ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, isn’t easy to deal with. People with this disease have an extremely hard time concentrating. Depending on the severity of their ADHD, they may have trouble staying focused and following directions. Some people with ADHD also have a tendency to frequently daydream and have difficulty keeping track of their belongings.
ADHD isn’t a bad habit or laziness; it’s a real medical condition that should be respected as such. While increases in ADHD diagnoses suggest our culture is catching up to our scientific knowledge, people with ADHD still face many challenges in society. Additionally, research shows a strong correlation between having ADHD and having a substance use disorder.
Understanding ADHD and Substance Use
Many people with ADHD attempt to remedy it by self-medicating with sedatives, such as alcohol, painkillers, benzos, heroin or cannabis. These drugs make them feel like their brain is working at a different pace, which can be relaxing. Some researchers believe the reason a large percentage of people with ADHD develop SUDs is because of the two groups’ behavioral similarities, such as impulsivity and reward-seeking behavior. A review of prior studies examining the link between ADHD and SUD found that alcohol and nicotine were the most commonly used substances among people with ADHD. The most frequently used illicit substance was marijuana.
Factors Contributing to Substance Use in Individuals With ADHD
The hierarchical leadership of most American workplaces can be really challenging for people with ADHD. Bosses require tasks completed in a specific way and often won’t tolerate the challenges ADHD brings. Many people with the disease are afraid to bring their condition to their boss’ attention for fear of discrimination.
Even outside the workplace, there are challenges. Adults might find they have low confidence and often feel like they’re flawed or constantly messing up. This can result in depression, anxiety, poor coping methods and toxic relationships. One study found that almost 25% of individuals with an SUD also met the threshold for a clinical diagnosis of ADHD.
While there isn’t consensus on the exact link between these two disorders, some researchers believe early childhood adversity plays a role. Increased rates of hospitalization among children with ADHD have been observed for several decades. In a recent international study, researchers found that the odds of children with ADHD getting into an accident and sustaining an injury were 2.5 times greater than unaffected children.
Despite the increasing recognition of ADHD as a legitimate mental illness, many individuals don’t realize they have the disorder, which can lead to self-medicating. Eventually, they may form a habit of using substances to achieve what seems to be a preferable mental state, developing addictions in the process.
Impact of Substance Use on ADHD Symptoms
Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, opiates or another drug, certain substances may seem to alleviate ADHD symptoms in some individuals. However, those same substances can exacerbate symptoms and usually end up causing more damage to mental and physical health.
Marijuana impacts short-term memory, making it difficult for some to concentrate on certain tasks for an extended period of time. With opiates and certain stimulants, feelings of euphoria may cause racing thoughts, preventing individuals from focusing on one idea at a time.
Treatment Approaches for Individuals With ADHD and Substance Use
Treatment options for individuals with ADHD and SUD vary depending on which substances they’re using. For treating ADHD, doctors typically recommend a combination of stimulant and nonstimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and guanfacine, respectively. People coping with alcohol dependency alongside their ADHD are commonly prescribed naltrexone, while methadone and buprenorphine are used to help combat opioid addictions for individuals with ADHD.
Nonpharmaceutical options, such as psychosocial intervention, have been used with some success to treat individuals with different SUDs. Interventions conducted during family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals uncover the personal triggers that cause them to turn to substances.
Prevention Strategies and Early Intervention
Doctors frequently recommend mindfulness meditation and physical exercise for people with ADHD. These practices are also beneficial for helping lower the risk of developing a SUD. Considering the strong link between ADHD and SUDs, proactively attending therapy can help identify thought processes and personality traits that make some individuals likely to develop a SUD.
Seeking Professional Help
Rather than self-diagnosing and possibly making your situation worse, we encourage you to speak with your doctor to learn ways you can get more effective treatment.
If you’ve been self-medicating to deal with your ADHD, get help immediately so you can move forward with a proper treatment. There are detox centers throughout Florida that can help you with your recovery and get you on a treatment plan that respects the challenges of ADHD. Learn more by contacting us today.
