When we think of addiction, the first thing that comes to mind is often someone abusing drugs and alcohol. We tend to think of substance abuse as the primary factor related to addiction, but what if that isn’t the case? There are certain times when substance abuse is the result of other issues. Certain health problems and disorders can actually lead to addiction. While this doesn’t mean that the addiction does not exist, it means that there is more than one component to the addiction, making the addiction that much more challenging to treat and for the person to finally get sober.
ADHD is a common disorder that many people have. It causes a range of symptoms and can make work, school, and most day-to-day activities difficult. Those with ADHD and addiction may struggle to get the help they need because of a link between them. After all, when a person has co-occurring issues, it is impossible to eliminate either problem without treating both.
At Multi Concept Recovery, we know that addiction is never simple and that sometimes problems come together to cause addiction. We believe everyone deserves treatment, though, and the knowledge that they may have a problem and need help. In this post, we are going to look at substance abuse and ADHD, including what ADHD is, the signs someone has ADHD, the link between ADHD and addiction, and how Multi Concept Recovery can help with dual diagnosis treatment near you.
MCR provides mental health and addiction treatment programs in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that is thought to primarily be caused by genetics. This disorder causes people to have an inability to focus, brain fog, hyperactive behavior, and other symptoms.
ADHD often goes undiagnosed and, without treatment, can wreak havoc in a person’s life. Because it is a brain disorder, medications are necessary to correct the problem in the brain that causes the person to be unable to focus and to be hyperactive. Though management of symptoms is possible, without the right treatment and support, it can be more and more problematic, especially in high-stress environments, and this can lead to finding ways to cope with the condition.
What Are the Signs of ADHD?
There are quite a few noticeable signs of ADHD if you know what to look for.
People with ADHD will exhibit signs of brain fog or lack of mental clarity, especially immediately after waking from sleep. They are often unable to focus properly and will be unable to pay attention for any length of time.
This lack of concentration may make them come off as jittery, and they may engage in physical activity as a means to satisfy their inability to focus. Some doctors have labeled this as thrill-seeking due to the nature of the disorder. People with ADHD have an imbalance in the reward center of the brain, leading them to seek gratification, hence the hyperactivity.
Can ADHD Cause Addiction?
Because many do not get properly diagnosed or treated for their ADHD, they often turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their disorder. Over time this coping mechanism becomes a habit, and they become fully addicted.
Once the person is addicted, it is nearly impossible for them to get sober because specific care is needed in dealing with both the addiction and the ADHD. This is known as co-occurring disorders, and they must be treated by a dual diagnosis treatment center.
Are There ADHD Dual Diagnosis Rehab Centers?
The best place to get help if you have an addiction and ADHD is at a dual diagnosis rehab center. Not only can ADHD cause addiction, but if both aren’t treated at the same time, even if someone gets clean of their addiction, they are likely to relapse due to their mental health issues.
Dual diagnosis rehab centers specialize in treating co-occurring disorders like ADHD and addiction so that clients have a chance of getting sober and staying that way for the long term.
Multi Concept Recovery Offers ADHD Dual Diagnosis Treatment Near You
If you are suffering from addiction and feel that you may also have ADHD, then Multi Concept Recovery is here for you. We have a highly trained staff that knows how to deal with these types of co-occurring disorders so that clients can get the treatment they need to get their ADHD under control so they can focus on recovering from their addiction.
As an outpatient treatment center, we have a wide variety of options available, including an entire mental health treatment specialty that includes mental health treatment issues like anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD.
Don’t let ADHD and addiction ruin your life any longer, contact us today and get the help you need to get sober.
