Autism and Addiction

Description

Autism and Addiction

“Autistic People & Addictions – Another neglected mental health issue” Eoin Stephens, Autistic counsellor and autism-informed trainer for mental health professionals joins Evaleen and MAQQI for this explorative webinar on Autism and Addiction.

“I believe the dual diagnosis issue of people who are Autistic and who develop one or more serious addictions (to a substance such as alcohol or cannabis, or to a behaviour such as gambling, porn use, or gaming), is largely neglected by both by professionals in the field of addiction counselling and professionals whose role it is to support and help autistic people.” – Eoin Stephens.

This Autism and Addiction webinar is an opportunity to explore the relationship between Autistic people, mental health and addiction. Living in a world which is not very kind to Autistic people has many negative effects on our health, behaviour and mental well being.

Recent research reveals that almost 50% Autistic adults experience PTSD. We have extremely high levels of anxiety, stress and depression. These are often called “co-occuring” conditions but why are the levels of emotional and mental health conditions so high in the Autistic population? What is the relationship between all of this and addiction? In this course we explore the relationship between living as an oppressed minority and addiction.

About Eoin

Eoin Stephens BA Psychology, MA Counselling (Cognitive Behavioural) now specialises in working with Autistic Adults (or those who feel they may be autistic). Eoin has more than 30 years experience in the fields of Counselling/Psychotherapy, Mental Health and Disability, providing leadership in such areas as CBT, Autism-Informed Therapy, Addictive/Problematic Behaviours and Counselling/Psychotherapy Education. Eoin, like all our trainers, is Autistic.