Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder & Addiction
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. While commonly associated with childhood, ADHD frequently persists into adulthood, where it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The relationship between ADHD and substance use disorders is well-established: individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop addiction than their neurotypical peers, and the condition is frequently identified for the first time when individuals enter treatment for substance use.
The connection between ADHD and addiction involves several converging factors. The dopamine deficiency that characterizes ADHD creates an understimulated reward system, leading individuals to seek out intense, novel experiences -- including substance use -- to achieve the level of stimulation their brain requires. Impulsivity, a core feature of ADHD, reduces the ability to delay gratification and increases risk-taking behavior. Executive function deficits impair planning, decision-making, and the ability to foresee consequences, making it harder to resist the immediate appeal of substances.
Many individuals with undiagnosed ADHD discover that stimulant substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or nicotine temporarily improve their focus and concentration, inadvertently self-medicating their ADHD. Others turn to alcohol or marijuana to quiet the restlessness and racing thoughts that accompany the condition. At Trust SoCal, our dual diagnosis program includes comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment to identify ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions, followed by integrated treatment that addresses both the ADHD and the substance use disorder with appropriate medication management and behavioral interventions.