Yes, ADHD Makes You More Likely To Drink

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What a week it's been!

I feel like I’m stepping deeper into my authentic voice—one that aligns with the path the world is laying out for me rather than just chasing algorithms and dopamine hits. I’m excited to share all the little moments and big lessons that have colored my week.

For instance, this week’s podcast episode! Brittney and I are joined by Lacey, the owner of multiple SunMed CBD stores, who shares her journey of being one of Iowa’s first CBD shop owners. Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to stand up in an industry filled with barriers, especially when you're the first to face them. Standing up to these challenges, especially in an industry with so many barriers, felt empowering and essential. I hope this episode inspires you to confront obstacles with the same spirit!

Some other awesome news: I attended the launch party for the Crescent Canna x Big Freedia collaboration!

Between the event and a Halloween-themed trunk-or-treat with my kids, I’ve found such joy in seeing the pieces of my life connect in ways I hadn’t expected. This is the kind of peace and happiness I wish for all of us, especially in a world where so many profit from our division and unhappiness.

Here’s to finding joy in authentic community and choosing paths that bring us closer to real purpose.

-Monica

“What are your thoughts on AA and cannabis use?”

Great question! My journey with AA is a bit of a mixed bag. I started there, like a lot of people do, because it was familiar.

It’s structured, and there’s something comforting about sitting in a room where everyone’s aiming for the same goal.

But honestly, some parts didn’t resonate with me deeply. I didn’t always connect with it personally, and it often left me feeling like maybe there wasn’t a perfect “fit” for me there.

What I’ve come to realize is that sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey.

AA works wonders for many, and I have a lot of respect for the community it provides. But I also believe that if AA doesn’t feel right, there are other ways to pursue a sober life. I’ve personally found peace in things like journaling, self-reflection, and yes, even cannabis.

For me, THC in a form like seltzers provides a calming effect without the addictive spiral I experienced with alcohol. It’s helped me enjoy social settings again without reaching for a drink.

Ultimately, I think exploring different paths and seeing what resonates with you personally is what’s most important.

Whether it’s AA, therapy, alternative support groups, or even incorporating cannabis thoughtfully, sobriety is about creating a life you love and feel present in.

(P.S. Do you have a question you’d like answered here? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)

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What We’re Drinking: A WHOLE LOT!

This week, it’s a little bit of everything… and nothing specific.

I finally got around to unboxing the treasure trove of drink samples from the fantastic companies that sent them over the past few months!

Between getting pulled into the whirlwind of legislation work and purpose-driven projects, it’s been a minute since I’ve had time to dive into them all. But now, I’m making it a priority to circle back and share the standout options with you.

While we don’t have a single drink showcase for this week, you can expect a steady stream of reviews dropping on YouTube soon.

I went live for the unboxing as a practice run, so check out the YouTube link here (or above) to catch my first impressions! And keep an eye out for more lives—this is just the beginning!

Stay tuned for updates, photos, and reviews as we explore all these exciting options together. 🍹

Education Spotlight: How ADHD & Substance Abuse Connect

Ever wonder why some of us reach for a drink (or something stronger) when we’re overwhelmed? Turns out, ADHD and substance use have a pretty deep connection.

Here’s the reality: Half of adults with ADHD have had some form of a substance use disorder.

Why? Because our ADHD brains are wired to crave dopamine! It’s something we’re constantly seeking but rarely get enough of. And sometimes, we self-medicate just to feel that boost.

That being said, using alcohol or other substances to fill that gap is like pouring from an empty cup. The dopamine hit is temporary, and it ends up draining us even more, creating a cycle that makes things harder, not easier.

What can we do instead?

Structure, mindfulness, and therapy offer healthier, sustainable ways to manage ADHD. It’s not only about avoiding substances—it’s about learning how to manage those impulses without depleting ourselves in the process.

Getting professional support isn’t about “fixing” ADHD. It’s about understanding the WHY behind our habits so we can build a life that doesn’t need quick fixes.

For those of us with ADHD, sobriety is about creating a routine that supports a healthy mind and steady dopamine levels, naturally!

If you’re interested, I covered this topic with my friend Hillary on an early edition of my podcast:

Products with a Purpose: Recovery Rocks

This week, we’re spotlighting a podcast that’s doing incredible things in the recovery space: Recovery Rocks.

Co-hosted by Lisa Smith and Tawny Lara, this show brings together two unique voices in the recovery world: A rock-and-roll-loving Gen X lawyer who found sobriety through 12-step programs and a Millennial writer who found her way through blogging.

Together, they offer a refreshing, real, and honest perspective on what recovery can look like.

The Sobriety Deck

Lisa and Tawny are also about to launch something really exciting: The Sobriety Deck. 

Designed as a practical tool for anyone on a sober journey, this card deck offers guidance, inspiration, and activities to support recovery.

Whether you’re just a bit curious out or well along the sober path, this deck provides a meaningful and interactive way to stay grounded!

Pre-order the deck and support these lovely ladies below:

Healing Out Loud - so others don’t have to

For years, my social media presence told a carefully crafted story: outgoing, polished, and carefree.

But behind that highlight reel, I was navigating a different reality.

Beneath the smiles and staged photos was a struggle with alcohol dependency and a constant battle with imposter syndrome, trying to measure up to an idealized version of myself that I felt was expected.

I used alcohol as a crutch to cover up insecurities, to cope with the pressure to appear "perfect" online, and to keep up with an image I was barely holding together.

The disconnect between how I presented myself to the world and what I felt inside grew larger with every filtered post. It wasn’t sustainable, and I finally had to confront the reality that I couldn’t continue to live a life that only looked good on a screen.

Finding authenticity—both online and offline—has been a journey. But through honesty and self-acceptance, I’ve discovered a peace I didn’t know was possible.

Real happiness comes from showing up as we are, messy and imperfect, and finding connection with those who appreciate that honesty. Social media may thrive on perfection, but life doesn't.

Living authentically, rather than for likes and validation, is where real joy and connection grow.

(P.S. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)

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