Studies have shown that approximately 50% of adolescents and adults with substance use disorders (SUDs) have a lifetime diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The link between ADHD and addiction is rather complex, influenced by genetic and neurobiological factors and similar personality traits associated with both conditions.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Abuse
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder and a mental illness characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention is when an individual cannot keep their attention or focus on daily tasks or activities. Hyperactive behaviors are when an individual is constantly moving, fidgeting, or talking in situations when it is not appropriate. Impulsivity with ADHD may result in poor decision-making and risk-taking behaviors, such as drug and alcohol misuse.
Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disorder marked by compulsive use of substances despite adverse consequences. Studies show that those with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol compared to those without ADHD. People with ADHD are more susceptible to other co-occurring conditions, including anxiety disorder, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD).
The Link Between ADHD and Drug and Alcohol Addiction
The personality traits associated with ADHD and addiction are relatively similar, such as impulsivity, risk-taking, reward-seeking, and anxiousness. These personality risk factors have led individuals with ADHD to engage in addictive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse. Individuals might also use substances to cope with or manage their ADHD symptoms, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms and dependence. Genetic markers and neurobiological factors may increase someone’s risk of developing ADHD and substance use disorders (SUDs).
Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior
One of the core symptoms of ADHD, outside of inattention and hyperactive behaviors, is impulsivity. Impulsivity with ADHD can lead people to engage in unusual, risky behaviors like experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Using drugs recreationally can provide them with a thrill or feeling of reward, causing them to use substances repeatedly.
Substance use may also relieve some of the symptoms they experience, such as difficulty focusing or hyperactivity, further reinforcing their use of drugs and alcohol. The temporary relief provided by substances and the act of using them as a coping mechanism can quickly develop into dependence and addiction.
Self-Medication Hypothesis
The self-medication hypothesis concludes that individuals with ADHD use alcohol or drugs to control their symptoms. The most common types of ADHD medications are stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, which are controlled substances. A controlled substance is a drug that holds the potential for abuse and addiction. People with ADHD may begin to misuse and abuse their medications, like Adderall, outside of their prescribed use.
In other cases, individuals may not feel satisfactory relief from their prescribed medication and seek out more potent stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines. Illicit use of stimulants may temporarily improve attention and focus, while consumption of alcohol or marijuana may help relieve anxiousness and hyperactivity. Using these substances to enhance or reduce symptoms of ADHD can create a never-ending cycle, leading to substance dependence and addiction.
Genetic and Neurobiological Factors
Genetic markers may influence someone’s susceptibility to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and drug and alcohol addiction. Neurobiological factors, such as dopamine dysregulation, are associated with both SUDs and ADHD. Imbalances in dopamine levels impact the brain’s reward system, causing people with ADHD to be even more susceptible to the reinforcing effects of substances. ADHD stimulant medications boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, similar to that of alcohol and drugs.
Polysubstance use can result in harmful side effects and health risks, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring ADHD and Addiction
The co-occurrence of addiction and ADHD can pose challenges in proper diagnosis and treatment approaches. Treating a drug or alcohol addiction and a mental illness like ADHD can be complex, requiring an integrated approach to drug rehabilitation. Dual diagnosis treatment in drug and alcohol rehab treats co-occurring disorders, which is the coexistence of an SUD and mental illness. ADHD and addiction treatment integrates pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapies, holistic treatments, and relapse prevention into dual diagnosis programs.
Medication Management and Pharmacotherapy
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in dual diagnosis is essential when treating individuals with mental health disorders and addiction. While patients with ADHD may use stimulant or non-stimulant medications to treat their condition, this can contribute to further substance abuse without medical supervision.
Addressing ADHD in drug and alcohol rehab requires a thorough assessment of the patient’s physical and psychiatric health. This allows our specialists to personalize dual diagnosis treatment plans according to their health status and struggles. Managing mental illnesses in addiction treatment often requires pharmacological assistance to ensure all underlying conditions are treated.
Behavioral Therapy
In drug detox and rehab, behavioral therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment commonly include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is effective in treating both ADHD and substance use disorders (SUDs). Behavioral modification therapy helps patients challenge negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and further address underlying issues contributing to their addiction. Combining pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy in drug and alcohol rehab treatment provides a comprehensive approach to dual diagnosis treatment.
Holistic Treatment Services
Holistic treatments and therapies in drug rehab are intended to treat the patient as a whole: mind, body, and soul. In dual-diagnosis treatment, holistic therapies typically include yoga, meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and nutritional support. For individuals with ADHD, these therapies allow them to calm their hyperactive minds and practice relaxation and mindfulness. Holistic practices ensure individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders achieve holistic healing in substance abuse recovery.
Relapse Prevention Education
After completing drug and alcohol rehab, recovery management and aftercare programs are encouraged to help individuals navigate the early stages of recovery. Recovery support groups and meetings offer accountability, support, and relapse prevention strategies after leaving rehab. It can be difficult stepping back into your daily life in recovery with ADHD, which is why both professional and community support is crucial.
Contact Coastal Detox for dual diagnosis treatment in Stuart, FL. Our holistic drug and alcohol detox programs in South Florida treat patients battling ADHD and addiction.
Coastal is here for you. Reach out today.
References:
- Frontiers in Psychology, 2015. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Relation to Addictive Behaviors: A Moderated-Mediation Analysis of Personality-Risk Factors and Sex.
- American Psychiatric Association, 2022. What is ADHD?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Drug Misuse and Addiction.
- National Institute of Mental Health, 2023. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
- WebMD, 2022. ADHD and Substance Abuse.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. ADHD Medication.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024. Polysubstance Use Facts.