When ADHD Meets Addiction: Learning to Step Back from the Edge with Hamish Niven

An ADHD brain that’s always on the go can easily push you into a life lived on the edge. You work harder, say yes to more and keep sprinting long after your nervous system is done. Trying to slow down naturally fails so you start relying on something else that will put the brakes on for you, something to take the edge off. For my guest Hamish Niven, the host of The Brave Man Project podcast, that was alcohol. Over time, that crutch stop feeling dangerous to him and start feeling normal. Eventually, he found himself doing things like drink driving and thinking that was OK. Together, we explore how neurodivergent brains slide from burnout into self-medication, how masking and late diagnosis feed that cycle, and why shame and judgement only drive it deeper underground. This is a conversation about understanding your wiring, reclaiming your story from shame, and discovering that kindness and self-compassion can be the start of real change. EPISODE REVEALS Your brain is different, not defective. It is not unusual for people with ADHD to experience addiction. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, overworking etc, can all act as a crutch. But…eventually that crutch breaks. To address your addiction, you need to recognise you have it, understand why you are leaning on it and make lifestyle changes, so you no longer need it. Hamish shares practical ways to do this in the episode. Work with your energy, not against it. Shame and self‑attack keep you stuck; curiosity and self‑compassion help you thrive. You’re allowed to design a life, work rhythm, relationships, and support system that actually fits the way you are wired. You are doing all right and change is possible without hating yourself into it. BEST MOMENTS " You cannot solve addiction, you have to change your lifestyle … when you do that, the need for the alcohol, the drugs, the gambling, the overworking, whatever dissipates because you don't need it." "I'm a star trying to fit into a circle. You can't do it. You can bend the pointy bits in, but it doesn't work. It doesn't keep you thriving." “It works, alcohol works. Full stop. It f**ng does. It numbs. It protects you. However, you're leaning on something … it's a crutch, it will break.” ABOUT THE GUEST Podcast: The Brave Man Project - goes live 15th July 2026 https://beacons.ai/hamishniven The Samaritans – Call free – 116 123 RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/