"I have the MTHFR Gene & ADHD" - The Connection between Genetics and Addiction with LISA CONWAY

In this episode, Clive and Amie chat to Lisa Conway. A renowned member of the Hair Industry.

Lisa Conway is a Salon Professional Extraordinaire and Author of tell-all book, The Naked Salon – An Essential Guide to Time, Team and Money for Salon Owners. With genuine passion and boundless energy, she heads up The ZING Project, a business dedicated to teaching Salon Owners how to step-up and transform their businesses.

We discuss Lisa's journey of sobriety and her experience with ADHD. Lisa shares how growing up in a family with a history of alcoholism influenced her relationship with alcohol. She also talks about the connection between neurodiversity and addiction, highlighting the role of dopamine in seeking external stimulation. Lisa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own needs, rather than relying solely on medication. The conversation touches on the challenges of ADHD, the impact on personal relationships, and the strategies Lisa has implemented to manage her symptoms.

She discusses the impact of menopause, divorce, and her son's mental health struggles on her well-being.

Lisa's story is relatable and inspiring, showing that it's never too late to make positive changes in life. She emphasises the need for kindness, authenticity, and self-care in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways

• Growing up in a family with a history of alcoholism can influence one's relationship with alcohol.
• There is a connection between neurodiversity, such as ADHD, and addiction, as individuals may seek external stimulation to compensate for a lack of dopamine.
• Self-awareness and understanding one's own needs are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms, and medication may not be the only solution.
• ADHD can present challenges in personal relationships, but it can also be a superpower, providing exceptional problem-solving abilities.
• It is important to create strategies and systems to help manage ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning. Taking care of oneself is crucial for overall well-being
• Seeking help and support is important during challenging times
• Hormone replacement therapy and supplements can have a positive impact on mental and physical health
• It's never too late to make positive changes in life Open communication and self-acceptance are key in navigating the challenges of ADHD and brain health.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial for women going through menopause.
• Kindness, authenticity, and self-care are essential in living a fulfilling life.
• Challenges and struggles can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
• Focusing on the positive aspects of life and embracing imperfections can lead to a more joyful existence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 09:22 The Impact of ADHD on Personal Relationships 14:21 The Connection Between Neurodiversity and Addiction 22:25 Understanding and Managing ADHD 25:44 Strategies for Coping with ADHD 35:32 The Impact of Menopause, Divorce, and Mental Health Struggles 45:32 Making Positive Changes in Life 49:00 Navigating ADHD and Brain Health 52:28 Life's a Donut: Embracing Imperfections