Did you know that people with ADHD are twice as likely to develop an addiction? But why is this so and is there anything that can be done to minimize this risk?
Let’s look at the relationship between ADHD and addiction. It is never too late to understand the link between the two. Not only could awareness possibly prevent any risks of falling into addiction, but it could be useful if you are living with ADHD in addiction recovery.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological condition. It also meets the criteria for mental illness as the impact of its symptoms behavior, mood, and thinking.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood and it is estimated that 6 million US children have a diagnosis which can be mild, moderate, or severe. ADHD does not affect intelligence, but it can affect development and continue into adulthood.
There has also been a recent rise in adults newly diagnosed with the condition. One of the reasons for this is that it was historically under-diagnosed in girls. Another is it simply wasn’t as well known as it is now.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
As an adult with ADHD whether newly diagnosed or ongoing from childhood, you may struggle with aspects of daily living.
People think that the main symptom of ADHD is hyperactivity, and although some children with the disorder tend to have trouble sitting still, this is not strictly true.
Some typical symptoms in adults with ADHD include:
- Inability to focus
- Disorganization and problems prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- The trouble with completing tasks
- Impatience
- Forgetfulness
- Restlessness
- Impulsiveness
- Emotional outbursts
- Excessive talking and interrupting conversations
- Low-stress tolerance
We all have symptoms of ADHD such as inability to focus and restlessness once in a while, but in ADHD these symptoms are persistent and extreme.
This is because ADHD brains are wired differently from those who do not have the disorder. There are actual biological and structural differences in ADHD compared with a non-ADHD brain. ADHD brains are deficient in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
Norepinephrine is important for staying alert, keeping focused, and retaining memories whereas dopamine is responsible for pleasurable reward and motivation, mood, and behavior. These imbalances are why people with ADHD struggle with things such as alertness, impulsiveness, stress, and finishing tasks.
What are Risk Factors for ADHD?
Risk factors for developing ADHD include:
- Genetic factors such as one or both of your parents having ADHD or another mental health disorder
- Substance use during pregnancy
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Developmental problems
- Childhood poverty
- Childhood trauma
What to Do if You Think You Have ADHD
If you are struggling with symptoms relating to ADHD, you can talk to a medical professional such as a psychiatrist for an assessment and possible diagnosis.
Problems that can occur through people having ADHD include:
- Poor performance at school or work
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
- Risky behavior
- The trouble with the law
- Poor self-image
- Mental health problems
- Substance use
What is Addiction?
Addiction is known medically as Substance Use Disorder (SUD). It is a brain disorder brought on by prolonged substance use. Addiction or SUD is defined as no longer having control over taking alcohol or drugs despite harmful effects.
Substances bring on a temporary euphoric rush or a “high”. That “high” is actually a powerful surge of dopamine which the brain considers a reward. Through prolonged use, our brains develop a tolerance to this hit of dopamine and require more for the same effects. This becomes a craving and a compulsion. In other words, an addiction.
What are the Symptoms of Addiction?
Symptoms of addiction may look different depending on the person and type of substance used. However, there are typical behavioral signs to look out for such as:
- Poor performance at school or work
- Losing interest in things that were once important
- Isolation from friends and family
- Changing social circles
- Secrecy and lying
- Poor hygiene and self-care
- Sleep problems
- Defensiveness when asked about drug use
- Risky behavior such as driving under the influence
- Financial problems
- Mood swings
- Exacerbated existing mental health issues
What are Risk Factors for Addiction?
Anyone can develop an addiction. However, there are risk factors that make developing an addiction more likely such as:
- Genetic factors such as one or both of your parents having substance use disorder or another mental illness.
- Taking substances at an early age
- Dysfunctional home life with little parental supervision
- Growing up where a caregiver had a mental illness or substance use disorder
- Being exposed to crime as a child
- Childhood trauma
- Childhood abuse
- Childhood poverty
- Peer influence
- Having a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or ADHD.
What to Do if You Have an Addiction
If you have a drug problem, talk to a doctor or rehab center. Addiction requires professional medical care like any other illness and this can only be done under supervision.
You will need a detox as well as ongoing support in recovery such as therapy to learn healthy coping mechanisms and unpick why you turned to substances in the first place such as bad mental health.
The Link
While there is no one-size-fits-all reason for why people with ADHD are more likely to develop SUD, there are several possible contributing factors to look out for.
Firstly, there are a few overlapping genetic factors for both ADHD and addiction such as having an immediate family with mental health issues or experiencing childhood trauma.
Secondly, adolescents with ADHD can have behavioral problems as well as impulsivity that may see them trying drugs at a young age, which is a risk factor for addiction.
Thirdly, a person with ADHD might take substances to self-medicate from symptoms of their disorder and to cope with difficult emotions such as stress and anxiety. Both ADHD and SUD commonly co-occur with other mental health issues.
Finally and perhaps most crucially, ADHD brains are dopamine-deficient. As substances provide an instant hit of dopamine, it is easy to see why many people with ADHD develop addictions.
Get Help Now
The best way to avoid turning to substance use is to learn healthy coping mechanisms for daily stresses, difficult emotions, and mental health symptoms.
You can do this through talk therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups. Ultimately, knowledge is power and having awareness of the risks will help you stay empowered no matter where you are in your recovery journey.