Licensed therapist and CSAT Jeremy Mast welcomes licensed therapist, CSAT, and “Betrayal Coach Mo” Monifa Ellis-Addy to discuss how ADHD affects relationships, intimacy, communication, trust, and recovery from compulsive behaviors. Monifa explains ADHD as a dopamine/ norepinephrine imbalance which impacts more than focus - reaching into areas such as impulsivity, mood regulation, inhibition, and working memory, often leading to a delayed diagnosis which can occur after years of masking. Monifa and Jeremy explore how dopamine-seeking can increase vulnerability to compulsive behaviors (including sex/porn, gaming, food, spending, and substances) and why treating ADHD can address root drivers. Monifa outlines assessment options (therapist discussion, psych eval, PCP, behavioral analyst) and emphasizes combined medication plus therapy/coaching with individualized systems and consistency over perfection.

They discuss differentiating ADHD from trauma in betrayed partners, outsourcing supports, using assessments like the PTSI-R, and how ADHD can contribute to loneliness, rejection sensitivity, and misinterpretations such as labeling ADHD patterns as narcissism. Monifa stresses ADHD as an explanation, not an excuse, and encourages getting evaluated and treated.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

01:19 Meet Monifa Addy

01:59 What ADHD Really Is

05:03 ADHD and Compulsive Behaviors

07:19 Getting an ADHD Assessment

09:39 What Treatment Looks Like

12:52 ADHD Informs Recovery Plans

19:25 Betrayed Partners and ADHD

23:55 Rebuilding Trust with ADHD

31:29 Loneliness and Rejection Sensitivity

36:05 Key Takeaways and Resources

38:06 Closing and Next Steps