ADHD and Addiction

The causes of ADHD are a complex mix, and each person’s story is slightly different. Here are some key factors that can contribute to the development of ADHD:

Genetics

ADHD often runs in families, so if your parents have it, there is a higher chance you might, too.

Brain makeup

Brain scans show that people with ADHD have distinct differences in certain areas of the brain, particularly those that have impulses, planning and attention span. These differences can affect how the brain processes information and responds to various stimuli.

Birth factors

Certain environmental exposures can increase the risk of developing ADHD. For instance, if a mother smokes, drinks alcohol or is exposed to lead during pregnancy, it can raise the chances of her child developing ADHD. Additionally, being born prematurely or having a low birth weight might also play a role.

ADHD symptoms generally fall into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms can make life feel like an uphill battle, whether it’s keeping relationships intact, doing well at work or school, or just getting through everyday life.

Inattention ADHD symptoms

• Struggling to stay focused, especially on tasks that feel boring or repetitive
• Losing track of things like your keys, wallet or important papers
• Forgetting to do everyday tasks like paying bills or returning phone calls
• Getting easily distracted by anything and everything, even your own thoughts

Hyperactivity-impulsivity ADHD symptoms

• Feeling like you always have to be moving, whether it’s tapping your foot or pacing around
• Finding it hard to sit still, even when you know you should
• Acting on impulse, sometimes without thinking, which can lead to accidents or regrets
• Interrupting others or making snap decisions without considering the consequences

A dual diagnosis of ADHD and addiction can be an incredibly tough situation, creating a cycle that can take over your life. The struggle of living every day with ADHD symptoms can make it tempting to turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to cope. However, addiction can make symptoms worse and leave you struggling even more. Some of the reasons why ADHD and addiction so often co-occur include:

People with ADHD are inherently more impulsive than people who don’t have ADHD. These impulsive tendencies can make them more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

ADHD personality traits

ADHD often comes with impulsiveness, which can lead to risky choices, like trying drugs or drinking too much. This can quickly turn into a habit, and before you know it, addiction can take hold.

Self-medicating ADHD symptoms

For some people with ADHD, drinking or taking drugs can become an easily available way to calm the noise of symptoms. You may use alcohol to relax or stimulants to stay focused, but self-medicating like this can backfire and lead to an addiction that amplifies ADHD challenges.

Addictive ADHD medicines

Even the medicines used to treat ADHD can sometimes lead to trouble. If they’re not taken as prescribed or if you already have a history of substance abuse, there is a risk of becoming addicted to the medicines that are meant to help you.

ADHD is not a “curable” condition but when it comes to treating addiction alongside ADHD, it is important to find the right balance and strategies that work for you. Standard addiction treatment often falls short when ADHD is present, too, as the focus and impulsiveness that come with ADHD can make recovery difficult.

At Oasis Runcorn, we offer treatment that tackles addiction head on while also helping you to manage ADHD symptoms. Our sister centre, UKAT London Clinic, provides treatment for both mental health and addiction issues so that both ADHD and substance abuse disorders are fully addressed.

Here are some of our most effective rehab treatment therapies:

Behavioural therapies

Behavioural therapies like CBT and DBT help you fix the things that aren’t working – whether it’s impulsive decisions, overwhelming emotions or the constant tug of addiction. These tools teach you how to rebuild your life with stronger, healthier habits.

Group therapy

Group therapy offers a supportive environment where you can hear from others facing similar hurdles. It’s an opportunity to draw strength from shared experiences and find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one struggling.

Motivational interviewing

Sometimes staying motivated during addiction recovery can feel like a struggle, especially with ADHD. Motivational interviewing is there to help you reconnect with your reasons for wanting a better life, giving you that extra push when you need it most.

Mindfulness and meditation

Taking a moment to just breathe and be in the moment can do wonders. If you have ADHD, these practices help calm your mind and keep you grounded, making it easier to manage your both ADHD symptoms and addiction cravings.

Aftercare and relapse prevention

Once rehab is over, we will stick with you through weekly group therapy for a whole year completely free. We will also invite you to join our Alumni Network where you will be welcomed with open arms and connected with peers on their own recovery journeys.

If ADHD and addiction have you feeling lost, Oasis Runcorn is here to help you find your way. We provide expert-led treatment that will help you overcome addiction and which can have many positive knock-on effects for your ADHD symptoms. Reach out to us today, and let us help you take back control of your life.