ADD / ADHD Programs
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ADD / ADHD Programs

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, up to half of those with a mental illness, such as ADD or ADHD, have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that substance abuse may exacerbate the symptoms of a mental health disorder. Since many of the reasons for substance abuse follow a path of irrational thought processes and impulsive behaviors, those with ADD or ADHD may be more susceptible to developing a substance abuse disorder. However, you must understand some basic information about these two mental health disorders before you can make the connection between them and substance abuse.

Background About ADD and ADHD

The hallmark of ADD and ADHD has grown into a stereotype of screaming child. However, ADD and ADHD represent strenuous mental disorders that usually develop in childhood and persist into adulthood.

Prevalence of ADD and ADHD

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) groups Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, into one collective diagnosis: ADHD. The Mayo Clinic utilizes the term ADHD as it describes both ends of the spectrum of the disorder.

According to the CDC, ADHD is among the most common mental health disorders in children, and it usually lasts into adulthood. 11% of children between ages four and seven have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011, and studies reveal that the number of diagnoses appear to be growing at a rate of 3% per year. The prevalence of ADHD diagnoses varies depending upon region. For example, the rate is the highest in Kentucky at 18.7% while Nevada boasts the nation’s lowest rate of 5.6%.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common signs and symptoms of ADHD include difficulty focusing on a given task, excessive daydreaming, difficulty following instructions, problems with organizational tasks, chronic loss of memory or forgetfulness, difficulty finishing schoolwork or other activities, easily distracted, constant movements, excessive talking, frequent to interrupt others, and difficulty waiting for his or her turn. As a result of the combination of these symptoms, the ability to maintain impulse control is affected.

ADD Treatment Programs

The treatment programs for ADHD, including the formerly defined ADD, vary depending upon the needs of the person with the disorder and co-occurring substance abuse disorder. Since ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, most of the symptoms appear to reference the activities of children, such as school or chores. However, the continuation of these symptoms translates into problems in college, work, or other social situations as an adult. ADD treatment programs utilize a combination of medications and psychotherapy to help someone overcome the difficulties presented in the disorder, especially if there is a co-occurring substance abuse disorder.

Medication

During the presence of a substance abuse disorder when dealing with any of the subtypes of ADHD, both conditions must be treated in order for the course of treatment to be successful. However, the treatment for ADHD usually involves stimulant medications, which boost attention span and bring equilibrium to the neurotransmitters within the brain according to the Mayo Clinic. Since these medications are all stimulants, someone with ADHD may be inclined to abuse stimulant substances, such as amphetamines or prescription medications, to achieve the same effect as the prescribed medication for his or her disorder.

In addition, ADHD may be treated with antidepressants. However, the FDA identifies key risks for antidepressant use in children under the age of 17. Some antidepressants may result in an increased risk of suicide when taken prior to the age of 18, which worsens with substance abuse.

Suicidal thoughts or actions require immediate medical intervention. Contact Emergency Medical Services, or go to the nearest Emergency Center.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are multiple treatment approaches for getting help with addiction. These treatment approaches come in two primary forms, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. During inpatient hospitalization, the person suffering from the disorders will have medical supervision throughout the detoxification process and continue treatment throughout the stay.

Therapy

Therapy is often used in conjunction with medication treatment for overcoming addiction, and it is a useful tool when someone is suffering from an additional mental health disorder as well as the substance abuse disorder.

ADD Treatment Centers

ADD treatment centers focus on the predominantly inattentive type ADHD according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to identify a person with this subtype of ADHD, he or she must exhibit at least six symptoms defined on the listing of inattention criteria. The listing of inattention symptoms includes the following:

  • Failure to pay attention to details.
  • Difficulty sustaining attention in activities.
  • Does not listen when spoken to.
  • Does not follow through on directions.
  • Avoids engaging in critical thinking, such as mentally challenging school work.
  • Loses materials repeatedly.
  • Is easily distracted from tasks.
  • Is forgetful in daily activities.

ADD treatment centers work with individuals to focus the mind on overcoming substance abuse issues as well as the symptoms of ADD. For example, someone with a substance abuse disorder benefits from the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which allows a person to see how irrational thought processes affect his or her behavior. Therefore, CBT could be used in an ADD treatment center to help those with an addiction identify how ADD affects their impulse control, which in turn, worsens the symptoms of the mental health disorder.

ADHD Treatment Centers

On the opposite end of the spectrum of ADHD, those with a predominantly hyperactive-impulse type may exhibit at least six symptoms from the listing of hyperactivity according to the Mayo Clinic. The hyperactivity list of symptoms includes the following:

  • Squirming or fidgeting of hands or feet.
  • Fails to stay seated when expected.
  • Runs or climbs obstacles during inappropriate times.
  • Inability to maintain silence or stay quiet during appropriate times.
  • Acts on impulse, such as blurting out answers to incomplete questions.
  • Difficulty awaiting turns.

It’s easy to make the connection between how the impulse control aspect of ADHD affects the decision to engage in substance abuse. ADHD treatment centers focus on curbing these impulsive behaviors through the use of medication and psychotherapy, such as CBT.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a substance abuse disorder and ADHD, finding treatment does not have to be a stressful, never-ending event. Visit one of our comprehensive directories to find a center near you, and use our online tools to see what your insurance may cover. ADHD and addiction do not have to always go hand-in-hand.

[Source: cdc.gov, cdc.gov, fda.gov, drugabuse.gov]