Discover The Connection Between ADHD and Alcohol Use Disorder at our Houston Rehab

ADHD and Alcohol Use Disorder

The combination of an alcohol use disorder and ADHD is very harmful and may have devastating consequences. Behaviors like impulsivity, poor decision-making, and a lack of regard for consequences are common among those with either disorder.

ADHD and alcoholism often co-occur, and the two illnesses are strongly linked. Both disorders are characterized by impulsivity, a lack of thought while making decisions, and an inability to see the big picture. Alcohol abuse is common among people with ADHD because of the disorder’s associated problems in social, educational, and work settings. Alcohol abuse among those with ADHD might begin as a coping mechanism or as a harmless experiment that quickly spirals out of control. Combining ADHD with alcohol abuse is risky and may result in a lifelong struggle with alcoholism. Many of ADHD stimulant drugs have a significant potential for addiction, making it challenging to treat co-occurring alcohol use disorder and ADHD.

Do Some People Use Alcohol to Manage ADHD Symptoms?

Many people with ADHD turn to alcohol abuse to de-escalate stressful situations and manage their symptoms. Some people with this problem turn to alcohol to cope with the emotional pain of their condition or to help them function in their social, academic, or professional lives. However, people with ADHD often have a problem with impulsivity and making bad decisions, and alcohol consumption will exacerbate these problems in the long run. 

ADHD and Alcohol Abuse

ADHD symptoms might be different for each person who has it.  Several studies have indicated that people with ADHD are more likely to acquire alcohol use disorders (AUDs), as well as to start drinking younger, drink more often, and engage in binge drinking than the general population. There is a wide variety of factors that may contribute to this co-occurrence, including but not limited to: 

• A desire to self-medicate via alcohol consumption
• A propensity toward distraction 

There is a widespread agreement that drug misuse and adult ADHD are linked; studies have shown that as many as 25% of people who seek treatment for addiction also have ADHD.

ADHD and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Houston

The presence of both a mental health disease and a drug use problem is known as a dual diagnosis describes. Addiction treatment programs for those with a dual diagnosis take a holistic approach by catering to both disorders simultaneously.

Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medication is often used to control symptoms after an initial emphasis on drug abuse. In other words, therapists need to discover the optimal dose of the most efficient prescription medicine to bring a participant’s ADHD symptoms under control so that they can face the remainder of the addiction treatment process with a clear mind before they can effectively cure the alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

After this is resolved, AUD is treated similarly to other drug addictions, starting with a medical detox and progressing through group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, individual therapy, 12-Step programs etc.

Mallard Lake Detox Center Helps Individuals Struggling with Alcohol Addiction and ADHD in Houston, Texas

Both ADHD and alcohol use disorder can be debilitating, isolating conditions for those affected. Please remember that you or your loved one is not alone in dealing with these illnesses. If you or someone you know is struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or alcoholism, Mallard Lake Detox Center is here to assist with compassionate, high-quality treatments. Take pleasure in a tailored care plan designed to help you achieve your sobriety, health, and fulfilment goals. Get in contact with us now to find out more about our dual-diagnosis programs.