Co-occurring disorders can be especially disruptive and complicated. Co-occurring disorders occur when a person deals with both a mental illness and substance use. These two conditions can feed off each other and make it extremely hard to function. Co-occurring disorders like ADHD and substance abuse can enhance a person’s need to self-medicate.

Suffering from a mental illness like ADHD can push someone toward drug and alcohol abuse as a way of coping. This can evolve into a stressful and complicated situation that requires professional attention. If you or a loved one is dealing with a co-occurring disorder, Northern Illinois Recovery Center is here to help. Individuals who are suffering from ADHD and substance abuse can find the help they need here at our facility.

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a widely diagnosed condition that is typically found during childhood into adulthood. ADHD is defined by several symptoms, like trouble paying attention and maintaining focus (among others). This level of overactivity and impulsive behavior can make it difficult to function on an everyday basis.

Unfortunately, there is a connection between ADHD and addiction. Some people dealing with ADHD may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope or self-medicate. This can end up leading to full-blown addiction. As time goes on, these two conditions can end up feeding off each other, which creates a vicious and dangerous cycle of dependence and drug abuse to cope.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

While having some inattention here and there is completely normal in children and adults at times, ADHD is more intense and frequent. ADHD can end up interfering with a person’s school, work, and overall life. Some of the common symptom categories of ADHD include:

  • Failure to focus or pay attention
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Hyperactive behaviors

Specific signs and symptoms include:

  • Trouble listening to other people
  • Frequently forgetting things
  • Easily distracted
  • Fidgeting
  • Trouble staying organized
  • Losing items
  • Trouble controlling actions or speech habits
  • Trouble finishing tasks

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person and, in some cases, can be more severe than others. ADHD can be hard to deal with on a daily basis; it may interfere with school, work, and home life. This is why a portion of those who deal with ADHD end up relying on drugs and alcohol to cope.

Our approach to client care encompasses mind, body,
and spirit as a unified whole.

Feel free to contact us if you require any further information about our services

Call Us Today

ADHD Programs

What Is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

With the connection between ADHD and addiction comes the need to abuse drugs and/or alcohol to cope. Substance use disorders occur when a person becomes addicted to a drug or alcohol. It is also characterized by a person’s drug or alcohol use beginning to interfere with their everyday life.

Those who struggle with addiction will continue to abuse drugs even if it is causing them harm. At times a person’s addiction can become dangerous and risky (depending on the severity of the addiction and drug). It is important to rely on the help of professionals to truly overcome addiction. At Northern Illinois Recovery, we’re ready to help you get to a better place, free of addiction.

Some of today’s most widely abused substances include:

While these may be some of the most abused substances, there are many others that continue to be abused every single day.

What Are the Symptoms of Drug Addiction/Substance Use Disorders?

Similar to mental disorders like ADHD, dealing with drug or alcohol addiction comes with its own behavioral changes and physical symptoms. These symptoms will range widely depending on the drug being used and the amount, as well. In some cases, a person can end up becoming addicted without even realizing it (this occurs mostly with prescription drugs).

It’s important to look out for the signs and red flags of potential drug addiction — especially in those dealing with both ADHD and drug abuse. At the end of the day, it’s best to turn toward professional help. Common signs of drug addiction/abuse may include the following:

  • Cravings or urges to use drugs frequently (sometimes several times a day)
  • Building a tolerance to drugs or alcohol (i.e., needing more for the desired effect)
  • Worsened performance at school, work, or home
  • Failing to meet responsibilities and daily obligations
  • Engaging in risky behavior while under the influence
  • Attempts to stop using the drug but being unable to
  • Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug or drinking
  • Spending time and money trying to obtain the drug
  • Continuing drug use even if it’s causing problems

Drug use can end up ruining a person’s life if they don’t get help. It is also worth noting that drug addiction looks different from person to person. Since no two cases of addiction are the same, it’s important to turn to a trusted rehab center like Northern Illinois Recovery.

Factors Contributing to ADHD and Addiction

There are a few different factors that can contribute to a person developing ADHD and addiction. However, each person’s case looks different and may include other factors or reasons. The main factors that contribute to these conditions include:

  • Trauma
  • Genetics
  • Exposure to substances

Whether ADHD or addiction runs through a person’s family, several factors may contribute to a person developing these disorders.

adhd and substance abuse

ADHD and Drug Abuse as Co-Occurring Disorders

Due to the negative effects that ADHD can have on a person’s life, many people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the effects. ADHD can develop at an early age and can cause problems into adulthood. Turning to drugs to self-medicate or cope may seem like an easy fix, but it will only make things worse as time goes on. Co-occurring disorders can be complex and stressful if left untreated.

Tackling ADHD and addiction can be especially tricky because the same medications that are used to treat ADHD can end up being addictive themselves. Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) have a high risk of dependency and abuse. This is why it’s extremely important to have a professional team monitoring the administration of these medications.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

ADHD and substance abuse are just one of many dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorder) cases. Co-occurring disorders can be very destructive and tough to tackle. This is because two separate conditions must be treated simultaneously. Typically in these cases, both mental illness and addiction are treated separately but at the same time.

While dual diagnosis cases can be complex, professional treatment can help a person overcome both of their conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment is usually a mix of therapy, self-help, counseling, family therapy, and medication-assisted detox (in some cases). ADHD and substance abuse can be extremely destructive but it is never too late to reach out for help.

Dual diagnosis treatment centers on:

  • Creating a safe and open environment for treatment
  • Educating family members and loved ones about ADHD and addiction
  • Identifying and focusing on triggers for substance use
  • Learning how to manage cravings and impulses
  • Improving personal motivation and building self-esteem
  • Changing behaviors that frequently lead to substance use and drinking

During the process, the symptoms of ADHD will be alleviated while the person focuses on specialized treatment options, like therapy.

What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis provides a multi-layered and specialized process for the person and their co-occurring disorders (like ADHD and substance abuse). Let’s take a look at some of the elements that may be part of a person’s journey toward recovery.

Detoxification

Detoxification is a crucial part of the process and can be seen in nearly every case of drug addiction. Detox is especially important in co-occurring disorder cases because the physical aspects of drug addiction must be treated first. Detox is a process of ridding the body of toxic substances. This should be done under medical supervision and a professional team. Detoxing at home (often called “cold turkey”) is not recommended because detox can be unpredictable and dangerous at times. After detox comes more personalized and specific treatment.

Inpatient/Residential Rehab

In many cases, a person will proceed to inpatient/residential treatment after detox. This program has a person living and sleeping in a rehab center for the remainder of their treatment. Each person has their own structured schedule in a safe environment. The time spent at the rehab center depends on the severity of a person’s addiction. Inpatient offers the best chance for long-term recovery, especially for dual diagnosis.

Therapy (Psychotherapy)

Therapy plays an essential part in the recovery process, as well. When dealing with both ADHD and substance abuse, therapy is extremely important. Psychotherapy (individual or group) helps a person change, cope, and understand their addiction/mental disorder. Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) play huge roles in treating both ADHD and addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment involves alleviating the physical aspects of addiction, as well as setting up a person for the future.

Start the Journey at Northern Illinois Recovery

Dealing with ADHD and drug abuse can be a painful and stressful situation for everyone involved. However, it is not too late to turn things around. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we provide quality dual diagnosis and addiction treatment programs. Don’t wait for things to get worse; contact us to start the journey toward a better life. Let us help you address ADHD and substance abuse in your life today.
Contact Us Today

ADHD Programs

Table of Contents

←Table of Contents
Scroll to Top
Skip to content