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Many people are surprised to learn how closely mental health and addiction are linked. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, affects the way a person pays attention, controls impulses, and manages activity levels.
Researchers have found that ADHD and addiction often occur together. This means that people diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are more likely to also struggle with addiction compared to the general population. Understanding how these two conditions interact is important for finding effective ways to support those who experience both.
By looking at the science behind mental health and substance abuse, healthcare providers can create treatment plans that address both issues at the same time. This is known as dual diagnosis treatment. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, our specialists understand these complex relationships and work to treat both conditions for long-term recovery.
Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Addiction
ADHD is a brain-based condition that changes how people focus, control their impulses, and manage their moods and energy. People with ADHD may struggle to pay attention, sit still for long periods, or think before acting.
Addiction happens when someone cannot control their use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances, even when it causes problems in their life. Adults with ADHD are almost three times more likely to have a substance use disorder than adults without ADHD. About 25% of adults receiving treatment for alcohol and substance abuse also have ADHD, while only up to 6% of all adults have ADHD.
Several ADHD symptoms make people more likely to develop addiction, such as:
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking about what might happen next
- Poor self-control: Having trouble stopping behaviors, even when they cause long-term problems
- Reward seeking: Wanting immediate satisfaction instead of waiting for long-term benefits
- Self-medication: Using drugs or alcohol to feel calmer or more focused
Why Are People With ADHD More Prone to Addiction?
The ADHD brain works differently from a typical brain, especially in areas that control decision-making and impulse control. The prefrontal cortex, located behind the forehead, manages planning, self-control, and thinking ahead. In ADHD, this brain region is less active, which can make it more difficult to resist immediate urges to use substances.
When someone with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder uses substances, the chemical effects may feel different to them than they may feel to neurotypical people. Drugs like cannabis may feel particularly pleasant if they calm their restlessness. Stimulants may have a dampened effect, and the person may even experience an enhanced ability to concentrate. The person may start using drugs or alcohol to feel “normal,” or to manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness.
Genetic factors increase risk for both ADHD and addiction. Studies show that both conditions run in families, suggesting that inherited brain differences affect how people respond to substances. Environmental factors also matter – early exposure to trauma, stress, or substance use can increase the likelihood of developing both conditions.
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that people with ADHD who receive proper treatment are actually less likely to develop substance use problems. This suggests that managing ADHD symptoms effectively can reduce addiction risk.
Common Signs of Addiction in People With ADHD
Recognizing the warning signs of addiction in someone with ADHD can be challenging because some symptoms overlap. However, certain warning signs indicate when substance use is becoming problematic.
Key signs include using substances specifically to manage ADHD symptoms, such as drinking alcohol to slow down racing thoughts or using stimulants like Adderall to improve focus. Other red flags are increasing the amount or frequency of substance use, continuing to use despite negative consequences at work or school, and becoming secretive about substance use.
Physical signs may include:
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling sick, irritable, or anxious when not using substances
- Tolerance: Needing more of a substance to feel the same effects
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or important appointments due to substance use
- Health problems: Experiencing sleep issues, appetite changes, or physical symptoms
Behavioral changes often appear as well. The person may abandon hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, isolate themselves from family and friends, or lie about their substance use. They might also stop taking prescribed ADHD medications in favor of using other substances.
Addiction can make ADHD symptoms worse or create new problems that look similar to ADHD. This overlap sometimes delays proper diagnosis and treatment, which is why professional evaluation is important when both conditions may be present.
Can ADHD Medications Lead to Substance Misuse?
A common concern is whether ADHD medications, particularly stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, increase the risk of developing addiction. Research shows the opposite is true – people with ADHD who take medication as prescribed are less likely to develop substance use problems.
The key difference lies in how the medication is used. Therapeutic use means taking the exact dose prescribed, at the right times, and only by the person for whom it was prescribed. This approach allows the medication to work properly without creating the “high” associated with misuse.
Studies from the National Institute of Mental Health demonstrate that properly treated ADHD reduces substance use disorder risk by 30-40%. Extended-release medications, which release the drug slowly throughout the day, have an even lower risk of misuse compared to immediate-release versions.
Treatment programs use several safeguards when prescribing stimulants to people with addiction history:
- Regular monitoring: Frequent check-ins with healthcare providers
- Pill counts: Tracking medication to ensure proper use
- Drug screening: Testing to monitor for substance use
- Non-stimulant options: Using medications like atomoxetine when appropriate
For people with both ADHD and addiction history, doctors may choose non-stimulant medications first. These medications work differently from stimulants but can still effectively manage ADHD symptoms without the same addiction concerns.
Stimulant medications can be safely prescribed to people with addiction history through careful monitoring, extended-release formulations, and comprehensive therapy support.
ADHD and Addiction Treatment at Granite Mountain
Untreated ADHD can reduce addiction recovery success rates by 30-40% because persistent impulsivity and self-regulation difficulties increase the need for a relapse prevention plan. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, we treat co-occurring disorders such as ADHD and addiction with the following levels of care:
Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to both ADHD symptoms and addictive behaviors. CBT teaches practical skills for managing impulsivity, handling cravings, and organizing daily life.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation and teaches skills for managing intense feelings without turning to substances. This approach is particularly helpful for people who use drugs or alcohol to cope with overwhelming emotions.
Motivational interviewing helps people find their own reasons for change rather than being told what to do. This technique works well for individuals with ADHD because it respects their autonomy while building motivation for recovery.
Medication Management
Integrated medication management means coordinating ADHD treatment with addiction recovery. Extended-release stimulants are often preferred because they have lower abuse potential and provide steady symptom control throughout the day.
Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine, which increases norepinephrine levels without affecting dopamine directly. Guanfacine and clonidine can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Bupropion, an antidepressant, can address both ADHD symptoms and reduce cravings for certain substances.
Close monitoring ensures medications are used safely and effectively. This includes regular appointments, medication counts, and sometimes urine drug screens to verify compliance and detect any substance use.
Support Groups and Peer Recovery
Support groups provide a connection with others who understand the challenges of having both ADHD and addiction. Some groups focus specifically on dual diagnosis, while others address ADHD or addiction separately.
Peer support specialists are people with lived experience who can offer practical advice and encouragement. They understand firsthand what it’s like to manage both conditions and can provide hope that recovery is possible.
Receive Treatment for Addiction and ADHD at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare
At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, specialists understand that ADHD and addiction require coordinated treatment approaches. The dual diagnosis program addresses both conditions simultaneously through evidence-based therapies, careful medication management, and ongoing support.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with both ADHD and addiction, professional help is available. Contact Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare for immediate assistance or to begin the admissions process.
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