We’ve noticed a high correlation between our clients seeking help for addiction and behavioural and mental health issues. It is very common to see ADHD and addiction together, and in fact it’s estimated that 23% of adults undergoing treatment have ADHD, even though only 3-4% of adults suffer from it.
In this article, we want to explore ADHD, why sufferers are more likely to become addicted to substances and behaviours, and how to avoid or treat addiction when you have ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and as the name suggests it impacts the ability to concentrate, sit still and control impulses. It is one of the most common mental disorders in children and is a chronic disorder which can severely impact the sufferer in many aspects of their lives. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD can impact “academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism”.
What are the symptoms and behaviours?
ADHD manifests in a number of ways, but often find it difficult to concentrate and focus, and/or are hyperactive and impulsive. Symptoms can be; being easily distracted, appearing forgetful, unable to complete time consuming tasks, finding it hard to listen and carry out instructions, struggling with organization. People with ADHD also find it difficult to sit still, may fidget constantly, talk or move excessively, have a low sense of danger and can act without thinking. These traits make it hard for children to perform well at school and succeed in the world of work and can feel very distressing. ADHD suffers often also experience anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
Why are ADHD sufferers more likely to face addiction?
The inability to sleep, the feelings of anxiousness and restlessness are difficult for people with ADHD to manage. All of these things, even without ADHD, can lead people to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Add into that the common symptom of thrill-seeking behaviour and impulse control and it’s clear that addiction is going to be more of a risk for ADHD sufferers. A study of over 3,000 adults with ADHD found that 15.2% suffered from a substance abuse disorder, compared to 5.6% in those without ADHD.
There’s a great article in Additude Magazine, which reveals that 50% of adults with ADHD have or have had substance use problems, compared with just 25% of the general population. “Many reasons account for addictions among adults with ADHD, however two general causes come up again and again. First, adults with ADHD are more likely to self-medicate, particularly so when they lack awareness or understanding of their ADHD biology and have not yet learned how to manage it well. Second, many adults with ADHD are drawn to thrill-seeking and novel experiences.” It also goes on to say that addictions to gambling, shopping, internet use etc is also more common for those with ADHD.
How to avoid addiction developing if you have ADHD?
Early diagnosis and getting the right help are crucial for managing ADHD and learning to live with the condition. Therapy and medication, ideally in combination, can aid concentration, calm the mind and body and be less impulsive. Therapy can also offer coping mechanisms and support people through any struggles they are having. Practicing stress relieving and calming activities such as yoga and exercise and eating well can also help you to manage your condition.
When you have the right treatment, and understand your condition, you’re less likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with it. You will also be less likely to use any substances to excess. However, it’s important to be mindful of your relationship with drugs and alcohol and ensure that you are not developing a dependency.
How to get help with addiction and ADHD?
People with ADHD often behave in an extreme and reckless way and this can lead to very severe and dangerous levels of addiction developing fast. Because impulse control is hard for those with ADHD, they can find undergoing programmes such as the 12 Steps, within their own home very tough. That’s why we would recommend intensive addiction treatment in a residential rehab for addicts who also suffer from ADHD.
Residential rehab is a safe place, with a controlled environment and intensive therapy and treatment, which can help overcome the addiction and bring your ADHD under control. When you’re in residential rehab, you will also have medical supervision, and can get back onto your ADHD treatment, which can fall by the wayside when addiction takes hold.
Ensure that the rehab you choose has experience with people with ADHD and takes a holistic, bespoke approach to rehab. It’s vital to get to the root of the problem, have the right therapy and treatment and build really solid foundations for life outside of rehab. This is the case for everyone dealing with addiction, but particularly so, when ADHD is also a factor.
The good news is that addiction treatment and ADHD treatment options can be very similar. An effective treatment for both ADHD and addiction is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It changes the way you think and behave and has worked wonders for our clients with both ADHD and Addiction. Therapy is also advised alongside medication for ADHD and addiction treatment includes group and 1-2-1 therapy too, which helps with both aspects.
We also work with our clients on stress management techniques, to give them an alternative to turning to substances to calm down. Yoga, meditation and exercise in general all helps to be able to cope when you’re clean and sober, and they are also great for people with ADHD to regulate stress and be able to handle daily life better.
Lastly, stopping drinking or using, can dramatically reduce feelings of anxiety, which may be one of your ADHD symptoms. You might be surprised just how calm you feel once the alcohol and drugs are out of your system and your head is clearer.
We have worked with many clients with ADHD and addiction and we’re here to help you overcome your problems and learn to live a happy and full life. Contact us to discuss how we could support you.
