medication. When your brain is running 40 tabs at once and never truly quiets down, a drink that silences the noise isn't a reward. It's a relief. And that's a very different thing. They also get into dopamine, rejection sensitivity, the post-marathon crash, and why going alcohol-free takes far more courage than most people give it credit for. If you've ever felt like you were outrunning something but couldn't quite name what - this episode is for you.

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy Delderfield, Richard Casement

Topics covered

• ADHD
• dopamine
• alcohol
• self-medication
• neurodiversity
• comfort zone
• familiar zone

Keywords

• ADHD
• dopamine
• alcohol
• self-medication
• neurodiversity
• comfort zone
• familiar zone
• mental health
• running
• fitness

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