Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting.

We Also Cover:

• ADHD and specialized schooling
• Feeling “less than,” comparison, and confidence erosion
• Perfectionism, over‑planning, and early motherhood
• Coping, trauma, and seeking help
• Integrated treatment for ADHD, women’s trauma, and SUD
• Scripts and self‑preservation
• Parenting without stigma
• Social media pressure vs. executive dysfunction skills
• Women‑specific gaps like postpartum, menopause, sober living
• Neuroplasticity timelines, relapse risk, and daily recovery practices

Quotes:

• "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
• “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
• “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”

About Lisa Modur:

Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.

Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.

Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!

Connect with Lisa:

• https://austinoakshospital.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-5a519059/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

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