ADHD and Addiction Treatment

Table of Contents

Research suggests that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, often struggle with co-occurring substance use disorder. Those with ADHD may seek the use of alcohol or drugs to help them cope with the symptoms of this complex neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD and addiction treatment protocols are found in dual diagnosis programs, which treat both disorders at the same time.

About ADHD

ADHD afflicts about 5% of U.S. adults, affecting men and women in equal numbers. In most cases, these adults unresolved or undiagnosed childhood ADHD. In adulthood, coping skills combined with medication can improve functioning in college and at work.

ADHD features two primary traits, which are difficulty paying attention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will fall into one of three categories: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-inattentive, or combined features.

Symptoms of adult ADHD include:

• Being disorganized

Low tolerance for frustration

• Poor time management
• Chronic boredom
• Makes errors on the job due to not paying attention to instructions

Avoids tasks that require sustained attention

Struggles to stay organized at work

Forgets important due dates for projects

Becomes easily overwhelmed and has difficulty multi-tasking

Has trouble concentrating

• Fails to complete assignments at work or school
• Has poor listening skills
• Mood swings
• Is prone to angry outbursts
• Does not cope with stress well
• Tends to arrive late or miss appointments or meetings
• Is easily distracted by external stimuli

ADHD and Addiction

Research has shown that ADHD causes a dysfunction in the reward pathways in the brain. Executive functions in the limbic region, such as regulating impulsivity and decision making, are also affected by ADHD. Together, the impaired dopamine transmission and difficulties with self-control may contribute to substance abuse.
As a result, studies show that there are high lifetime rates of substance use disorder among adults with ADHD. Lifetime prevalence for alcoholism is 12% and drug addiction is 27.7% according to a 2020 study.

In fact, one study showed that the prevalence of adults with ADHD seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder was between 34%-46%.

What Causes ADHD and Co-Occurring Addiction?

There are two primary explanations for the dual diagnosis of ADHD and substance use disorder. These include:

• Self-medicating the symptoms of ADHD with drugs or alcohol. As tolerance to the effects of the substance increases, the individual needs to use more of the substance to achieve desired effects. Over time, the substance abuse develops into addiction.
• Decreased impulse control combined with the inability to delay gratification. 

Using neuroimaging studies, it has been shown that people with ADHD display motivation and reward deficits. This failure to delay gratification is evident as the person prefers the perceived immediate rewards of drugs or alcohol.

While more study is needed to understand the cause of ADHD and comorbid addiction, some other factors might include:

• Family history of ADHD and/or addiction
• Exposure to toxic substances like lead
• Exposure to the mother’s use of nicotine, drugs, or alcohol while in utero

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The Impact of ADHD and Substance Use Disorder

Whether the person has ADHD or not, there are some classic signs of substance addiction to be aware of. The sooner these signs are recognized, the sooner the person can reach out for ADHD and addiction treatment.
Signs of addiction include:

• Is unable to limit or stop using the substance
• Increased tolerance that leads to higher consumption
• Being hyper focused on having the substance on hand, using the substance, and recovering from the effects of the substance
• Doctor shopping or other illicit means of obtaining the substance
• Having intense cravings
• Has relationship problems due to the substance abuse
  Engages in high risk behaviors
• Withdraws from family or friends
• Neglects obligations
  Exhibits withdrawal symptoms

Some of the symptoms of addiction tend to be enhanced in people who also struggle with ADHD, such as impulsive behaviors.

The Impact of ADHD and Substance Use Disorder

Some people who struggle with ADHD seek relief from the symptoms through drugs or alcohol. The most common substances used for self-medicating ADHD symptoms are cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids.
There are a number of ways that a dual diagnosis of ADHD and addiction can impact a person’s life. These include:

• Addiction. The substance use escalates as tolerance increases, driving more consumption. This then results in dependency or addiction.
• Suicide. People with ADHD and substance use disorder are at a higher risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
• Hospitalizations. The effects of drugs or alcohol over time on someone with ADHD can result in more risky or impulsive behaviors. This often leads to injuries or accidents that require hospitalization.
• Intensified symptoms. The substance use disorder intensifies the ADHD symptoms, and the ADHD can cause substance abuse to escalate into addiction faster.
• Polysubstance abuse. Those with ADHD who rely on a substance for symptom relief or pleasure are more apt to use multiple substances.

Treatment for ADHD and Addiction

ADHD and addiction treatment is best described as dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis is a specialty in the addiction treatment field that includes psychiatric treatment with the addiction treatment. This way, both the ADHD and addiction are treated at the same time.

ADHD and addiction treatment includes:

Detox. Detox is the process of ridding the body of the substance of abuse prior to starting treatment.

Individual psychotherapy. During the CBT or DBT therapy sessions, the individual is guided toward making the needed behavioral changes.

Group therapy. The group sessions provide a safe space where the individual receives support from both a licensed therapist and their peers in recovery.

Family therapy. Engaging the family in the treatment process benefits both the client and the family members.

Medication management. Medication for the ADHD may need to be evaluated and adjusted.

Relapse prevention. Relapse prevention planning helps to prepare clients for recovery by teaching them how to manage impulses, stressors, and triggers.

Holistic activities. Holistic activities like mindfulness, sound healing, yoga, meditation and art therapy can enhance the treatment experience.

Nutrition. Restoring health improves the client’s chances for recovery success.

Bright Future Recovery Provides Treatment for ADHD-Related Addiction

Bright Future Recovery offers help to individuals struggling with substance use disorder and comorbid ADHD. Please reach out to a Bright Future Recovery team member today at (831) 245-1623.

Bright Future Recovery serves Northern and Central California with evidence-based, whole person and affordable addiction rehab treatment associated with alcohol and drug abuse. We are happy to share valuable addiction recovery information.

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