ADHD and Addiction

Introduction

ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control behavior. It affects over 20 percent of school-aged children and adults in the U.S., according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many people with ADHD struggle with other issues as well—such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders or substance abuse—addiction is one of those conditions that seems to be closely linked with ADHD. In fact, studies have shown that more than half of people diagnosed with ADHD also struggle with addiction. But what does this mean for those who live with both conditions? And can treatment options help them overcome their addictions?

ADHD and addiction share many of the same symptoms.

ADHD and addiction both involve a number of symptoms. Research has shown that people with ADHD are at higher risk for:

  • Substance use disorders (SUDs)

  • Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders

  • Sleep problems

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children. It's also common in adults and can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

ADHD is a mental health condition that presents as attention issues, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD can be mild or severe, depending on how severe they are for each person affected by it. People with ADHD may have trouble concentrating for long periods of time or maintaining focus during conversations; they may also experience difficulty organizing their workday and completing tasks efficiently because they're easily distracted by things around them (such as sounds).

ADHD is often co-occurring with other mental health disorders

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children. It's also one of the most common psychiatric conditions in adults, affecting 5% to 10% of adults at some point in their lives.

People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior, which can lead to a host of other problems including:

  • Increased risk of substance abuse (including alcohol)

  • Increased risk for depression or anxiety disorders

  • Higher rates of suicide attempts and completed suicides

Rates of addiction are higher among people who are diagnosed with ADHD

ADHD is a mental health disorder characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention, which can cause difficulty paying attention to tasks. It's estimated that up to 6 percent of children have ADHD and that it affects about 8 percent of adults.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), addiction is a "chronic brain disease" caused by repeated uses of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences for the body or mind. Addiction often co-occurs with other mental health disorders like depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia; however, some people with these disorders may also develop addictions if they're not properly treated by their doctors or psychiatrists.

Research finds that there is a correlation between ADHD, addiction, and mental illness.

Research finds that there is a correlation between ADHD, addiction, and mental illness. A study published in the journal of Clinical Child Psychology found that children with ADHD were more likely to develop substance use disorders than those without the disorder.

If you’re wondering if your child has ADHD and alcohol or other drug problems are related to their condition, consider talking to their pediatrician about it. If they do have an addiction problem but don't know about it yet—they may not even realize how serious it is until someone finds out what's going on!

Conclusion

The next time you hear someone say that people with ADHD are always "addicted to something," remember this: a person diagnosed with ADHD is likely to be diagnosed with at least one other mental health disorder as well. So if you have an addiction problem, it's important to get help for your mental illness first. But don't think of it as a choice between getting help for your addiction or getting help for your mental illness — both can come from the same place!