Research shows a strong correlation between ADHD, drug abuse and alcoholism, with 25% of ADHD adults being treated for substance abuse disorders. We also know that nearly 50% of the time, ADHD continues through the adult years and that ADHD is five to 10 times more common in adult alcoholics than those without ADHD.
But where does this start?
The connection between ADHD and substance abuse
Studies have shown that teenagers with ADHD are more likely than the general population to start abusing drugs and alcohol. The effects of substances like weed, alcohol and nicotine can make teens feel calm and give them a break from their ADHD symptoms like racing thoughts and hyperactivity. When ADHD symptoms make sitting still, controlling impulsivity, and concentrating difficult, using drugs makes teens feel great.
At this age, the teen brain is also more sensitive to drugs, which means they feel the high more intensely, and the speed of addiction is accelerated.
In fact, 14% of 15-17-year-olds with ADHD later experienced issues with excessive adult alcoholism. Other research has found that before age 15, 40% of ADHD teenagers had started drinking alcohol, compared to only 22% of teens without an ADHD diagnosis. These higher percentages are a strong predictor of adulthood substance abuse. However, by age 25, most young adults were likely to drink alcohol regardless of an ADHD diagnosis.
It’s also worth noting that both ADHD and alcoholism have common shared genes. In other words, if someone in your family has this condition, you are already genetically predisposed to develop an alcohol abuse problem.
What are the danger signs?
People with ADHD use alcohol and drugs to help “ease” the distress of ADHD symptoms. However, they usually don’t realise that the substances are making their symptoms worse.
Teenagers and young adults suffering from ADHD are very susceptible to risk factors for using substances because of the condition’s symptoms, like:
- External variables – Teenagers and young adults with ADHD can suffer both socially and academically. They might be even more attracted to their peers with the same problems, making them end up with risk-taking crowds that experiment with drugs and alcohol. This is the age where peer groups and school issues play a huge role, so those teens who don’t feel like they fit in or have a bit of FOMO (the fear of missing out) are much more likely to engage in a variety of risk-taking behaviours.
- Increased chances of co-occurring conditions – Oppositional defiant conditions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety are examples of co-occurring mental health issues. For ADHD teens suffering from a co-occurring mental health condition, the risk of substance abuse is even higher. Also, because most ADHD teens are quite impulsive, they tend to progress to addiction more rapidly than neurotypical teenagers.
Dr. Sarper Taskiran, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute, notes, “These kids are more hyperactive, more impulsive, and their minds move at a faster pace, which is sometimes tiring for them,” he says. “They tend to gravitate to substances which decrease the pace of their thoughts. Nicotine, and in some cases cocaine, are appealing because they increase attention in the short term, while marijuana can cause mild sedation and euphoria.”
Is ADHD medication helpful or harmful?
While it’s true that ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin can be abused, they are not “gateway drugs”; in fact, the opposite may be true. The #1 drug of choice for self-medicating ADHD teens and young adults is marijuana, followed closely by alcohol and nicotine. This is because, just like ADHD medications, these substances boost your dopamine levels.
Statistics from an analysis of Medicaid data of 150,000 young people with ADHD found that those who took ADHD meds were more than 7% less likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) than their peers with ADHD who didn’t take medication. In other words, there is no correlation between common ADHD medications and increased substance abuse. In fact, treating ADHD with proper medication could protect against future substance abuse.
How to treat ADHD and Substance Abuse
While it’s been established that ADHD and alcoholism are firmly connected, that doesn’t mean that everyone with ADHD will develop a substance abuse issue—even if you’re genetically predisposed.
For adults who do develop issues with drugs and alcohol, most doctors will try to use non-stimulant medications and certain antidepressants in treatment programs rather than ADHD stimulants (such as Ritalin), which could be misused. The misuse of prescription drugs can be extremely harmful, leading to seizures, heart attack, stroke and even death. In order to minimise the risk of such misuse, it’s essential for those adults to consider individual or group therapy programs and choose a treatment centre offering a holistic, personalised and integrated approach alongside 12-step support groups for dealing with their ADHD and substance abuse.
October is ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD can affect people of all ages and walks of life. It does not discriminate. Without proper care and attention, ADHD can negatively impact educational goals, work, relationships and family life. This October, for ADHD Awareness Month, Camino Recovery is proud to raise awareness for the link between ADHD and substance abuse.
How Camino Recovery can help with ADHD and substance abuse
With over 15 years of experience, Camino Recovery is considered one of Europe’s premier addiction and trauma recovery centres. Our global clientele consistently seeks out our stunning southern Spanish location for residential treatment and the latest treatments in addiction and psychology. The expert team of counsellors, doctors, psychologists, and trauma-informed professionals at Camino Recovery represents the best in business and is here to ensure our clients have continuous guidance and support.
We provide individualised treatment and recovery programs based on the best interests of our clients at all times. No matter what ADHD and addiction issues you may be dealing with, the expertise of Camino Recovery can help you on your road to recovery.
Some of the treatments we offer are as follows:
- ADHD
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug addiction
- Dual diagnosis
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
At Camino Recovery, our goal is for everyone with ADHD to live an empowered, balanced, fulfilling and improved quality of life. Our supportive “family-like” centre equips our clients with the tools to overcome the challenges of their addictions and achieve their potential.
Our expert clinicians adopt a holistic, personalised and integrated approach to treating ADHD, addiction and mental health issues. We blend various evidence-based therapeutic methods and modalities tailored to the client’s unique needs and preferences. We are committed to providing customised treatment plans to our clients, that’s why we offer comprehensive assessments to gain a thorough understanding of their cognitive, emotional and social functioning.
To ensure you get the most out of your treatment, your personalised plan might include:
- Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Medication, if necessary
- Individual therapy
- Family and group therapy
- Relapse prevention
If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD and substance abuse, contact our recovery centre to learn more about our ADHD treatment programs or to have a friendly, confidential chat with one of our team specialists.
At Camino Recovery, we are here to answer your questions and support you or your loved one. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the complexities of ADHD, addiction and mental health issues. Reach out today and find out how our approach to recovery sets us apart from other treatment centres.
