ADHDers frequently face understimulation due to our dopamine deficiency.
It‘s an uncomfortable feeling of boredom that can lead us to resort to questionable methods for satisfaction!
Common Stimulation Seeking Behaviors:
Fast driving
Oral fixations or boredom eating
Skin picking
Loud music and/or crazy dancing
Social media doom scrolling
Increased competitiveness
It‘s our instinct to turn to the quickest activity for the easiest dopamine. When left unchecked, the stimulation seeking tendencies can easily be self destructive or harmful to our relationships.
In our relationships (Platonic, romantic, etc), we may cheat, start arguments, or jump in and out of exciting and often toxic relationships.
Sexual stimulation releases endorphins that helps to reduce the restlessness caused by our ADHD. Some ADHDers may seek sex more to achieve this relief.
If you're looking for safer solutions to stimulation seeking, consider the following...
Start a conversation or debate on a topic that interests you
Try high-intensity sports like mountain biking or 4-wheelers
Workout or try competitive activities like weight lifting or team sports
Try making something new instead of going shopping. "Shop" your closet or storage instead and get crafty with what you find.
Seek a trained professional to tackle addictions
Try high-adrenaline hobbies like zip-lining or roller coasters
Ready to conquer the chaos together? 3C Activation: created for ADHDers, BY ADHDers. It's a 12 week online group coaching program designed for adult professionals looking to better manage their personal and professional life with ADHD. Learn more
Have fun,
Coach Brooke
