Neurodivergent individuals can initially turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. For people with ADHD, alcohol can temporarily quieten a hyperactive mind, ease restlessness, dampen social anxiety or slow racing thoughts at night to assist with sleep. For autistic individuals, alcohol can dampen sensory input in overstimulating environments, reduce social fatigue or lower the effort required for "masking" - the suppression of autistic traits to fit in with neurotypical

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a treatment approach for AUD that involves taking the medication naltrexone only when planning to drink alcohol. Unlike traditional abstinence-based methods, TSM allows patients to continue drinking initially while gradually reducing their cravings and consumption over time.

You do not require to abstain to begin. It is often more practical to start by understanding what role alcohol plays in your life now and building skills to manage stress, mood and social situations alongside your current drinking pattern.