Is Addiction a Form of Neurodivergence?

Vanessa Kredler Author

I've been reflecting on my experience of addiction and where I stand on the question of whether it may be a type of neurodivergence.

(Neurodivergence refers to individuals whose brains process information differently from what is considered typical.)

My research suggests that addiction is not typically classified as neurodivergence, but there is overlap in how both are understood in relation to brain function and behaviour.

Key Differences and Overlaps

Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain function, such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. These are said to be lifelong traits that shape cognition, behaviour, and sensory processing from birth.

Addiction, on the other hand, is generally considered a neurobiological disorder rather than a form of neurodivergence. It involves changes in the brain’s reward system, particularly in dopamine pathways, due to repeated substance use or compulsive behaviours. This can lead to dependence and compulsivity despite negative consequences.

Where Addiction and Neurodivergence Overlap

• Many neurodivergent individuals (e.g., those with ADHD or autism) have a higher risk of addiction due to differences in impulse control, dopamine regulation, and self-medication tendencies.

• Some researchers argue that addiction "hijacks" neurobiological pathways, leading to persistent brain changes - similar to how some neurodivergent traits are said to be hardwired from birth.

• Increasing discussions around behavioural addictions (e.g., ultra-processed food addiction, gambling, internet addiction) suggest they may, in some cases, be more closely linked to neurodivergence.

Self-Identifying as Neurodivergent

I personally identify as neurodivergent based on my lived experience of addiction and complex trauma. 

Addiction exists on a spectrum of severity, as reflected in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Rather than a binary classification of "addicted" or "not addicted," the DSM-5 assesses Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) along a continuum of mild, moderate, or severe. Behavioural addictions, such as gambling disorder, are also assessed on a spectrum.

• In my experience, both personally and anecdotally with clients, some people on the severe end of this spectrum describe addiction as innate. They say things like:

• “I’ve always had an addiction.”

• I’ve always wanted more.”

• “Things have never been different.”

This contrasts with others who seem to have acquired addiction later in life, often triggered by a specific event. For example, someone may recall:

• “Food became my friend when I was lonely after school.”

For those who resonate with innate addiction, I see strong parallels with neurodivergence in their experience as they share it with me. It’s not just about changes in the brain from repeated addictive behaviour but rather an underlying structure of being that feels like it has always been there. Whether this is scientifically true or not is irrelevant because in therapy, it's the lived and living experience that is the subjective truth of the individual, which forms a starting point for discovery and healing. For me personally, it appears that state is connected to an autonomic nervous system perpetually sensing threat, never quite safe. While I've also experienced a calmer nervous system and a sense of safety, my experience is that the default state my nervous system falls back onto is a blend between sympathetic fight/flight and dorsal vagal/collapse. Again, there is a sense of innateness. 

How This 'Innateness' Manifests for Me

Personally, this seemingly 'always been there' sense is reflected in:

• A strong need for routine and security

• Rigid thinking patterns and rumination

• Difficulty in stopping an activity and transitioning to a new one

• Mental overstimulation and hyperfocus

• A dissociative state while eating where all pain and tension disappear

• Difficulty interpreting hunger and satiety cues

Years of mindfulness practice, yoga, therapy, and 12-step recovery, are enabling me to work on these traits and get glimpses of greater ease and flexibility. Yet, these traits have remained consistent in my life. They have improved enormously, and I have enormous self-awareness of them and when and how they show up in my life. While more healing is always possible, I find it helpful to recognise that possibly some aspects of my neurobiology are simply part of who I am. 

Embracing Neurodivergence in Recovery

Honouring this experience empowers me. Identifying as neurodivergent allows me to stop trying to "fix" what isn't broken and instead work with my strengths and limitations. There is deep peace in accepting my personal experience of addiction and embracing what works for me in recovery.

As a therapist, my role is not to impose this perspective on others but to help clients find their own paths and honouring their unique lived experiences and being themselves without apology. It's a delight to see clients make new discoveries about themselves, and come to a sense of peace with their authentic self at this point on their journey, honour that, and stay curious about what else they might discover, and what 'next level recovery' might look like for them. 

Categories: : Food Addiction