June FIAAN Webinar (16 Jun 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This webinar explores the relationship between addictions and neurodiversity, with a focus on how neurodivergent experiences can shape vulnerability, presentation, access to support, and recovery. It will consider how factors such as ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, impulsivity, emotional regulation, masking, trauma, stigma, and social exclusion may interact with substance use and behavioural addictions.

The session will also examine why addiction may present differently in neurodivergent individuals, and how standard assessment or treatment approaches can unintentionally create barriers. Participants will be encouraged to think critically about how services can become more accessible, inclusive, compassionate, and neurodiversity-informed.

By combining awareness, practical reflection, and person-centred principles, the webinar will support attendees to recognise complexity, reduce stigma, and consider meaningful adaptations in communication, assessment, harm reduction, and recovery support.

Presenter

Adrian Jugdoyal, IntNSA President-Elect, FIAAN

Adrian Jugdoyal is a Nursing Academic at Brunel University London, specialising in prescribing, clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, clinical simulation, alcohol health, addiction, and post-registration healthcare education. A former CQC inspector and Advanced Practitioner in emergency and acute medicine, hepatology, and addictions, he has played a key role in developing and implementing national clinical guidelines for alcohol and opiate care in the UK. His contributions to NICE guidance on alcoholic hepatitis and the RCEM Alcohol Toolkit highlight his influence on clinical standards. Adrian is President-Elect of IntNSA, serving on various professional committees, and works globally to enhance education and resources in substance use and liver disease.

Learning Objectives

Explain the relationship between neurodiversity and addiction risk
Understand how neurodivergent experiences, including ADHD, autism, impulsivity, emotional regulation difficulties, and social exclusion, may increase vulnerability to substance use or behavioural addictions.
Recognise how addiction may present differently in neurodivergent individuals
Identify how masking, executive functioning challenges, communication differences, anxiety, stigma, and co-occurring mental health needs can affect assessment, engagement, treatment access, and recovery.
Apply inclusive and neurodiversity-informed approaches to support and intervention
Consider practical ways to adapt communication, assessment, care planning, harm reduction, and recovery support so services are more accessible, compassionate, and person-centered.

IntNSA upcoming events

June FIAAN Webinar (16 Jun 2026)

Addictions and Neurodiversity: Understanding Risk, Recognition and Inclusive Support

Presenter

Adrian Jugdoyal, IntNSA President-Elect, FIAAN

Learning Objectives