Series 1, Episode 12: 'Discovering Yourself After Years of Medication' with Audrey Stimpson
"Find something you're passionate about...and you're going to do it really well."
This week’s episode is with Audrey Stimpson, an internationally published master photographer by trade who has now made it her sole mission to share her story of Adderall addiction and how she freed herself after 23 years.
Memphis-based Audrey, trained as a fashion photographer, working in the elite fashion and modelling industry of NYC for 8 years. She had the privilege of shooting for top brands and major publications like Vogue, Elle, Forbes, and Robb Report to name a few. In 2018, she co-founded Madison and Melrose, an A-Z digital marketing/branding company that specializes in content creation. She has a growing platform of over 23k followers, the majority based in NYC and the MidSouth.
Audrey had been prescribed Adderall to treat her ADHD since the age of seven, the same year the drug first entered the market, making her one of the longest case studies.
For a while, Adderall made her feel invincible. From the photoshoot straight to the after-party, Audrey was using Adderall to slay! But, after 23 years of use, the amphetamine had taken its toll, leading to psychosis, gut health issues, body dysmorphia, Addorexia, and a never-ending cycle of shame.
Now trained as a functional medicine coach, she helps others on their Adderall-free journey and writing the guidebook that she wished she’d had. She is developing an ADHD nutrition coaching program, and she recently launched a blog dedicated to helping those directly affected by Adderall addiction. She is also addressing real fears in real-time on TikTok, the preferred social media for those with ADHD, reaching upwards of 80,000 people per post.
Kate and Audrey talked about:
Being medication-free after 23 years of being on ADHD meds
How she came off the meds and being scared of operating without them
Her training as a Functional Nutrition Coach to help with ADHD
Using EMDR therapy for addiction
Overcoming her dependency on medication
Gut healing and autoimmune issues alongside ADHD
The power of our diet and lifestyle to help with ADHD
Her book, How-To-Thrive-Off-Adderall guidebook, Accidental ADDict.
Connect with Audrey via Instagram or on her website Audreystimpson.com, where you can also sign up for her FREE video guide on how to become Adderall free using EMDR Therapy.
This is not medical advice. Please consult with a physician before making any changes.
NB - I am most definitely pro the right medication for ADHD, just not dependency and addiction to the wrong medication.
Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle & Wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner helping overwhelmed yet unfulfilled (many with ADHD like her) women find more calm, balance, health, compassion, creativity and clarity in their lives.
By using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/tapping) in her coaching practice, Kate guides more women to rediscover their inner voice, 'tap' into their expansive wisdom and potential, fulfil their desires and realise themselves outside of the overwhelm, inner pressure and family dynamic. She is also a mum to four children and will shortly be writing her first book!
To download Kate’s new, free guides: 'Suspect you have ADHD...What Next?' and 'The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing' toolkits click here.
Or to buy Kate's new workshop - 'Thriving with ADHD Post-Diagnosis' click here
Have a read of Kate’s articles in ADDitude magazine, including articles about EFT and ADHD here
https://www.coachingbykate.me.uk
Instagram: @kate_moryoussef
Facebook: Coaching by Kate UK
Twitter: @KateMory
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