Retirement: freedom at last—or a free fall into dysfunction?

In this episode of the ADHD Roller Coaster, Adult ADHD author and expert Gina Pera explore what she calls ADHD Retirement Syndrome. I

The sudden loss of external structure, purpose, and identity can turn what’s supposed to be the “Golden Years” into something far more chaotic, especially when ADHD goes undiagnosed or poorly managed.

You’ll hear real-life examples of how ADHD can quietly derail retirement plans—and what you can do to prevent or turn around the slide. Whether you're retired, approaching retirement, or supporting a loved one through the transition, this episode offers key insights and strategies.

Here is the original podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/tools-and-strategies/healing-adhd-retirement-syndrome/

Mentioned in this episode:

📘 Blog post: Is It Alzheimer's Disease—or ADHD?
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-aging/is-it-alzheimers-disease-or-adhd/

🎙️ Podcast episode on ADHD & aging: The End Game with Don Akchin
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-17-diagnosed-with-adhd-at-37-and-now-she-writes-the-book-on-it--56984993

🎓 Online training: Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle: Practical Supports
https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/course-3-practical-supports

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

“Drug holiday”—sounds relaxing, right? Not for everyone with ADHD.

In this episode, I share real-world stories—including a raw, revealing account from reader Katy Rollins—about what really happens when ADHD medication takes a break.

Spoiler: it’s not always sunshine and calm. We’re talking late-night obsessions, hyper-cleaning marathons, and emotional exhaustion.

Whether you’ve considered taking a med break—or just want to better understand the role medication plays in managing ADHD—this episode unpacks the nuances with clarity and compassion.

🌀 Read Katy’s full post: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medications/adhd-drug-holiday/

🎢 Related episode: Our Lost Weekend Without ADHD Meds https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-medications/weekend-without-adhd-meds/

🔍 Remember: Ask questions. Demand better. ADHD is never one-size-fits-all.

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

ADHD doesn’t just affect one person—it affects the entire relationship. In this episode, Gina Pera shares five radical yet essential perspectives that can dramatically improve how couples navigate ADHD-related challenges. These aren’t your typical therapy clichés or pop-psychology platitudes. They’re hard-won insights from decades of experience, research, and helping couples around the world.

You’ll learn:

• Why teamwork—not independence—is essential for ADHD relationship success
• How to stop blaming and start troubleshooting
• What “chicken-or-egg” dynamics could be sabotaging progress
• How physical ADHD-related issues (like sleep or coordination) may be silently eroding your connection
• Why self-education and self-advocacy can unlock lasting change—faster than you think

Whether you’re the partner with ADHD or the one without, these five tips can help you move from chaos to clarity—and start working together instead of falling apart.

📚 Related resources:

• Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? by Gina Pera: https://amzn.to/41Pc51k
• ADHD-Focused Couple Therapy: Clinical Interventions (with Arthur Robin, PhD): https://amzn.to/422uKFx

Thanks for listening—and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share this episode.

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/