Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi new to the forum, something that has puzzled me for a long time , I seem to have an addictive personality, that is mostly with Alcohol.
I have never been tested for autism, but I have always wondered.
I have looked at autism traits like nature and art, these apply to me, I feel a connection with nature and enjoy all arts, painting photography and music.
I have been getting help over the years with my drinking alongside being treated for depression.
My question is this, is there a connection with autism and addictions ?
yeh there is well known links to autism and addiction. I have an addictive personality too. For alcohol, for coffee, chocolate, drugs basically anything that gives me a dopamine hit. It’s something to do with the way we’re wired. We have less dopamine in the brains reward centre, which leads to depression lack of motivation etc. Interesting how extroverts have higher dopamine concentrations than introverts.
Thanks for you input peeps, where can I get diagnosed I`m in Scotland.
I have addiction issues and have been diagnosed as having ASD at age 52. I'd definitely say I've been struggling with addiction for around 40yrs. During my diagnosis it was also suggested I go through ADHD assessment as I showed strong traits also.
Yes, here is a link to a book about an autistic experience of addiction by David Gray Hammond:
https://emergentdivergence.com/2023/04/16/my-new-book-on-autism-and-addiction-is-now-available/