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ADHD and Addiction Overlap in More Ways Than You Think

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ADHD and Addiction Overlap in More Ways Than You Think

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a diagnoses for children and teens which can also spread into adulthood. Those with ADHD are hyperactive and have a harder time controlling their impulses. It could also mean that they have a harder time focusing. It’s one of the most common mental disorders and there really isn’t any cure for it. You might be asking, “What does ADHD and addiction have in common, then?”. Let’s break it down–

ADHD and Addiction

15% of adults with the disorder had abused or were dependent upon alcohol or drugs during the previous year.

This is nearly triple the rate of adults without ADHD. 

In many cases, people with ADHD will get bored. For example, they could be in a really interesting class in high school or college, but get bored of listening. Medication can help them focus, but the people who are undiagnosed or don’t take medicine might result to drugs/alcohol. 

Using drugs or drinking alcohol might help them focus on assignments, and that results to them using drugs or drinking continuously. And this can be the start of a really unfortunate addiction disease.

ADHD and Addiction

How can parents help?

Talk to your kids! Experts say to discuss addiction to your children before they even go into 5-6th grade. By talking to them and sharing the probability of addiction could be higher for them because of their ADHD, they will be aware. You an also be proactive and talk with your doctor to see what medication you can put your children on so they can control their ADHD. You might not want your 10 year old on medication, but trust me that this is a better choice than addiction.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an individual who hasn’t started abusing a substance by age 21 is unlikely to start later.

ADHD

what can you do?

It might be a challenge to get sober when you’re ADHD isn’t in control. If you’re already dependent on drugs or alcohol, it’s advised to seek recovery and be sober for 6+ weeks before you start an ADHD treatment. Once you are sober, you’ll be able to treat your ADHD with a clean and detoxed body. 

prevent aDHD from sucking you into addiction

Yes, I understand you’re thinking of the macarena right now. But let’s try to focus on ways to help your ADHD…

  •  Get diagnosed. If you think you might have ADHD, see a doctor. If you know you have ADHD, but you aren’t diagnosed, see a doctor. Go to the doctors just to check and see where you stand. Your Dr. will be able to prescribe you medication that will help you focus. They can also answer any questions you may have about it and you’ll be able to understand the disorder a little more.

  • Be active. Your mind wants to go in so many places, so have it go to the gym. Working out will help you stimulate the brain and remain focused. 

  • Understand the risks. People with ADHD have a higher chance of addiction. Learn how to focus without resulting in alcohol or drugs. If you’re dependant on them, find something else to be dependant on (tea, fitness, hiking, etc.). Learn what addiction can do to your body and educate yourself on ways to prevent that from happening.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us today. We are available by Live Chat, our contact form on the website, or by calling us.

Posted in Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Health and Wellness