Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has three main characteristics: Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD have difficulty focusing for very long, often bouncing from one train of thought to another or becoming distracted by something in the environment. They are often restless, with excessive energy that can make it hard to sit still or sleep. They often act impulsively, seeking immediate gratification without considering the long-term consequences of their actions. Each of these is a risk factor for substance use and addiction. Studies show that people with ADHD do seem to suffer from substance use disorders at a much higher rate than the general population. One survey found that about 15 percent of adults with ADHD have a substance use disorder. That’s more than 50 percent higher than the rate of substance use disorders among people without ADHD. Another study found that as many as half of adults with untreated ADHD have a substance use disorder. That’s incredibly high and comparable to the rate of substance use among people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. One study of adults with ADHD and substance use disorders found that only 30 percent said they used drugs or alcohol to get high. The other 70 percent said they used drugs or alcohol to improve their mood or to sleep better. This kind of self-medication was especially common among people who had not been treated for ADHD. ADHD increases your risk for substance use disorders beginning in adolescence. Until about age 15, kids with ADHD use drugs and alcohol at about the same rate as kids without ADHD. However, after age 15, the gap quickly widens. This may be due in part to reasons mentioned above–to improve mood, sleep, or other symptoms. However, there may be additional factors for teens as well. Their impulsiveness may expose them more to addictive substances and their difficulty delaying gratification may lead them to use drugs and alcohol even when they know it’s a bad idea. What’s more, teens with ADHD have more trouble regulating their behavior. Being disruptive at school can lead to poor grades and social ostracization, both of which have been linked to greater risk of substance use. Adults with unmanaged ADHD continue to be at higher risk for substance use disorders. Although they often learn to control their behavior, they may still suffer from racing thoughts, trouble concentrating, and insomnia. They may use alcohol or other substances to help them calm down or sleep. Some people find that alcohol slows the racing thoughts, letting them concentrate better. Of course, this is only a temporary solution and relying on alcohol or other drugs to manage the symptoms of ADHD can quickly lead to dependence and addiction. If you have ADHD, getting treatment significantly reduces your risk of developing a substance use disorder. If you have ADHD and a substance use disorder, controlling your ADHD is a crucial part of treatment and should be integrated into your treatment program. Although some people are concerned that ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall have potential for abuse, studies show that people with ADHD have a much lower risk of addiction when taking medication as directed.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or ADHD, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
