ADHD And Addiction Risks: Comprehending the Link

What Is the Link between ADHD and Addiction?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a mental condition affecting millions of children and adults globally. Interestingly, it is common for individuals in recovery from addiction to be diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and ADHD, according to the National Institute of Medicine. Statistics indicate that approximately 50% of individuals with addiction have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives.

This data leaves many to ask, what is the link between ADHD and addiction?

While today, our understanding of the relationship between ADHD and addiction continues to advance, research does suggest that individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders and addictions. These disorders can relate to alcohol use disorder and other dependencies, according to research by the Frontiers in Psychiatry.

It’s important to understand that addiction treatment is an ever-evolving science. By identifying the factors and signs that could lead to the development of ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders, we may be able to reduce the risk of severe addiction and lower overdose rates. This knowledge is especially critical considering the continuing opioid crisis.

In this article by GateHouse Treatment, we will explore the interplay between ADHD and addiction and why some individuals with ADHD are at a higher likelihood of struggling with these issues. Additionally, we will explore signs that you may have a problem and need more support. Finally, we’ll discuss the potential risks and effective treatment options for managing both conditions to live a healthier life.

So, keep reading to learn more about this vital topic that affects more people than many realize.   

Visit us here for more information about recovery with GateHouse Treatment. Click here to read other blogs about substance use disorder and addiction recovery.

What Is ADHD?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the symptoms of ADHD often include difficulty with:

• Attention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity

People with ADHD may also struggle with managing their emotional state and staying organized. All these features can significantly limit life, depending on how much the condition affects the person.

The Link Between ADHD and Addiction

To understand the relationships between ADHD and addiction, experts assess data.

Research shows that young people with ADHD can be 2-3 more likely to misuse substances than children in the general population. Furthermore, the long-term effects of ADHD put individuals at an increased risk for substance misuse as well. These variables offer us some information regarding why addiction can be common in ADHD.

The following are other reasons experts believe those with ADHD may be at increasing odds of also developing addictions:

• Self-Medicating: Individuals with ADHD may turn to alcohol or other substances to help them cope with sensations like racing thoughts or hyperactivity. For instance, individuals with ADHD may drink too much alcohol to calm down. Others may use Benzodiazepines and other substances to temporarily relieve feelings of restlessness, boredom, or emotional dysregulation in ADHD. However, self-medication does not address the long-term effects of ADHD and can even worsen symptoms over time.
• Impulsivity: People with ADHD often have difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors. This lack of control can lead to making risky choices and a higher inclination to experiment with substances.
• Brain Chemistry: Both ADHD and addiction affect the brain’s reward centers, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Individuals with ADHD may have lower levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating these feelings, making them more susceptible to addiction.
• Age of Use: Studies show children with ADHD begin using substances like alcohol and other drugs at younger ages. In fact, by the age of 15, children with ADHD are twice as likely to have tried alcohol in comparison to their peers. After that, the gap begins to widen, demonstrating a predictor in the development of substance misuse and potential dependence.
• Lack of Social Connections: Some with ADHD have difficulty maintaining relationships due to their symptoms. This lack of social bonds can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which may drive individuals to seek out substances for comfort.
• Environmental Factors: Individuals with ADHD may develop addiction due to environmental factors, such as living in a household where substance use is routine. Additionally, having peers who engage in risky behaviors can increase variables that may also lead to misuse.

The Following Substances Can Develop into Cases of SUDs in Those with ADHD:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco/nicotine
• Marijuana/cannabis
• Stimulants
• Opioids
• Cocaine
• Hallucinogens
• Sedatives/tranquilizers
• Inhalants

Signs of Addiction in ADHD

If you are concerned that you or a loved one with ADHD may have an SUD, here are some signs to watch out for:

• Increasing Tolerance: Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effects
• Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms: Having adverse physical, psychological, and emotional effects when trying to stop using substances
• Loss of Control: Continually using substances despite wanting to stop and or having severe complications, including health problems, employment, or relationship issues
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Not taking care of oneself in favor of substance use
• Changes in Appearance: Looking very different, losing weight rapidly, or seeing changes in the skin, to name a few
• Changing Behaviors: Taking more risks to obtain substances, demonstrating irritability, or increasing secrecy around use

If you notice these signs in a loved one with ADHD, it is essential to seek professional help and support as soon as possible. Recovery from addiction can be a journey that ADHD can make more complex. However, it is possible to manage both ADHD and addiction with proper treatment and management strategies.

The Impact of ADHD on Addiction Treatment

When an individual has both ADHD and addiction, it can make treatment more intricate. The symptoms of ADHD may interfere with the person’s ability to participate fully in therapy and follow through with treatment plans. Additionally, some medications doctors prescribe to treat ADHD can have addictive properties that can hinder their sobriety, making recovery more complicated.

It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to comprehensively monitor dosage risks for co-occurring conditions in both ADHD and addiction. Individuals should not attempt to manage these experiences alone.

Managing ADHD and Addiction

If you have ADHD and are using abusing substances, it is essential to address both conditions. Sadly, substance use disorder can be fatal for some.

Here are some ways to manage both ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) effectively:

• Professional Medical Support: Seeking treatment from medical professionals who specialize in both ADHD and addiction can provide you with the support and guidance you need to feel better.
• Medication Management: Prescription medications help many manage their ADHD, which can reduce symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity, which may fuel addiction.
• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals with ADHD learn coping skills and alternative behaviors to manage their ADHD and SUD symptoms and reduce the risk of addiction.

Other Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder And ADHD

Ultimately, treatment for substance use disorder and ADHD needs to be personal to the individual’s specific needs. Many with ADHD and more severe addiction consider the following more intensive treatment options:

• Residential Treatment: This option provides intensive, round-the-clock care in a safe and supportive environment where the individuals can focus on addiction treatment with fewer outside distractions. This treatment option is most common for individuals who have severe or long-standing addictions and other comorbid conditions, like severe ADHD.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient addiction treatment allows individuals to live at home while receiving treatment during the day. This treatment option is suitable for those with less severe chemical decency and who already have a robust support network in place at home. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility, allowing individuals to attend therapy sessions while still maintaining their daily responsibilities.
• Support Groups: 12-step programs or other support groups can provide valuable insight from others in the same or similar circumstances, which can be helpful during recovery. These groups offer a sense of community and belonging amidst difficult experiences and are typically completely free.

Managing ADHD and Addiction Is Common and Possible

It is crucial to remember that having ADHD does not mean an individual will automatically develop a substance use disorder. However, for those who are experiencing both conditions, it is essential to seek suitable support and manage these intertwined issues appropriately.

Fortunately, with the right strategies in place, individuals can lead fulfilling lives while managing their ADHD and addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with ADHD and addiction, please reach out for support from addiction professionals who understand.

Remember that recovery is a journey, but it is a worthwhile one. Happy Healing.

More About Addiction Recovery with GateHouse Treatment

GateHouse Treatment is a leading provider of addiction treatment in Nashua, NH, also addressing some co-occurring disorders in substance use disorders, including ADHD.

At GateHouse Treatment, our team of addiction experts understands the distinct struggles faced by those with substance abuse disorders. We offer evidence-based therapies, personalized addiction treatment plans, and compassionate ongoing support for those seeking recovery in a residential facility that allows them to focus on rebuilding their lives.

Contact us here to learn more about treating substance use disorders with GateHouse Treatment or by calling us at (855) 448-3588.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey towards living a healthier, happier life. When you take the first step, there is hope and support along the way.