Are you at greater risk for substance abuse if you have ADHD? Yes, say researchers. ADHD and addiction appear to go hand-in-hand.
A long-term Harvard University study found that those diagnosed with ADHD had a one-in-a-half-times greater risk of substance abuse than others did in the study.  

We’ll look primarily at ADHD and addiction within adults. And how these two disorders are so complimentary. 

What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it’s also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD is characterized by three main symptoms: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

ADHD Causes
The exact causes of ADHD are unknown. Experts believe the disorder stems from a variety of factors including genes, the environment (e.g. maternal smoking, lead exposure), improper nutrition, and brain injury/

It is believed that about 8 million adults in U.S. have the disorder. However, very few are diagnosed let along treated for ADHD.

Adult ADHD Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, organizing and completing tasks, following directions and remembering information. Other characteristics of adult ADHD, according to WebMed.com are:
 
  • Anger management problems
  • Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Employment problems; frequently changing jobs
  • Substance abuse or addiction
  • Easily frustrated
  • Chronic boredom
  • Hard to concentrate while reading
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems

The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener is an online survey to help you recognize signs and symptoms of adult ADHD.

The Prevalence of ADHD

·        ADHD is among the most common mental disorders for children
·        The average age of onset is seven years
·        3% to 7% of school-aged kids have ADHD and 60% of these will maintain the disorder into adulthood (1% to 5% of adults)
·        Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased 3% per year between 1997 and 2006
·        Boys (13%) are more likely than girls (5%) to have been diagnosed with ADHD
·        Many adults live with ADHD without knowing it
·        Adults are often wrongly diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder or a learning disability

Addiction Meets ADHD
Drug and alcohol addiction, like ADHD, has no single determining factor. Among the risk factors, according to the Mayo Clinic, are:
 
  • Family history (genetics)
  • Being male
  • Peer pressure
  • Lack of family involvement
  • Taking a highly drug such as heroin

And the last factor is having a psychological problem such as depression or ADHD.

About 70% of young adults use drugs to “improve their moods or other reasons,” says Harvard researcher Timothy Wilens, in Attitudemag.com. It’s a kind of self-medication for those with mostly undiagnosed ADHD.

According to this same article, “From [15-years-old] on, rates of abuse and dependency skyrocket. Half of all adults with untreated ADHD will develop a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.”

A Perfect Storm
So many of the risk factors involved in ADHD are also closely linked to factors for addicts. Primarily, these individuals are simply wired for ADHD and addiction. Someone in their family had an addiction problem, ADHD or both.

Add to this, the person’s impulsive behavior, anxiety, boredom, and any other ADHD issues, and the potential for substance abuse becomes that much easier.

Dual Diagnosis
Having both ADHD and an addiction is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. One disorder affects the other and vice versa.

Treating both of these conditions is crucial for success. But it can be difficult to find the root causes when both disorders are going on.

Usually, treatment is a combination of counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step meetings and other approaches, often found through trial and error.

Addicted to ADHD Medication
This is another problem for this destructive duo. The most common drugs for ADHD—Ritalin, Conceta, Adderall, Focaline and Dexedrin—are also addictive stimulants for some patients.
 
These stimulants increase the dopamine (pleasure brain chemicals) levels in the brain, which helps to improve attention and focus. But if abused, they can also give the user a “high”.
Some studies, however, dispute the ADHD medication leads to addiction meme.
One ADHD drug for adults that is not a stimulant and does not have abuse potential is Stratterra. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Treatment
Treatment approaches for ADHD and addiction often overlap. For example, one method used in both is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This one-on-one counseling that helps you become aware of negative thoughts and how to change these thoughts, particularly as they arise in day-to-day situations.

Summing Up
The odds of a person with ADHD becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol are higher than for someone without ADHD. A person’s genes and environment play great roles for both of these disorders to start and grow.
To learn more about alcohol and drug addiction, see the Recoverycorps.org homepage. There you’ll dozens of informative articles such as “How to Get an Alcoholic into Treatment.” You can also search for a ADHD and addiction treatment center in your area.