While two very distinct ailments with different symptoms and treatment methods, ADHD and addiction often intersect, resulting in unique challenges for those suffering. Commonly, mental health conditions lead to the development of substance use disorders, whether it be the result of the person turning to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, or they find themselves becoming dependent on, and eventually addicted to, the drug or drugs they were prescribed for treating their mental health disorder.
Understanding how conditions such as ADHD and addiction co-occur can not only better help with prevention but can also help with early detection. Immersive Recovery in Encinitas, California offers dual diagnosis treatment for men with ADHD and addiction.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages. The condition is characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms, along with others can vary in severity.
While some may be able to live with their ADHD without the need for therapy or medications, for others, their symptoms may be so severe that it prevents them from being able to go about their daily lives having impacts on things such as academic performance, work productivity, and personal relationships.
Though ADHD tends to be diagnosed initially in children, it is a condition that can often affect a person for the rest of their lives, requiring treatment such as therapy or medications.
Globally, ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults. In the United States, an estimated 7 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD with roughly 6 out of every 10 experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, according to the CDC. Additionally, boys are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed than girls. Furthermore, close to 80% of all people diagnosed with ADHD also suffer from at least one other condition, with roughly 44% of those people also suffering from a behavioral or conduct problem and roughly 40% suffering from anxiety.
In the state of Texas specifically, roughly 9% of all children in the state have been diagnosed with some form of ADHD, according to the CDC. Of those 9%, roughly 80% receive some form of treatment.
ADHD and addiction have been linked to personality characteristics including impulsivity, a tendency to seek rewards, anxiety, and negative emotional states. There are three main types of ADHD: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Symptoms of hyperactive-specific ADHD include:
Symptoms of impulsive-specific ADHD include:
Symptoms of inattention-specific ADHD include:
While researchers have not been able to pinpoint one specific cause of ADHD, certain risk factors are believed to have an impact on the development of the condition.
Some of these risk factors include:
Along those lines, many of the causes and risk factors associated with ADHD can also apply to addiction. These include:
When a person suffers from both ADHD and addiction, it is what’s known as a co-occurring disorder. In the case of ADHD and addiction specifically, it is not uncommon for a person suffering from ADHD to turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. This may be due to the person not fully understanding their condition or looking for a short-term solution to their ADHD symptoms or, they may be too embarrassed or ashamed to talk to someone or seek professional treatment.
In some instances, even when seeking professional treatment, their doctor, therapist, or treatment professional may recommend a medication or medications to help with their ADD symptoms. While it is not always the case, the person may then find themselves becoming dependent on, or addicted to the medication or medications, thus forming a seemingly never-ending cycle of addiction.
If a person finds themselves suffering from ADD and addiction concurrently, a specialized form of treatment known as dual diagnosis treatment is often required. Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to treat both ailments at the same time since one ailment (ADHD), played a significant role in the development of the other (addiction).
The effects of mental health conditions such as ADHD and addiction have been well documented. When left untreated, these conditions can have long-lasting and sometimes even deadly consequences.
Identifying and seeking treatment early can often prevent side effects and symptoms from worsening and leading to the development of more severe symptoms.
While there is certainly a risk associated with taking medication to help treat ADHD, more often, substance abuse and addiction are the result of someone with ADHD choosing to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol instead of seeking professional treatment. While this may seem like an effective strategy in the short-term, long-term abusing drugs and alcohol can make ADHD symptoms worse, while also causing the development of a substance use disorder.
Additionally, for those who may be displaying impulsive behaviors, these impulsive tendencies can often result in a higher likelihood of experimentation, particularly experimenting with drugs or alcohol. That higher likelihood of experimentation, coupled with the fact that many who suffer from ADHD have a reduced dopamine response, can also make it more likely that a substance use disorder develops.
For those suffering from ADHD and addiction, it is important to remember that treatment options are available. Many treatment centers, such as Immersive Recovery, offer specialized dual-diagnosis treatment programs to help those suffering from multiple conditions at the same time.
Dual-diagnosis treatment for ADHD and addiction often involves a combination of therapies along with medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medications can help manage symptoms of ADHD and reduce cravings associated with addiction. For ADHD specifically, stimulants and non-stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Strattera may be prescribed to help address and manage the symptoms associated with that specific ailment.
To properly address the symptoms associated with addiction, medications such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, or acamprosate may be administered to cut down on cravings. Furthermore, other various prescription and over-the-counter medications may be administered to address withdrawal symptoms as well as other symptoms, both physical and mental, that may have developed as a result of the addiction.
Behavioral therapy services have proven to be effective in treating co-occurring disorders such as ADHD and addiction including:
At Immersive Recovery in Encinitas, CA, we understand the unique challenges posed by co-occurring ADHD and addiction. Our evidence-based, holistic treatment programs are designed to address the root causes of both conditions, helping you achieve sustainable recovery.
Our team of experts collaborates with you to create a personalized treatment plan, incorporating medication, therapy, and support groups to ensure long-term success. If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD and addiction, contact us today.
