Studies suggest that adolescents and adults with ADHD make up around 25% of alcohol and substance abuse cases. Although there is no clear genetic link, multiple behavioural, emotional, and environmental factors influenced by ADHD make a person more prone to addiction. The battle against addiction begins by recognising all the symptoms and factors that pushed you toward addiction.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is an irreversible genetic condition affecting multiple circuits in the brain and brain chemistry. The scientific literature hasn’t settled on a clear underlying cause yet. Some theories examine the difference in the prefrontal cortex in people with the condition. Others focus on the disturbance in the production, distribution, and function of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine [2] [3].
Even if the reason remains unclear, most theories agree that universal symptoms appear in varying degrees across all with ADHD. Behaviours that suggest you have symptoms of ADHD include:
- Constantly taking decisions on a whim, without thinking about the long-term consequences of your actions [4]
- Trouble starting with tasks or focusing on them, especially if you are forced or they are boring [4]
- Feeling intense boredom from certain activities and people makes you desperate for stimulation [4]
- Having lots of pent-up energy makes you play with what’s around and be unable to stay still for a long time [4]
- Forgetting where you’ve left items in your home, forgetting about upcoming dates and responsibilities [4]
Many symptoms of ADHD are related to impairments in executive function, a broad term for many mental skills people use in their everyday life to work toward their goals, manage responsibilities, and effectively communicate with people [4].
How Do Symptoms Of ADHD Lead to Addiction?
Addiction is a lack of control where you can’t resist taking or doing something which could be harmful to you. The lack of control stems from uncontrollable cravings, which can be physical, such as ones for alcohol and opiates, or emotional, such as ones from the internet, gambling, and porn addictions. For many people with ADHD, addiction began as a coping mechanism and an attempt at self-medication. Drinking multiple cups of coffee, heavy nicotine consumption through smoking or vaping, and indulgence in sugary treats and other foods are common and innocent habits that can turn into an addiction [5]. Here is a brief list of common ADHD symptoms and factors tied to the condition which increase the likelihood of addiction.
How Are ADHD and Addiction Treated
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and also show symptoms of addiction to a certain substance or behaviour, then you have what’s known as a dual diagnosis. ADHD and addiction can feed off one another and worsen the symptoms of the other condition. For example, a problem with alcohol can worsen impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and working memory, making pre-existing issues due to ADHD even worse. The most effective treatment is one where you co-operate with professionals and take active measures to combat both conditions simultaneously through prescribed medications, behavioural therapy, support groups and other measures.
Private rehabilitation centres are an excellent option to combat a dual diagnosis due to the unique environment they offer. Enrolling in a private rehabilitation centre offers you a safe and secure space where you can be supervised and avoid altogether the types of behaviour which reinforce addiction. The controlled environment also allows you to fully commit and be consistent in the crafting of new healthy habits. Our residential rehab programme can help you discover new ways to handle triggers, but also understand the ‘why’ of your addiction and challenge any cravings before they befall you.
Thinking about Those Who Need Our Help
ADHD can significantly change how a person feels, thinks, and behaves and how society perceives and treats them. Many people with ADHD suffer from a lack of self-control, emotional dysregulation, and unbearable boredom. They also exhibit symptoms of anxiety, and depression, increasing the chance of developing an addiction. The best treatment for ADHD and addiction is one where you work with qualified medical professionals to treat both conditions.
References:
1.Zulauf, Courtney A, et al. “The Complicated Relationship between attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorders. ”Current psychiatry reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2014.
2. Arnsten, Amy F T. “The Emerging Neurobiology of Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder: The Key Role of the Prefrontal Association Cortex.” The Journal of Pediatrics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2009.
3.Nora D. Volkow, MD. “Evaluating Dopamine Reward Pathway in ADHD.” JAMA, JAMANetwork, 9 Sept. 2009.
4. Singh, Ajay, et al. “Overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in young children.” Health Psychology Research, PAGEPress Publications, Pavia, Italy, 13 Apr.2015.
5. Wilens TE; Adamson J; Sgambati S; Whitley J; Santry A; Monuteaux MC; Biederman J; “DoIndividuals with ADHD Self-Medicate with Cigarettes and Substances of Abuse? Results from a Controlled Family Study of ADHD.” The American journal on Addictions, U.S.National Library of Medicine.
6.Meinzer, Michael C, and Andrea Chronis-Tuscano. “ADHD and the Development of depression: Commentary on the Prevalence, Proposed Mechanisms, and PromisingInterventions.” Current Developmental Disorders Reports,U.S. National Library ofMedicine, Mar. 2017.
