Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health disorders in the country and affects millions of children, teens, and adults each year. It is a chronic condition that is characterized by a lack of concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The impulsiveness of this disorder is one of the main reasons why ADHD and addiction are so common. Fortunately, several proven addiction therapy programs can treat the addiction while treating ADHD symptoms.
At Swift River, our team is ready to support you throughout your addiction recovery through our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. We teach patients and their families about the relationship between ADHD and alcohol abuse and focus on teaching healthy ways to cope with their thoughts and behaviors and manage their triggers and cravings. To discover all of the benefits of our addiction therapy program, call 413.570.9698 or send us a message online, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Understanding ADHD and Addiction
Men and women who have ADHD say that using drugs or alcohol helps slow down their racing thoughts so they can focus better and feel more in control. ADHD medication can cause the same effect without the risk of drug or alcohol abuse, but it is rare for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. The average age that ADHD is diagnosed is between 6 and 17 years of age.
The impulsiveness of ADHD can lead to an addiction to more than just drugs and alcohol. Men and women with ADHD can become addicted to:
- Sex
- Social media
- Food
- Shopping
- Gambling
- Work
- School
Treating ADHD and addiction requires corresponding treatment where all aspects of each mental health disorder are equally addressed. At Swift River, we provide comprehensive treatment for men and women struggling with ADHD and alcohol abuse. Our co-occurring disorder treatment program is perfect for treating multiple disorders in a safe and supportive environment.
The Dangers of Untreated ADHD and Drug Abuse
For men and women struggling with ADHD and drug abuse, there are several treatment options that can help curb their cravings and teach them healthy coping skills. They learn how to use mindfulness techniques to focus on the present and feel more in control of their behaviors. Without ADHD medication, their symptoms can cause significant problems and increase the likelihood they will turn to drugs and alcohol.
If left untreated, ADHD and addiction can cause serious physical and mental health issues, such as:
- Long-term drug abuse can cause behavioral changes as they become consumed with finding more drugs to feed their addiction. Lying about their drug abuse, stealing money from friends and family, and threatening violence is common with drug addiction.
- Drug addiction can cause physical changes like rapid weight loss, gum disease, rotting teeth, a lack of personal hygiene, and needle marks on arms, legs, and in between toes and fingers. With long-term abuse, patients can become malnourished as drugs and alcohol impact the absorption of vital nutrients and minerals.
- Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to kidney/liver failure, heart disease, HIV, and other serious illnesses.
- Addiction will worsen and/or cause other types of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions.
- Addiction is one of the leading causes of divorce and broken families. Addiction therapy includes patients’ families to help everyone through the recovery process.
For men and women struggling with addiction due to their ADHD symptoms, there are effective treatment programs that can address all aspects of their ADHD and alcohol abuse. Patients find new ways to cope with their ADHD and go on to lead healthy and sober lives.
Discover Addiction Therapy in the New England Area with Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we help men and women from all backgrounds who are struggling with addiction caused by their ADHD or other mental health disorder. A behavioral therapist will work one-on-one with you to uncover the root cause of the addiction and develop a plan to address your individual symptoms.
Today is the perfect time to stop letting addiction rule your life or that of a friend or loved one. Call 413.570.9698 today to speak with our compassionate team about enrolling at our addiction treatment center. Or, fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
