Long question, short answers? Possibly, since I want to start writing on a daily basis again. Not to build up reach, but to better sort out my ADHD and the correlation with substance abuse.

So, let’s get into it.

(a) Well, this one is obviously the most hard to answer and theoretical question at first glance. No ADHD would have probably spared me a lot of personal issues and suffering – if you will. But on second thought, it is all that makes up my past, present and future. Likewise, non of what I have today Would have achieved without. The choices in my life are clearly influenced by ADHD and there are a lot of bad ones, for sure. But on the other hand, I wouldn’t have my wonderful family, my life, my job, basically everything.

(b) Yes, sounds wonderful – or does it? I think not. Easing the symptoms would be helpful, but proactively working on and with them is much more helpful and incorporating ADHD in my life is much more productive, since I know how my life works with it. Medication can and will help me getting into good terms with ADHD, but only to the degree where it decreases a degree of suffering that I can’t mitigate with techniques or knowledge.

(c) I think knowing of my ADHD is a game changer and makes a lot of things easier. Especially does it explain a lot about me and for me and I can use (b) to make an advantage out of certain aspects.

Substance abuse may have been less excessive, yes. But since I have the feeling of getting my act together, having had a problematic (prolonged) alcohol consumption period in my life is a meaningful lesson I have learned.

Like all decisions I have made, bad and good, great and small.

Until next time, keep up the faith in yourself and take one step at a time.