5 Things You Need to Know About ADHD and How It Is Related to Addiction

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental illness that affects the brain by causing unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours. The most common neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD, can be very disruptive to life. People with ADHD may experience symptoms like inattention, poor time management skills, and excessive restlessness. And as time goes by, these symptoms can be severe. However, some people experience only a few signs, depending on their type. Also, a research survey provides an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK with ADHD.

Even though ADHD is pretty standard, certain misconceptions persist. Hence, here are five things you need to know about ADHD, and later, we will discuss how ADHD and addiction are related.

1. Address the Hallmark Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a childhood disorder, meaning the symptoms must be present before adolescence. Be it inattention, impulsiveness, or hyperactivity; most kids display these hallmark symptoms of ADHD at times. However, it doesn’t mean that you can diagnose these symptoms in early childhood. While some kids are diagnosed in preschool, others don’t find out till adulthood. Also, ADHD symptoms may change over time. For example, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be more pronounced in young children, while high schoolers face difficulty with attention.

2. There are Several Types of ADHD

ADHD is more complex than you may think. It has several layers to unfold. First, most children with ADHD will be diagnosed with ADHD-combined presentation if they display a discreet combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The second type of ADHD is known as ADHD-hyperactive/impulsive presentation. As the name suggests, children who struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity fall under this category. Finally, the third group of children have problems with predominant attention. While some may mistake these children as having ADD (attention deficit disorder), they actually have an ADHD-predominantly inattentive presentation. Also, girls gave more inattentive symptoms than boys.

3. ADHD Symptoms Affect Social and Personal Relationships

The excessive symptoms of ADHD can make school, family, and social relationships difficult. How? Let’s see.

School is an educational platform for students to learn attention and organisational skills, which may be challenging to pursue for kids with ADHD. As a result, they may find it hard to organise their thoughts, complete the school homework, and plan future tasks. These kids are also prone to develop learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, which makes it more gruesome for children to survive in school. While kids who have ADHD don’t generally have specific problems, distorted social connections or weak social skills, emotional regulation, and impulsive behaviour can disrupt personal equations, and it becomes hard to maintain friendships. 

Another drawback of ADHD is that it is hard for kids to follow social rules, say the right thing, and control their emotions. Finally, all these problems associated with organisation, planning, and focus can make family life difficult. Also, maintaining a healthy relationship with parents and siblings takes a lot of work.

4. ADHD is a Brain-Disorder

ADHD is not a common disease that kids can overcome by studying hard or listening to things attentively. Trying to concentrate harder would not make them any better. However, specific ADHD and addiction treatment options may help. 

On the contrary, studies have shown that the brains of those with ADHD are structurally different from those who don’t. The cause of ADHD can also be genetic. For example, children whose parents have ADHD are more likely to develop it sooner or later in life. Also, a child’s diagnosis can sometimes indicate that the parents may have ADHD.

5. Treatments are Available for ADHD

Some of the most effective approaches that can help relieve the symptoms of ADHD are:

Medication: Not all people are a fan of the medicines, but those approved for ADHD are the most well-studied across all areas of medicine. A few medications often prescribed for ADHD patients are Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. These medications stimulate the parts of the brain related to thinking and attention. These medicines also reduce

hyperactivity and impulsivity and increase focus and concentration.

Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural therapy is a part of the addiction treatment process where a person learns to monitor, identify, and modify disruptive behaviours. Social skills taught include:

Reading facial expressions.

Asking for help, sharing.

Waiting for your turn.

Reacting appropriately in stressful situations.

Cognitive behavioural therapy also emphasises mindfulness to improve attention and focus.

Education and Training: If you have a family member struggling with ADHD, you can learn tools to help them learn new, prosocial, and positive behaviours. Adults can also learn to apply coping mechanisms in stressful situations and encourage positive behaviours. In addition, it can relatively reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD Coaching: Mostly suggested for older kids or adults, having an ADHD coach can help reduce the symptoms. In addition, a coach can work with you towards your goals, help you see change as a positive thing, improve productivity and keep a student accountable for their doings.

Why are People with ADHD More Prone to Develop Substance Use Disorder or Addiction?

Several theories indicate why ADHD can cause addiction, including:

There may be a genetic link between ADHD and the vulnerability to developing an addiction.

ADHD patients may start using drugs or alcohol in order to self-medicate.

People with ADHD experience poor judgement, impulsivity, and troubles at school or work, which may increase the risk of developing an addiction.

Also, children who receive ADHD treatment at the early stages are less likely to develop an addiction than those who do not. Other issues also occur alongside ADHD, such as anxiety and depression, which should be treated thoroughly to avoid the risk of

developing an addiction. 

Some of the personality traits of ADHD patients that may lead them to addiction are:

Anxiousness

Reward-seeking behaviour

Impulsivity

Negative effect

Overcome ADHD and Addiction Together

ADHD and addiction appear to have a strong link. While there are no exact reasons for this relationship, several theories exist based on genetics, personality traits, and self-medication. But recovery is possible. There are various treatment options available that may help with addiction treatment and addiction recovery. For example, while many people benefit from a range of therapies, others like to combine them with medications. Also, medicinal drugs help reduce substance cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse. On the other hand, the therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), help people understand their triggers, boost self-esteem, and learn new coping skills. 

If you are also struggling with ADHD and addiction simultaneously or know anyone going through a rough patch, it is time to contact the nearest rehab clinic or support groups for help!