David Wilson
David Wilson
Andy Stone
Andy Stone
Andy Stone
Wednesday 12th June 2024
Join Andy Stone's journey from ADHD diagnosis to overcoming addiction and thriving in recovery, with insights on neurodiversity and mental health.
Explicit
62 minutes
challenging
inspirational
hopeful
reflective
uplifting
About this podcast
Author:
David Wilson
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Links:
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Episodes:
158 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Andy Stone's Inspiring Journey: ADHD to Recovery
Episode Overview
- Andy Stone's early ADHD diagnosis in the 90s.
- Struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Impact of dyslexia and ADHD on education and career.
- Key mental health insights and recovery journey.
- The role of neurodiversity in personal growth.
You can have a hard life and come out of it with a crippling addiction to drugs and alcohol, or do something hard and come out with the world record.
In this episode of 'One For The Road,' host Sober Dave welcomes Andy Stone, who shares his compelling life story from an early ADHD diagnosis to overcoming addiction and finding a path to recovery. Andy's journey begins in a typical British household, where he was identified as a 'cheeky chappy' with high energy levels. His struggles with concentration and behavior in school led to an ADHD diagnosis, which his family initially decided not to medicate.
This decision marked the beginning of a challenging path, as Andy faced expulsions and difficulties in adapting to a structured education system. During his teenage years, Andy's life took a turn as he discovered drugs and alcohol. The combination of ADHD, dyslexia, and a sense of inadequacy pushed him deeper into substance abuse.
Despite attempts to fit in, Andy found himself living up to the label of being the 'naughty boy.' These years were marked by frustration and a lack of understanding of his mental health needs. As Andy entered his twenties and thirties, the struggle continued, culminating in a deep victim mindset and poor mental health. He sought help from both private and public mental health services, which led to prescriptions for medications like Ritalin, Valium, and SSRIs.
These interventions provided temporary relief but did not address the underlying issues. The turning point came when Andy embraced recovery and sobriety, supported by his family and a sponsor. He delved into understanding neurodiversity and the impact of ADHD on his life choices. This newfound knowledge empowered him to address the root causes of his addiction and implement strategies for emotional balance. Now, Andy is passionate about sharing his story and advocating for those with neurodiversity and addiction challenges.
His journey exemplifies resilience and the power of personal transformation. By utilizing concepts learned in rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous, Andy has achieved a balanced life and aims to inspire others facing similar struggles. He represents a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support.
Through his story, Andy Stone not only highlights the challenges of living with ADHD and dyslexia but also offers a message of hope and encouragement for anyone battling addiction or mental health issues. His insights on the brain's limbic system and the importance of living in the present are valuable lessons for anyone seeking personal growth.