In the UK, the number of people taking ADHD medication is higher than ever. With the number of adults with ADHD predicted to be around 4%, the condition is deemed to be undiagnosed. There is also a massive NHS backlog, with people waiting years to get a diagnosis and the support they need.

This gap leaves people with ADHD at risk of turning to other substances. There seems to be a clear link between ADHD and substance abuse, which can complicate your recovery journey through drug and alcohol rehab.

It’s important to understand the ADHD addiction link, how to recognise signs of abuse in ADHD sufferers and what treatment options are available to manage both conditions simultaneously.

 

Understanding ADHD and Addiction

ADHD is a neurological condition that usually presents itself during childhood and carries on into adulthood. It causes executive dysfunction, which impacts a person’s ability to manage how they act, as well as their thoughts and emotions.

Usually, people with ADHD have problems paying attention, are impulsive and hyperactive, can’t sit still and aren’t good at being organised.

Substance abuse means a person uses a substance like alcohol, cocaine or prescription drugs in a way that is unhealthy and will eventually lead to addiction.

People with ADHD can be more prone to substance abuse because of some of the symptoms mentioned above. Suffering from both at the same time is what is known as dual diagnosis and can complicate addiction treatment.

 

Why Are People With ADHD At a Higher Risk for Substance Abuse?

It is estimated that of the people who seek treatment for substance abuse, around 20% suffer from ADHD. Also, research suggests that young people with ADHD are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from substance abuse than those without the condition.

There are several reasons why ADHD can impact you and leave you with a much higher risk of developing addiction issues.

ADHD Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD can lead to risky behaviour, such as drinking and drug use. Struggling with impulsivity means you will do things without thinking of the consequences and be more open to experimenting with substances. Emotional dysregulation (struggling to manage emotions) can also lead to substance abuse as you turn to illicit drugs or drinks to bring you up or down.

Self-medication

ADHD can be tiresome to live with. Engaging in addictive behaviours can temporarily relieve you as alcohol could tamper your hyperactivity, and stimulants could provide focus. If you are undiagnosed or don’t have access to proper ADHD medication, using other substances to help can quickly lead you to addiction.

Brain Chemistry

Dopamine deficiency is at the centre of ADHD and addiction. People with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine, the pleasure hormone, in their brains. Engaging in addictive behaviours can boost your dopamine levels.

Soon, it would be best if you had more to maintain a normal dopamine level, which would result in fewer dopamine receptors. This means you no longer get pleasure from things you once did, with only your addiction being able to raise your dopamine levels.

 

Common Substances Abused by Individuals with ADHD

People suffering from ADHD often abuse certain drugs because they believe they can help their condition. That means there are common substances that people with ADHD abuse.

Stimulants

Drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines affect a person without ADHD by producing a rush. In people with ADHD, this does not always happen. Cocaine can provide more focus and calm to a person with ADHD, and so it helps them manage their symptoms. It can help ease restlessness, impulsivity and inattentiveness.

Alcohol

Within ADHD substance use, alcohol is a common form of self-medication. People with ADHD use alcohol as they feel it helps them relax as the substance is a depressant. While they think it can stop them from being hyperactive, alcohol can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Prescription Drugs

Medication like Ritalin and Adderall is often prescribed to help people with ADHD. If these drugs are taken as directed, then there is a shallow risk of abuse.

However, they are stimulants, and a high can be had from these drugs by crushing the pills and snorting them. If a child or adult abuses the medications they are prescribed, it may make them more likely to turn to illicit substances as well.

 

Signs of Substance Abuse in Individuals with ADHD

If you or someone you know has ADHD and you believe going to drug rehab is needed, you must understand the symptoms of substance abuse and what impact it may have on ADHD.

Signs of Addiction:

  • A downturn in appearance and hygiene
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Getting ill more frequently
  • Social isolation
  • Becoming more secretive and dishonest
  • Continuing to use substances despite negative consequences

Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate the symptoms of ADHD and drug abuse. Poor judgement, impulsivity and onset of mental health issues are common in both.

To distinguish the two, you need to look closely at when the symptoms began. ADHD presents much earlier in life than when someone would typically become an addict.

Also, whilst ADHD can be responsible for poorer performance in school and work, drug use will make it much worse and be more apparent to identify. Substance abuse will likely exacerbate all ADHD symptoms, so if you notice a significant change, it could be down to addiction.

Treating ADHD and Substance Abuse Simultaneously

To treat both ADHD and substance abuse, you need to engage in dual diagnosis treatment. This means treating both conditions concurrently in such a way that the treatment does not worsen either issue.

Effective dual diagnosis treatment likely results in a better treatment outcome that gives you the best chance at achieving long-term recovery.

Treating ADHD and addiction can be particularly difficult as ADHD medication is useful but dangerous for people suffering from addiction. ADHD symptoms can also provide barriers during therapy and other activities.

Treatment plans catered to you will help you find the path that works for you. Therapies such as DBT and CBT are beneficial for treating both conditions – allowing you to become more aware of negative patterns in your life and learn better-coping mechanisms. Medication can work with therapy as well as it can improve symptom management, increase engagement in recovery and complement the work you are doing at rehab.

Long-term Recovery and Management

ADHD and substance abuse will stay with you for life. Whilst ADHD can be managed to such a degree that it barely impacts you, and you can recover from addiction and never look back, you must always remain vigilant.

Keeping up with your recovery, accessing resources and having ongoing support is vital to maintaining sobriety and staying on top of your ADHD. Relapse prevention plans catered to you specifically, with a focus on ADHD, can help you change your lifestyle, work on coping skills and learn from the past.

Recovery doesn’t stop after rehab. Aftercare, in the form of ongoing therapy, group support meetings, and lifestyle changes, will help you evolve and get better at avoiding triggers, getting through hard moments and staying connected to others who understand your struggles.

ADHD addiction risks are very real, but having the condition does not condemn you to substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and substance abuse, then help is out there.

Addiction Advocates is a referral service designed to help you find a treatment centre that is just right. For more info about us or to start your recovery journey, get in touch now at 0800 012 6088 or text HELP to 83222.