Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
289: Autism and Sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Explore autism's impact on sobriety with Dr. Ben Walden as he shares insights into recovery challenges and solutions for neurodiverse individuals.
Explicit
34 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Educational
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
Veronica Valli & Chip Somers
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
390 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Autism & Sobriety: Navigating Challenges with Dr. Ben Walden
Episode Overview
- Autism can complicate social interactions, leading to anxiety and potential addiction.
- Recovery methods must adapt to accommodate neurodiverse individuals.
- Medication is part of the solution but requires emotional and cognitive support.
- Community support and individualised treatment are vital for effective recovery.
- Professional help is important for accurate diagnosis and tailored recovery plans.
"Navigating social situations can feel like being on the London Underground without a map."
Dr. Ben Walden joins Veronica Valli on the Soberful podcast to unravel the intricate relationship between autism and sobriety. With a wealth of experience as an addictions consultant and psychiatrist, Dr. Walden sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum when it comes to sobriety. The conversation kicks off with a heartfelt question from a listener, which serves as the catalyst for this enlightening discussion. Dr.
Walden explains how autism can make social interactions feel like navigating the London Underground without a map – overwhelming and confusing. This can lead to increased anxiety, often fuelling addiction as a coping mechanism. Dr. Walden dives into the evolving understanding of autism, highlighting the strengths and unique perspectives that come with neurodiversity.
He stresses the importance of recognising how addiction treatment approaches need to adapt to accommodate these differences, particularly in group settings that can be daunting for those with autism. The episode explores how traditional group-based recovery methods might not suit everyone, especially those who find such environments intimidating. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Walden discusses alternative pathways for recovery, including one-on-one work and community support tailored to individual needs.
He emphasises that while medication can be part of the solution, it’s not a cure-all – emotional and cognitive work is crucial. Listeners will find this episode both informative and reassuring, as Dr. Walden encourages a broader understanding of recovery journeys and the importance of seeking professional help for a diagnosis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of autism and addiction recovery.
Why not take a moment to explore how these insights could change your perspective on recovery?