What I Learned from the Holistic ADHD Summit: Understanding the Whole Person Behind the Diagnosis
- Nurse Danielle
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Attending the Holistic ADHD Summit left me both inspired and deeply reflective. Each session peeled back another layer of what it truly means to live with ADHD, not just as a list of symptoms, but as a lifelong journey that touches every aspect of our wellbeing: physical, emotional, and social. Here’s what I learned, and why understanding the connection between ADHD and issues like alcohol misuse is so important.
1. Diagnosis Is More Than a Label, It’s a Lens of Understanding
One of the most powerful takeaways was from the talk on the ADHD diagnostic journey. Diagnosis isn’t simply about getting medication; it’s about making sense of your story. Many adults, especially women, spend years, even over a decade, on waiting lists, navigating inconsistent systems and skeptical GPs.
A good assessment, I learned, should be holistic. It doesn’t just look at symptoms, but also considers trauma, attachment patterns, anxiety, depression, and coexisting neurodivergence . For many, finally hearing “this is ADHD” brings both grief and relief. It’s permission to stop blaming yourself and start working with your brain instead of against it.
2. ADHD Treatment Works Best When It’s Individualised and Holistic
The summit emphasised that effective treatment isn’t “one size fits all.” Medication can be life-changing, providing focus and calm, but it doesn’t teach skills or self-regulation. The best outcomes come from a multi-layered approach: therapy, coaching, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and social support .
Therapies like CBT, ACT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy help rebuild self-worth, which many with ADHD struggle with after years of criticism or failure. As one speaker put it, the goal isn’t to “fix” ADHD, but to help people thrive by working with their unique wiring.
3. Burnout Is Real and It’s Different for Neurodivergent People
Dr. Tom Nicholson’s talk on burnout really hit home. ADHD burnout isn’t just work stress, it’s the exhaustion that comes from masking, managing impulsivity, and living in a world that constantly asks you to be someone else .
ADHD brains often run on adrenaline and dopamine highs, leading to cycles of hyperfocus, overcommitment, and collapse. The antidote? Community and self-acceptance. Finding safe spaces where you don’t have to “perform” is essential. So is learning when to rest, not as a reward, but as a right.
4. Physical Health Is Deeply Connected to ADHD
Another session explored how ADHD affects the body as much as the mind. Chronic stress, poor sleep, inconsistent eating habits, and hormone fluctuations can all worsen symptoms .
Many people with ADHD rely on caffeine, energy drinks, or alcohol to self-regulate, to focus, relax, or “switch off.” But these coping mechanisms often backfire, creating new health issues like high blood pressure, fatigue, and gut inflammation. The speaker reminded us that “caring for your body is caring for your brain.”
Alcohol Misuse and ADHD: Why It’s So Common
One of the most eye-opening insights I reflected on after the summit was how often alcohol misuse overlaps with ADHD and why that happens.
People with ADHD are up to three times more likely to develop substance use disorders, and alcohol is one of the most common. It’s not about weakness or lack of willpower. It’s about self-regulation and self-medication.
Alcohol provides temporary relief for:
Racing thoughts and restlessness
Emotional overwhelm and rejection sensitivity
Social anxiety and low self-esteem
For many, that first drink is a moment of calm, a rare pause in an otherwise overstimulated brain. But over time, the relationship with alcohol can become a cycle of dependence and shame, worsening the very symptoms people are trying to escape.
ADHD impulsivity also plays a role. Acting before thinking, underestimating risk, and chasing stimulation can all contribute to binge drinking or risky behaviors. Add to that the dopamine dysregulation already present in ADHD, and it’s clear why alcohol can feel appealing, even though it ultimately depletes dopamine levels further.
The key takeaway? Compassion over judgment.
Understanding that alcohol misuse is often a symptom of deeper unmet needs, for rest, regulation, and acceptance, is the first step toward healing. Holistic ADHD treatment must include conversations about addiction, self-soothing, and emotional regulation, not just medication management.
Final Reflection
What I took away from the Holistic ADHD Summit is that ADHD is not a simple “attention problem.” It’s a complex interplay of brain chemistry, emotion, and environment. Real healing happens when we stop seeing ADHD as a disorder to be managed and start seeing it as a different operating system, one that requires understanding, patience, and tailored support.
Holistic care means treating the whole person: body, brain, and heart. And when we do, people with ADHD don’t just survive, they thrive.
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