Today, ADHD and ADD are becoming prevalent diagnoses for children. Through research, one can find concrete correlations between attention deficit disorders and alcohol/ substance use disorders, especially when it comes to adults and adolescents. Studies have found that there those who are diagnosed with ADHD are at six times greater risk for developing alcohol or drug abuse. It has also been suggested that there is a fifty percent increase in being diagnosed with ADHD if you have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder as an adult or adolescent. Nicotine has one of the highest co-morbidity rates with ADHD. Those abusing methamphetamines are proven to increase their chances of later being diagnosed with the co-morbidity of ADHD and a substance use disorder. This may be due to a decrease in dopamine in the brain for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, as stimulants increase dopamine. Difficulties in the social and mental health realms caused by the two diagnoses combined tend to be more severe than if only one of the conditions were present.

There is a bio-behavioral risk factor that plays into both of these disorders. Empirical data suggests that girls have a higher risk of having both disorders together. Some personality traits are seen in both disorders, including impulsive behaviors, reward seeking, nervousness, and negative affect. A desire for instant gratification is also seen in individuals with substance use disorders and ADHD.

What are Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders?

6.4 million children throughout the nation have been diagnosed with ADHD, with 70% of ADHD cases found to be due to heredity reasons. Most of the time, this disorder is diagnosed during childhood. Often, ADHD does not follow an individual into their adult life. In fact, 75% of the time, the symptoms of this disorder disappear after childhood, at least in regards to the symptom of hyperactivity.

IMPULSIVITY, ADHD, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS

Symptoms of ADHD/ADD include:

  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Blurting out statements and interrupting others
  • Difficulty sitting still or staying in a seat
  • Trouble focusing
  • Restlessness or fidgeting
  • Described as “being driven by a motor”
  • Poor organizational skills
  • Making thoughtless errors or missing specifics
  • Dazing out and appearing to not be listening when spoken to
  • Quickly demonstrating an uninterest in activities
  • Not following through on directives
  • Evading tasks that require mental attention and focus
  • Trouble waiting one’s turn
  • Constantly talking
  • Playing extremely loudly.

It’s important to rule out other diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and learning disabilities, as these disorders can possess similar traits.

Where to Turn for Help with Your Substance Use Disorder

If you or a loved one has been utilizing stimulants, cannabis, opioids, alcohol, or other illicit substances in order to silence ADHD symptoms, contact the Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee today at 1-800-725-0922. We offer an affordable, non-profit treatment alternative that will aid you in achieving freedom from illicit substances and alcohol. Our trained professionals are here to help you twenty-four hours a day. Many individuals have found success at the Discovery Place.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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