Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that millions of Americans suffer from. In addition to the symptoms brought on from the disorder, ADHD has also been linked to a higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse.

According to several studies:

• ADHD is five to ten times more common among adult alcoholics than it is in people without the condition.
• Children who suffer with ADHD are more likely to begin abusing alcohol during their teenage years than those who do not suffer.
• In one study, teens with ADHD were three times more likely to use an illegal drug other than marijuana.

So why does this happen? ADHD can cause low self-esteem and other issues affecting confidence. It’s also characterized by impulsivity. Together, these are a dangerous mix and often lead people down the path to substance abuse and addiction. Additionally, depression can also stem from lack of self-confidence and, as we have discussed in previous posts, drinking and depression often go hand-in-hand.

So what can you do? Proper treatment of your or your child’s ADHD is the key to preventing substance abuse. Also, be aware of these issues in yourself or in your children. Look out for signs of drinking or drug abuse. If you notice a problem, talk to a trained professional. Try to avoid depression; if you start noticing any of the signs, see a counselor or your physician about getting help as soon as possible. While having ADHD in no way means that you are going to abuse drugs and alcohol, or that you will become addicted, certainly it does mean that you are at a higher risk and therefore, that you need to know what to watch for.

For more information about anything discussed in this blog, contact Solace Counseling. We can customize a treatment plan to help keep you on the right track with your ADHD and help get you back on course if things have already begun to fall apart.

ADHD is normally thought of as a childhood disorder, but it can persist into adulthood. As children with the disorder grow up, some studies suggest that they are more likely to develop substance abuse problems. Patients who have ADHD are more likely to use alcohol and marijuana, especially if they have additional disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Children with ADHD usually suffer from addiction at a younger age than their peers.

Part of the reason for this is that people with ADHD tend to be more impulsive. Impulsiveness is a factor, which makes a child more likely to try alcohol or drugs. Genetic research has also shown that some of the genes that contribute to alcoholism also contribute to ADHD.

Because of the fact that people with ADHD are more likely to become addicted to drugs, some people have expressed concerns about whether the medications used to treat it could also be addictive. Ritalin and similar drugs are stimulants. Other notable stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine, so these concerns are not entirely unwarranted.

Ritalin works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which improves focus and attention. Dopamine is also the chemical that causes cravings, however. For this reason, large amounts of Ritalin can in fact cause a high similar to that of cocaine. There is an important difference, however. Cocaine elevates dopamine levels in a matter of seconds, while Ritalin elevates it over an hour or so. This decreases the likelihood of abuse.

In response to parental concerns, numerous studies have been conducted to determine whether there is a link between stimulant medications and substance abuse. No connection has yet been established.

One such study followed 100 boys for ten years. When the boys who took stimulant drugs were compared with those who didn't, there was no evidence to suggest that different levels of substance abuse occurred. In fact, other studies have suggested that the earlier a patient is prescribed medication, the lower their chances of substance abuse.

It is less clear whether patients who already suffer from drug abuse can benefit from Ritalin or similar medications. They are more likely to be helpful if they are given in a long-acting form and their administration is carefully controlled.

To find out more about mental health, get in touch with us at Solace Counseling. You can visit our website, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.