ADHD

ADHD

Usually diagnosed in childhood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD can even last into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD are often overly active and have difficulty paying attention to others. They also tend to find it difficult to control impulsive behavior.

Individuals with ADHD sometimes resort to using alcohol or drugs to help them cope with their symptoms. Some become hooked on stimulants that doctors have prescribed for them to treat their ADHD symptoms. This addiction is often difficult to diagnose or treat without professional help.

Some factors that may influence an individual's chance of developing ADHD include the following:

•  Heredity: The most common cause
•  Exposure to toxic substances such as lead or tobacco or alcohol exposure while in the womb
•  Brain injury, disease or tumor or stroke

Some symptoms of ADHD behavior include the following:

•  Difficulty controlling speech or actions
•  Difficulty listening to others
•  Forgetfulness
•  Easily distracted
•  Inability to organize responsibilities or tasks and difficulty completing them
•  Fidgeting
•  Misplacing or losing items

Because of their tendency to forget appointments, adults with ADHD feel disorganized and frequently find it difficult to perform in a work environment. Their relationships may suffer due to failure to pay attention to others, speaking before thinking or forgetting social commitments. They may attempt to cope with these problems through drug or alcohol abuse.

It's estimated that one-quarter of adults in treatment centers for alcohol or drug abuse also have ADHD. Programs that simultaneously treat both addiction and ADHD utilize a dual diagnosis approach. Treating both addresses the possibility that frustration might lead to self-medication. Important elements of a successful ADHD recovery plan include individual counseling, family and holistic therapy, and self-help groups.

Vital components of a dual diagnosis program include the following:

•  Thought and behavior modification to control ADHD symptoms and discourage substance abuse
•  Encouraging motivation and building self-esteem
•  Identifying triggers of substance abuse and learning to manage impulses
•  Educating family members about ADHD

A successful dual diagnosis program deals with managing ADHD symptoms and modifies the triggers and responses during the individual's recovery period. The goal is to allow the individual diagnosed with ADHD to be free of substance abuse and to live a healthy, functional and productive life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and substance abuse, feel free to call us for help today.