Beach House Center for Recovery offers compassionate treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction. Our dedicated mental health clinicians, addiction experts and psychiatric providers provide personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of addictive behaviors and substance misuse.
How are ADHD and addiction related?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction are often closely intertwined. An estimated 25% of adults who seek treatment for a substance use disorder also have ADHD as a co-existing condition.
ADHD is a disorder that causes an inability to concentrate on a task, sit still, or regulate impulses. It is frequently first identified in childhood and often persists into adulthood. The dysfunction can also cause uncomfortable bursts of energy and forgetfulness. While the direct cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood, several factors appear to contribute to its development:
- Heredity
Genetic predisposition is the most common factor in the development of ADHD. It is estimated that a parent with ADHD has more than a 50% chance of passing the condition to their children. - Prenatal substance exposure
Some studies have found that fetal alcohol syndrome, tobacco use, or exposure to opioids increases a child’s likelihood of developing ADHD. - Brain injury/trauma
In rare cases, ADHD is seen in people who have experienced a significant brain injury or disease.
Because ADHD can negatively affect a person’s ability to concentrate on work or school tasks, many people struggling with the disorder misuse substances to mitigate the effects, increase focus, and remain calm. Unfortunately, some of the most common medications used to treat ADHD – Adderall and Ritalin, for example – have a significant potential for addiction. In some instances, people prescribed medications for the disorder develop a dependency.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
The following are the most common signs of ADHD:
- Inability to focus or concentrate on a task
- Becoming distracted easily
- Fidgeting
- Speaking impulsively/saying inappropriate things
- Losing personal items frequently
- Forgetting information quickly
- Inability to complete tasks reliably
- Poor listening ability
- Interrupting people
- Risk-taking behaviors
While the most common signs of ADHD are lack of focus and impulsive behaviors, many people experience symptoms of ADHD differently, making the condition challenging to identify in people who are high functioning in certain respects.
Because ADHD can cause people to struggle in social situations, they might turn to alcohol or other mood-altering substances to relax. Addiction can occur when a person with ADHD begins to rely upon substances to navigate work or social situations effectively.
Emerging research suggests that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders than their peers who do not have the condition. People with unmanaged ADHD are more likely to develop substance use disorders during childhood and adolescence.
Discover Proven Methodologies for ADHD and Addiction Treatment
At Beach House, we offer evidence-based clinical treatment, medically supervised detox and a broad spectrum of intensive therapeutic interventions that give people struggling with addiction the tools they need to manage their mental health effectively. Our team offers in-depth experience treating the co-occurring disorders that drive addiction behaviors.
To learn about our treatment programs for ADHD and addiction, please get in touch with our compassionate and helpful admissions counselors today.