DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
An estimated 4.4 percent of U.S. adults have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also common among adolescents and characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. About 25 percent of U.S. adults with ADHD are treated for substance dependence every year, and people with ADHD are 2.5 times more likely to develop a substance dependence issue than those without the disorder.
Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder face symptoms such as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity and lack of impulse control. Nearly 10 million adults and 8 million children in the United States have ADHD, making it one of the most common mental disorders in the country. People with ADHD are more likely to encounter difficulties paying attention to detail, waiting their turn and finishing tasks and often take three to four times longer to complete a task than others do. On top of this, people with ADHD are at high risk of developing a substance dependence.
Symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsiveness and distractibility, make it easy for those with ADHD to fall into substance use. Stress levels for people with ADHD can be extremely high compared with those of the average individual, often triggering substance use. Many people with ADHD need constant stimuli for their overactive mind and often will create their own stimuli with substances if no other stimuli are present.
Why Do People with ADHD Use Substances?
Half of all adults with untreated ADHD develop a substance use disorder. Research shows that of the people with ADHD who use substances, 30 percent do so to get high, while 70 percent do so to improve their mood, sleep better or alleviate some other negative feeling or condition. Those with ADHD usually have lower levels of dopamine, a chemical that affects emotions, movement, and memory, and often take substances to boost this controversial neurotransmitter.
Substance dependence for people with ADHD is “two to three times higher” than for people without it.
Genetics also play a role in substance use among people with ADHD. “There’s an increased rate of substance use disorders in close relatives of people with ADHD,” says Dr. Timothy Wilens, author of the 2010 study “A Sobering Fact: ADHD Leads to Substance Abuse.”
Genes associated with risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors also predispose individuals to ADHD and substance abuse issues.
Struggling with ADHD and Addiction?Our recovery programs are designed to meet your individual needs.
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What Is the Likelihood of People with ADHD Using Substances?
Wilens says the risk of substance dependence for people with ADHD is “two to three times higher” than for people without it. Dr. Howard Schubiner, a national expert on ADHD in children and adults, noted that 20 percent to 40 percent of adults with ADHD have a history of substance abuse. Children with ADHD have a smaller chance of substance use until age 15, at which point the risk drastically increases. For individuals with ADHD, the possibility of developing a substance dependency is common.
20% – 40%of adults with ADHD have a history of substance abuse.
For people with ADHD, taking the necessary steps and precautions can help an individual avoid substance use.
These steps include:
Appropriate treatment
Following the plan set by medical professionals for ADHD treatment is critical. These professionals know you and the keys to successful sobriety, so their advice and plans should be taken seriously.
Medication
f your doctor prescribes medication as part of your ADHD treatment, take it. Not taking your medication can alter the way your brain reacts to different situations and possibly trigger the impulse to use substances.
If you have a child with ADHD, talk to him or her early and often about the risks of drug use among people with ADHD
In almost all cases of substance use treatment, education is key in helping people avoid substance use. By educating your child about the dangers of substance use and their increased risk, you can help your child avoid it altogether.
Regular exercise
This is a great way to provide calming and naturally therapeutic effects on the brain that help people with ADHD avoid using substances.
What Substance Use Treatment Is Available for People with ADHD?
Treating individuals with ADHD for substance dependence adds a layer of complexity that does not exist for recovering individuals without the disorder. Frequently, substance users with ADHD must receive treatment for the disorder before addressing their substance dependency. Treating ADHD first alleviates symptoms that make drug and alcohol treatment difficult.
Dual Recovery Programs
Treatment programs that focus on substance dependence and other mental health conditions, called dual recovery programs, address both disorders simultaneously. Upon completing an introductory period of treatment for ADHD and sobriety (usually six weeks to two months, ensuring ADHD treatment is working after evaluation), individuals begin rehab treatment that includes therapy and traditional substance use treatments while continuing treatment for ADHD.
Through dual recovery programs, traditional substance use treatments can be effective after individuals begin to treat their ADHD. Medications to treat ADHD provide the best protection against substance use and can help individuals focus on recovery. This along with proper therapy gives people the greatest chance to eliminate their substance use habit.
Looking for Help?Our dual recovery programs are based on decades of research to deliver treatment that really works.
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Staying Sober
For people with ADHD, both recovering substance users and individuals without substance dependence issues, living a lifestyle that promotes sobriety greatly increases the odds of staying sober.
Some tips for a healthy lifestyle for people with ADHD include:
Avoid hunger
Eat three balanced meals a day and healthy snacks between meals. Limiting caffeine and sugar is also a good way to control moods and triggers of substance abuse.
Don’t get angry
Managing your emotions and keeping a level head can blunt the urge to use substances. Resolve your issues with others, talk about your emotions with a trusted friend and, if necessary, consult a therapist about managing your anger.
Nurture friendships
Frequently, people with ADHD use substances out of loneliness or boredom. Avoiding these feelings can make it easier to stay sober. Meet new people. Reach out to supportive individuals to create a new social network and to take the place of substance-promoting individuals in your life.
Get your rest
Sleep deprivation can lead to imbalanced emotions and may trigger substance abuse.
How Do I Get Help?
If you or a loved one has ADHD and a substance use disorder or suspect either may be a problem, treatment may be the next step. A quality treatment center can help you get sober and treat an underlying mental disorder you may not have known you have.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Trey Dyer is a writer for DrugRehab.com and an advocate for substance abuse treatment. Trey is passionate about sharing his knowledge and tales about his own family’s struggle with drug addiction to help others overcome the challenges that face substance dependent individuals and their families. Trey has a degree in journalism from American University and has been writing professionally since 2011.
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