Substance Abuse and ADHD
People with ADHD are more likely to develop substance abuse problems than those without ADHD. Those with ADHD are at a greater risk for earlier onset of substance abuse and even a family history of ADHD can increase the probability of substance abuse. Untreated (no medication) ADHD individuals are more likely to have substance abuse problems that treated (medication given) ADHD persons.
Treatment of those with ADHD and substance abuse should be multimodal and integrated. It is important to control the core ADHD symptoms while treating the substance abuse problem simultaneously. This requires a treatment team consisting of psychiatrists, counselors and case managers.
Patients need to understand the relationship between their ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and inattentiveness, and substance abuse. Learning how these ADHD symptoms facilitate the use of alcohol and drugs helps the ADHD individual become more aware of the need to control and/or compensate for ADHD symptoms. Long-term sobriety is related to the ADHD person’s ability to monitor their ADHD symptoms and to develop acceptable methods to minimize the all too common adverse effects related to these symptoms. |
