# Addiction Isn’t Always a Disease: Neurodivergence and Addictive Behaviours and How to Understand What’s Really Going On

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodivergent-conversations-autism-adhd-audhd-pda-emotional-regulation-send-parent-meltdowns-special-needs-parent-7045757/addiction-isn-t-always-a-disease-neurodivergence-and-addictive-behaviours-and-how-to-understand-what-s-really-going-on
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodivergent-conversations-autism-adhd-audhd-pda-emotional-regulation-send-parent-meltdowns-special-needs-parent-7045757/addiction-isn-t-always-a-disease-neurodivergence-and-addictive-behaviours-and-how-to-understand-what-s-really-going-on.md
Podcast: [Neurodivergent Conversations |  Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Emotional Regulation, SEND parent, Meltdowns, Special Needs Parent](https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodivergent-conversations-autism-adhd-audhd-pda-emotional-regulation-send-parent-meltdowns-special-needs-parent-7045757)
Published: 2026-03-19T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://mgln.ai/e/424/traffic.megaphone.fm/TSF9251409270.mp3?updated=1773865359
Audio file: https://mgln.ai/e/424/traffic.megaphone.fm/TSF9251409270.mp3?updated=1773865359
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Duration seconds: 2128

## Resource

What if some “addictive behavior” is actually a nervous system trying to cope in the only way it knows how? In this episode, Greer sits down with Ben Branson (The Hidden 20%) to talk about the overlap between neurodivergence and addiction, especially for people who were diagnosed late and spent years chasing dopamine, trying to regulate, and not knowing why life felt so hard. They also talk about the bigger picture: long NHS waitlists, siloed assessments, and the painfully common experience of finally getting a diagnosis… and then being handed a letter with zero meaningful support attached. This conversation is honest, sometimes fiery, and deeply human. It’s about what needs to change, but it’s also about something quieter: how understanding your brain can bring relief, context, and self-compassion. In this episode, we talk about How ADHD and autism traits can link with dopamine-seeking and repetitive coping loops Why Ben questions the “disease model” and focuses on behavior, support, and unmet needs The reality of diagnosis without aftercare and why that “so what?” moment hurts Why current pathways feel siloed and why whole-person support matters Moving from awareness to acceptance to action in education, healthcare, and policy What The Hidden 20% is building and why their goal is to eventually not need to exist Gentle reminder: if this topic touches something tender for you, take it slow. You’re allowed to pause and come back. GUEST LINKS: Follow Ben on Insta Check out the Hidden 20% GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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