The Power of Understanding: Spotting ADHD in the Context of Addiction
Lindsey Peterson 
A heartfelt reflection on speaking about ADHD and addiction—and the powerful moment of understanding that followed.
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at a conference on spotting ADHD in the context of addiction. Standing in front of a hall full of providers—people who care deeply about helping others—was powerful. But my favorite part wasn’t the talk itself. It was the dialogue that followed.
There’s something so moving about being in a room where curiosity leads. Questions started flowing—thoughtful, open, and brave ones. Conversations like that are what keep me doing this work. Because dialogue around ADHD is what begins to break stigma and build understanding—and that’s at the core of what I desire most.
But even more profound than speaking to a room full of professionals was what happened afterward.
I shared my PowerPoint slides with one of my clients who has a history of addiction and is currently going through ADHD testing. Those with an addiction history often need additional testing before a prescriber will move forward with treatment, even when the signs are clear. It makes sense—it’s part of the process—but it can also feel like just one more step for someone who’s already worked so hard to be understood.
As he spoke, tears quietly ran down my face. Because what he said wasn’t just his story—it was mine too.
He looked at me and said,
“There’s a power in understanding—just knowing. That’s what this is: ADHD. A whole world of understanding. So many people don’t want to go deeper and explore it.”
His wife sat next to him as he read through the slides, and she was visibly moved too. Things started to click. There was relief. There was connection.
That moment reminded me why I tell my clients all the time:
“My goal is to help you see your story through an ADHD lens. Your behavior, your relationships, your choices—everything starts to look different.”
For me, those tears were a bit like the acceptance part of grief—deeply emotional but also deeply relieving. Because ADHD isn’t just what my clients go through—it’s what I’ve lived, too.
To bless others with the knowledge that has changed my own life feels sacred. My diagnosis saved my marriage, softened my self-doubt and shame, and helped me finally see myself clearly.
And now, to help others—and providers—see ADHD through that same lens of curiosity and compassion?
That’s the real gift.
Want access to the presentation?
I’m considering turning this presentation into a future CE training (for providers) and workshop (for clients).
If that’s something you’d be interested in, send me an email at [email protected]—I’d love to know!
Curious about ADHD for yourself or a loved one?
If you’re curious about ADHD — or if you want something concrete to share with others — I’ve created a free ADHD Screening Toolkit. It includes two evidence-based screening tools that break ADHD down into symptoms and everyday struggles.
Many people who see these tools have that “oh wow, that’s actually ADHD” moment. It’s a simple way to paint a clearer picture of what ADHD really looks like.
👉 Access the FREE ADHD Screening Toolkit here!
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