Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?

by Sarah Hendrickx, Sarah Hendrickx

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems. Utilising their professional and personal experience, the authors provide an overview of ASDs and of alcohol abuse, and explore current knowledge about where the two overlap. Tinsley explores his own personal history as someone with an ASD who has experienced and beaten alcohol addiction. He discusses how the impact of his diagnosis and his understanding of the condition played a huge part in his recovery, and how by viewing his life through the prism of autism, his confusion has been replaced by a greater understanding of himself and the world around him. This inspiring book on an under-researched area will be of interest to professionals working with people with ASDs, as well as individuals with ASDs who may be dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, and their families.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psychology, Addiction, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2008

About the author

Sarah Hendrickx is an autistic author, speaker and freelance writer. She is author of 8 published books on a variety of subjects - autism, cookery and overseas living. Sarah also writes monthly columns on overseas living for Standard Issue magazine and Mediterranean Gardening and Outdoor Living magazines as well as articles for web and print.

Reviews

[Dustin L. Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much appreciated read

As someone with AS who is battling a hard caffeine addiction and realizes that he's not alone in the battles of as and addiction and how bad it can really get. I commend Matt on all his efforts in being in recovery.

[Radivoje Panic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alcohol and Asperger !

In practice encounter we a part of people drinking alcohol. Here is a description of the situation where we need to remember Asperger .