ADHD is a mental condition that affects both kids and adults, with 4.4% of adults being affected and about 10% of kids struggling with it. What’s more, adults diagnosed with ADHD as kids are likely to struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder in adulthood.
But what is the connection between ADHD and alcoholism, and can it be fixed? To get relief from such conditions, it is necessary to liaise with a professional facility that cares for struggling alcoholics, such as Skyward Treatment.
Defining ADHD
This Refers to a neurological condition that affects the part of your brain responsible for executing functions. Some functions include memory, decision-making, concentration, focus and regulation of emotions.
Children with ADHD exhibit behavioral traits that interfere with their learning process. For adults, the consequences can be more severe, especially when they interfere with careers, family and relationships in every area of life.
Generally, ADHD has three subtypes that affect people at specific stages. The hyperactive subtype primarily affects children, while the inattentive subtype tends to affect adults more. The third subtype is a combination of both hyperactive and inattentive types.
Risk Factors
While the causes of ADHD remain primarily unknown, certain risk factors have been known to make those affected more susceptible. These include:
- Genetics: People with ADHD in their families are likely to carry these genes and, as such, could suffer from it. Other mental disorders in the family, such as depression and anxiety, could also lead to ADHD.
- Premature birth: Some kids develop ADHD because they were born prematurely. It has also been linked to children whose mothers had complicated pregnancies
- Impaired or Faulty Neural Pathways: Sometimes, problematic or impaired central nervous system could trigger ADHD
- Exposure to toxins: This happens especially if the kids are exposed to lead and PCB pesticides. This is attributed to the fact that these components could lead to negative brain development.
- Substance exposure in utero: Pregnant mothers should be careful about substance abuse as this increases the risk of ADHD to the kids.
Patterns of Alcohol Use Disorder
You can tell when one is affected by AUD by their traits. These include:
- Blackouts and binge drinking. You can always trace the patterns.
- Inability to stop drinking no matter how much you desire it
- Increased tolerance of the alcohol effects
- Prioritizing alcohol in life above everything else
- Hiding alcohol from your circles
- Neglecting responsibilities and family in general
- Ignoring the consequences that come with constant drinking
- Alcohol cravings
- Impulsive and high-risk behaviours
- Withdrawal symptoms
Co-occurring AUD and ADHD
Both kids above 14 years and adults with ADHD are more likely to struggle with AUD compared to those who don’t have ADHD. The presence of these two conditions leads to dual diagnosis. Usually, ADHD comes first before alcohol abuse since many turn to alcohol as a suppressant due to its relaxing properties. However, most patients with ADHD get into alcohol abuse as a mental challenge and risky behavior hence binge drinking.
Unfortunately, this only leads to increased suffering. Continued use of alcohol in adults with ADHD only leads to increased suffering, as most people suffer from depression and anxiety.
What are the Risks Involved?
The combination of these two conditions only worsens issues. For example, it may trigger impulsive and inattentive behaviors. Some teens may also engage in early sexual behaviors due to it. Relationship issues and DUI arrests are also prevalent with these. On the other hand, it could also lead to high blood pressure, insomnia and increased heart rates.
Treatment Options and Solutions
Anyone with a dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive rehab program. This means that the help of exceptional facilities, like Skyward Treatment in Houston, TX, is advised. Usually, the options for treatment include but may not be limited to the following:
- Medical detox.Close monitoring is needed when getting rid of the alcholol in the body
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.CBT helps to modify maladaptive behaviors, which are prevalent in ADHD. This helps reduce negative behaviors and improves response to triggers, thus avoiding misuse of substances which aids in recovery.
- Group therapy.This is a therapy-led group session where addicts with similar issues share stories and help each other heal.
- Medics with trained skills may use specific drugs to help with both conditions in a safe environment.
- This is the learning phase which is aimed at helping recovering addicts overcome relapse and cope better because they are equipped
- Holistic methods. It involves techniques that help to support de-stressing and overcoming situations through alternative channels such as yoga and meditation.
Feel free to reach out for assistance at Skyward Treatment centre. We are a call away and ready to help you or your loved one get back to an alcohol-free zone and manage their ADHD better.
