In today's society, it seems like everyone is struggling with one addiction or another. From alcohol and drugs to food and sex, it seems like no one can escape the grips of addiction. But what about those who are also dealing with ADHD? For people with ADHD, addiction can be a deadly combination. ADHD causes impulsiveness and a lack of self-control, leading to addictive behaviors.

Let's explore how these two conditions play off each other.

Link Between ADHD & Addiction

People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sometimes experiment with addictive drugs to help them manage their symptoms. For example:

● Prescription tranquilizers

● Pain medication

● Amphetamines

● Gambling

● Sex

● Nicotine

● Caffeine

● Alcohol

● Marijuana

● Heroin

● Sugar

● Cocaine

Although the specific causes of the association between ADHD and drug abuse remain unknown, researchers have put up numerous hypotheses to explain it.

1. Genes

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals with a family history of ADHD are four times as likely to become addicted to a drug.

In addition, other studies have indicated that specific genes are more susceptible than others to the effects of drugs and stimulants. In fact, scientists are continuing their research to find a cure for ADHD by examining how genetics affects it.

They believe that ADHD has a vital genetic component, meaning that those with the disorder are more likely to experience a substance-abuse condition later in life.

However, it could also be caused by biological differences in the brain, which may affect neurotransmitters involved in impulse control and reward processing.

2. Neurochemistry

There's growing evidence that the brain structure of someone with ADHD can lead them to be more susceptible to becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Research shows that individuals with ADHD can be more likely to become dependent on dopamine-stimulating drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. The more ADHD symptoms in an individual, the higher the risk for developing a drug or alcohol addiction.

It has also been hypothesized that the brains of ADHD patients may be less able to distinguish between pleasurable and negative feelings (such as when a drug is introduced into the system). This may result in an overreaction to positive stimuli (such as seeing a drug dealer) and developing addictive behavior.

3. Social Environment

Others point to environmental factors, such as poor home environment or peer pressure, as possible contributors to this relationship.

In addition, they believe that social influences can cause some people to turn to substances and behave impulsively to cope with negative feelings. In fact, the risk of addiction among people with ADHD is about twice that of the general population.

Individuals with ADHD are more likely than their non-ADHD peers to grow up in a family environment characterized by violence, divorce, and alcoholism.

It may be that individuals who experience trauma and neglect as children tend to develop a neurobiological imbalance that is then expressed in the form of ADHD and substance abuse.

4. Smoking

One possible explanation for the connection is that the ADHD medication Ritalin may cause people with ADHD to become more impulsive than usual. Because smoking can calm a person down, some have theorized that it may help people deal with the stimulant effects of Ritalin.

This theory is supported by research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to the NIDA, some studies suggest that smoking may counteract the effects of drugs on the brain.

Also, Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that affects the brain's receptors for dopamine. This neurotransmitter affects mood, reward, attention, and motivation. Researchers hypothesize that people with ADHD might be more likely to smoke because it helps them focus and relax.

Recent studies have shown that more than half of teenagers with ADHD and smoking habits go on to acquire an addiction to Nicotine or other substances by the time they are young adults.

Stats About ADHD And Addiction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may significantly influence one's professional and academic success and social growth. Substance misuse is a common coping mechanism for persons struggling with ADHD.

According to studies, approximately 21% of boys and men with ADHD and about 13% of women and girls with ADHD misuse drugs or alcohol. Due to reduced amounts of dopamine in the brain, persons with ADHD may turn to substance misuse to compensate for the deficit.

Over a quarter of teenagers who struggle with drug abuse are also likely to meet the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic criteria. However, ADHD does not just impact kids.

It is estimated that 4 percent of adults, or 8 million people, in the United States are affected by ADHD because of its prevalence among youngsters.

ADHD Symptoms And Effects

Patients with the same diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may exhibit different sets of symptoms than those with a different subtype of the disorder.

The hallmarks of this condition may be broken down into three groups:

● Inability to concentrate or focus

● A state of continual physical activity or agitation

● Impulsive actions

Different ADHD-qualifying behaviors may be found within each of these three broad categories:

● Issues completing work assignments

● Problems in hearing and understanding people

● Difficulty keeping track of several tasks or initiatives

● Lack of concentration

● Possessing a short attention span

● Anxiety-inducing restlessness

● An inability to restrain one's tongue or fists

● Having trouble keeping track of belongings and discarding them after a short while

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sometimes struggle to meet employment expectations. They may have a persistent sense of chaos and often lose track of essential things.

It's also possible that they'll miss important social events or forget about scheduled meetings. Others with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining relationships because they are often diverted and may not pay heed to those around them, resulting in careless comments or a lack of focus.

Alcohol and drug misuse are common coping mechanisms for people with ADHD. As a result, they experience social isolation, difficulty maintaining friendships, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life.

Do Drugs Use To Treat ADHD Cause Addiction?

There is a far lower chance of becoming addicted to ADHD medication if the medicine is taken at the therapeutic levels recommended by a doctor.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are two drugs that doctors may administer to patients diagnosed with ADHD. Stimulant drugs aid with concentration and emotional regulation.

With proper medical supervision, their usage should not result in dependency or abuse. However, when people take these substances for purposes other than medical ones, including staying up to study or work, they risk developing an addiction to the drug or misusing it.

In addition, research has not shown that those who use stimulant drugs to treat their ADHD are more likely to struggle with substance abuse in the future. As a result, while children with ADHD have an elevated risk of drug use problems, this is related to the disease rather than stimulant treatment.

Treatment For ADHD and Addiction

Taking care of one's addiction while ignoring one's ADHD symptoms is not enough. In the same vein, treating ADHD alone is insufficient if a co-occurring addiction is present. Both must be identified and treated if the patient hopes to recover fully.

With the help of a dual diagnosis treatment program, addiction and ADHD may be addressed at once. ADHD may cause a vicious cycle of stress that can result in self-medication with drugs or alcohol. Therefore it's essential to deal with both conditions at the same time.

What would an all-encompassing approach to treating ADHD and substance abuse look like?

● A thorough assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and any comorbid substance abuse issues.

● Keeping up with meetings and activities for those recovering from addiction.

● Insight into the personal and interpersonal effects of ADHD for both the affected person and their loved ones.

● Enhancing one's capacity for social interaction, organizational understanding, communicative fluency, and productive academic or professional performance.

● Counseling services and ADHD support groups.

● Medicine under supervision.

Failure to Treat ADHD & Addiction

Untreated ADHD accelerates relapse in addiction. People in recovery are vulnerable to feeling hopeless, sad, dissatisfied, and even violent as a result of this.

Those on the road to recovery often put in a significant amount of time at treatment sessions. Many people have gotten in touch with their emotional needs and resolved problems from their early stages. Many addicts have considered the causes of their drug usage and destructive behavior patterns. Recovery relies heavily on contemplation, understanding, and the expression of emotions.

There are, however, some who will always be at risk of falling back into old habits. During a relapse, the anxiety of overdosing and dying is at its most. It is concerning that those who relapse may experience even greater levels of stigma, isolation, and mental health problems than before.

Conclusion

The best thing about life is that it is never too late to make a change. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and addiction, don't hesitate to get help. There are many resources available to those who need them. You can overcome your problems and live a healthy, happy life with the proper support.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6477889/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4004668/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163392/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414493/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2859678/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3489818/

ADHD And Addiction And How To Overcome It