We all know people with ADHD are more prone to addictions like gambling, alcoholism, and substance abuse. But what if you could be addicted to your own fantasies? And how do addictions form in the first place? In this two part episode, we’re examining limerence, a condition where you become addicted to compulsive, consuming fantasies about a romantic relationship with someone who does not express interest in you.

In order to truly grasp limerence, you need to understand the neuroscience behind addiction, which is the topic of this episode. We take an in-depth look at the brain changes that occur when you become addicted to something, and we explore why ADHD brains are exceptionally vulnerable. This episode will help you understand ADHD struggles on a whole new level! Give us a listen, and be sure to come back for the second part of this special, where we tackle the precise symptoms of limerence and the conditions it's commonly mistaken for.

Sources:

Dr. Kirk Honda's deep dive on limerence
Addiction neuroscience research with Professor Kent Berridge
Understanding addiction and how it's treated
Statistics about ADHD and addiction
The overlapping neurobiology of addiction in ADHD
Research on ADHD and low hedonic tone
Research on ADHD and attachment styles
General information about attachment style
ADHD and divorce rates