ADHD, Dopamine & Alcohol: Why Your Brain Keeps Reaching for a Drink
For women navigating ADHD, alcohol, and the mental patterns that can keep them reaching for a drink, understanding your brain can change the way you understand your drinking. In this conversation, Christy Osborne and Love Life Sober leader Brittany Tonkavich explore ADHD, dopamine, boredom, focus, motivation, and why alcohol can feel like the fastest way to make your brain feel better.
Christy sits down with Brittany Tonkavich, a former coaching client turned Love Life Sober leader, for a fascinating conversation about ADHD, dopamine, and alcohol.
Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Brittany looks back at the different “jobs” she gave alcohol throughout her life—from excitement and risk-taking to focus, motivation, relieving boredom, and quieting a busy brain.
She shares how understanding the connection between ADHD and dopamine helped her make sense of her drinking patterns and find healthier ways to give her brain what it was actually looking for.
If You've Ever Thought...
“Why do I feel like I need a glass of wine just to get things done, focus, or quiet my brain?”
“Why does alcohol seem to make boring things easier or life feel a little more interesting?”
Babe, this episode is for you. 🩷
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why alcohol can become appealing when your brain is searching for quick dopamine
• How ADHD can affect motivation, focus, boredom, impulsivity, and risk-taking
• Why you might reach for a drink to start a task or make something boring feel interesting
• How Brittany replaced alcohol with healthier, effort-based sources of dopamine
• Why understanding your brain can lead to curiosity instead of shame
• How awareness can become the beginning of lasting change
Brittany also leaves us with this beautiful reminder: “God made you. He didn't get it wrong. He got you right.”
If something in this conversation makes you wonder whether ADHD could be part of your story, your Tiny New Action is simple: get curious about the patterns you're noticing and talk to a qualified professional. Awareness is the first step toward transformation.
Links & Resources
Join the October 40-Day Fast
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/october-fast
🩷 Join the Love Life Sober Community
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/community
📖 Order Christy's Book: Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book
📲 Follow Love Life Sober on Instagram
@lovelifesoberwithchristy
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube — Come hang out with us!
Disclaimer
The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober Podcast are not healthcare practitioners and do not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. The content of this podcast and all Love Life Sober communications is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Views and opinions expressed by guests, or in any resources referenced, do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team.
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Christy found her true calling when she gave up alcohol and discovered a passion for helping women do the same. She has since coached hundreds of women across the US and UK as a highly trained senior sobriety coach, blending neuroscience, faith, and practical tools to help clients break free from alcohol and live with purpose.
She is the author of the best-selling Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, and the host of the Love Life Sober podcast. Christy lives in Sussex, England, with her husband, their two teenagers, Ella and Carter, and their cavapoo, Copper.
You can discover more from Christy at
