The Connection Between ADHD and Substance Abuse: Strategies for Dual Diagnosis

For those experiencing ADHD, daily life is an adventure. The inability to focus and intense hyperactivity associated with this condition creates significant anxiety. To cope with their feelings, those with ADHD turn to drugs. While substances help in the short term, their condition will grow worse over time. Worse yet, they may develop a debilitating addiction problem in addition to ADHD. This creates a condition commonly known as dual diagnosis, which is extremely difficult to treat.

This article will explore the connection between ADHD and substance abuse. You will also learn about effective treatment methods that help those with dual diagnosis better manage their condition and help them lead a healthier life. Is dual diagnosis ruining your life? Contact the dedicated professionals at Find Luxury Rehabs today. We work with a wide network of top-tier rehabs that provide the programs and services you need to find long-term recovery. Call Find Luxury Rehabs toll-free today and start on the path to wellness.

Understanding ADHD

For many people, ADHD is some form of mental illness that makes people scatterbrained, spazzy, and unfocused messes.

This is only half-right.

In reality, ADHD creates a disconnection in how people organize and focus their daily lives. When people experience ADHD, the metaphor that best describes the condition is having a computer that constantly goes offline and then rebooting. ADHD makes people act impulsively, are unable to follow through with tasks and experience non-stop hyperactivity. Ultimately, people with ADHD just feel disconnected from their environment.

The Connection Between ADHD and Substance Abuse

Given the nature of the condition, it is easy to see the strong connection between ADHD and substance abuse. Since people act impulsively and make snap decisions, they are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol. The chances of people with ADHD abusing substances increase substantially if family members have a history of addiction. Additionally, those who are being treated for ADHD through drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall may develop a substance abuse disorder because of the highly addictive nature of those medications.

Effective Treatment Options For ADHD and Substance Abuse

For those dealing with ADHD and a substance abuse problem, they must seek the specialized help found at a dual diagnosis treatment center. Simply undergoing treatment at a drug rehab or mental health facility will fail to address the totality of their condition. Without specialized help, those with both conditions will most likely relapse—and their ADHD symptoms will grow worse over time.

Dual diagnosis treatment centers feature experienced addiction and mental health professionals under one roof. When someone is admitted into this type of treatment facility, staff will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of a client’s ADHD issues as well as their substance use. From the results of this evaluation, treatment staff will create a customized treatment plan that will address both issues at their roots. What types of programs and services can clients expect in a dual diagnosis program? The following are the essential components of an effective and comprehensive dual diagnosis rehab program:

• Medical detoxification—the best dual diagnosis rehabs feature detox programs that help clients safely wean off of substances in a safe, clean, and secure environment.
• Therapy–many premier facilities feature one-on-one, group, and family therapy programs including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) among other therapies.
• Life and Coping Skills Training—to manage both conditions, dual diagnosis programs help clients develop healthy coping skills. These often include journaling, exercise programs, and nutritional counseling among others.
• Medication Management—if it is deemed necessary, treatment staff will prescribe the appropriate medications, regulate their dosages, and closely monitor clients to ensure medications are effective and not causing harmful side effects.
• Aftercare Programs—for clients to stay on the path of recovery, dual diagnosis programs feature continued counseling and other programs to give clients additional tools and support.

Don’t Let ADHD and Substance Abuse Ruin Your Life

Co-occurring disorders can severely impact your life. When you are seeking treatment for this difficult condition, you can trust the compassionate professionals at Find Luxury Rehabs to find the perfect treatment program for you. Our vast network of top-tier rehabs over evidence-based treatment, world-class amenities, and support will transform your life. Don’t wait another day; call Find Luxury Rehabs right now.