Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment, Signs, and Symptoms

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. The symptoms of ADHD can include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can disrupt daily life, particularly in academic and professional settings and interpersonal relationships.[1]

In addition to lack of attentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, the signs and symptoms of ADHD may include:[2]

• Becoming distracted easily
• Difficulty finishing tasks
• Problems listening
• Struggles with organization or maintaining responsibilities
• Forgetfulness
• Constant fidgeting
• Inability to control speech or actions
• Losing or misplacing items often

An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD.[3] It’s often identified in children first due to disruptions in the classroom or struggles with schoolwork, though it’s possible for adults to be diagnosed. While many children have problems sitting still, paying attention, or acting impulsively, there are strict diagnostic criteria for ADHD.[4]

Researchers haven’t yet identified a specific cause of ADHD, but factors like genetics, low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and extreme stress during pregnancy can contribute to it.[5]

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. The symptoms of ADHD can include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can disrupt daily life, particularly in academic and professional settings and interpersonal relationships.[1]

In addition to lack of attentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, the signs and symptoms of ADHD may include:[2]

• Becoming distracted easily
• Difficulty finishing tasks
• Problems listening
• Struggles with organization or maintaining responsibilities
• Forgetfulness
• Constant fidgeting
• Inability to control speech or actions
• Losing or misplacing items often

An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD.[3] It’s often identified in children first due to disruptions in the classroom or struggles with schoolwork, though it’s possible for adults to be diagnosed. While many children have problems sitting still, paying attention, or acting impulsively, there are strict diagnostic criteria for ADHD.[4]

Researchers haven’t yet identified a specific cause of ADHD, but factors like genetics, low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and extreme stress during pregnancy can contribute to it.[5]

The Link Between ADHD and Addiction

ADHD and addiction can be closely related. Because people with ADHD often struggle with concentration, attention, and impulsivity, they may turn to substance use to self-medicate their symptoms or cope with feelings of frustration, stress, or low self-worth.[6]

Impulsivity also increases the risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors, including experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Over time, this can develop into an addiction. ADHD and addiction also affect similar areas of the brain, particularly those related to reward, motivation, and executive function.[7] This can increase the risk of someone with ADHD developing substance use disorders or vice versa.

When ADHD and addiction co-occur, these conditions can influence and impact each other. The symptoms of ADHD may exacerbate substance abuse, and the self-medication for ADHD symptoms can build a tolerance to substances and a subsequent addiction.

Treating ADHD and addiction effectively requires an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses the individual aspects of both conditions and the interplay between them.

Factors in ADHD and Addiction

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing ADHD or addiction, including:

• Genetics: Genetics are believed to be a factor in developing ADHD, and they also play a role in addiction.8]
• Exposure to toxins: Research suggests that there’s a connection between the use of tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy and the development of ADHD.[9] Lead exposure can also contribute to ADHD, while the use of illicit substances during pregnancy can predispose the baby to substance use.
• Trauma: Physical injury to the brain, disease, tumors, or strokes can affect attentiveness and impulse control, though this is not a common cause of ADHD.[10] Similarly, brain trauma can contribute to addiction.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for ADHD and Addiction

Addiction and ADHD can influence and impact one another, so it’s crucial that they’re treated simultaneously with dual diagnosis treatment. Otherwise, ADHD symptoms can cause more self-medication with alcohol or drugs.

Some of the approaches used along with support groups, family therapy, and other evidence-based approaches in a treatment plan for ADHD and addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT works to identify unhealthy thoughts and patterns, which is helpful for the impulsivity and behaviors common with both ADHD and addiction. Once you understand how and why you behave as you do, you can make a conscious effort to change these patterns.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT therapy relies on medication management for addiction treatment to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and give you an opportunity to focus on your ADHD treatment program without distractions.
• Experiential therapies: Experiential therapies rely on musical or art activities, time in nature, and other therapies to promote healing and quality of life.
• Holistic therapies: Holistic therapies take an integrative approach that includes the mind, body, and spirit to promote healing and build self-esteem and internal motivation.
• Psychodrama: Psychodrama combines traditional psychotherapy with dramatic interactions guided by mental health professionals to help you understand yourself and what motivates you, empowering you to take a proactive role in your recovery.

Seek Help for ADHD and Addiction

If you’re struggling with ADHD and addiction, you can get help managing the symptoms of ADHD without the need for substances. Dual diagnosis treatment at an ADHD treatment center can address both conditions and help you live a healthier and happier life.