ADHD and Alcohol: Increased Symptoms and Risk of Addiction

Identification of individuals at risk for AUD, especially those with ADHD and conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, is a key factor to prevent negative outcomes. AUD and ADHD can cause or intensify mental health challenges, and therapy can be a powerful tool for getting relief. In particular, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can be helpful for treating both conditions simultaneously. A 2018 study found that CBT could significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, improve executive function, and decrease anxiety and depression.

1. Managing ADHD can result in unique conflicts and challenges, and it’s plausible that some people with ADHD may develop alcohol use disorder to cope.
2. In adults, the diagnosis is typically based on an interview with the adult, which can be supplemented with collateral interviews with parents or a romantic partner or roommate.
3. They can help you plot out the next steps on your journey towards recovery.
4. Speak with your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol and ask about the risks and side effects, whether you are on medication for ADHD or not.

The ability of screening tests for ADHD to avoid false negatives is particularly important because adolescents and adults typically underreport symptoms of ADHD (Smith et al. 2000; Barkley et al. 2002). Accordingly, clinicians cannot confidently rule out ADHD until they receive collateral information (e.g., in the form of ratings) from parents; teachers; or other reliable sources, such as roommates or significant others. Later, you may be prescribed medications to help reduce your risk of addiction and manage the symptoms of ADHD. Of course, not everyone with ADHD will have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, but the risk of developing alcohol use disorder is about 2 to 3 times higher in adults with ADHD than those who do not have the condition.

Try behavioral therapies and treatment programs.

For example, one of the most commonly used approaches in the prevention of AODD is cognitive therapy designed to improve self-control and appropriate problem solving. Hence, most programs to prevent AODDs have components that are ineffective with children and of unknown efficacy with adolescents or adults with ADHD. Consequently, in preventive interventions based on cognitive therapy, people with ADHD may require supplemental intervention that is specifically adapted to their unique needs to effectively prevent AODDs. Several promising psychosocial interventions have empirical support in children and adolescents with ADHD (Pelham et al. 1998; Smith et al. 2000). It is noteworthy that the typical length of time between recognition of ADHD and the onset of drinking provides ample opportunity for interventions to prevent alcohol-related problems.

Substance Abuse and ADHD Medication

There are several mechanisms and behaviors that may underlie the connection between ADHD and excessive drinking. For example, people with ADHD may have difficulty regulating their emotions and may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with negative emotions. People with ADHD might also use alcohol as a way to calm their minds and mellow-out racing thoughts.

The link between alcohol use and ADHD

Additionally, treating mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, that often occur alongside ADHD is essential and could lower an individual’s chance of developing this risk. The third condition required for ADHD to be considered a cause of alcohol-related problems is that the presence of ADHD independently (i.e., in the absence of other comorbid disorders) predicts those problems. In clinical what happens if you drink on vivitrol samples of children with ADHD followed into adolescence, elevated rates of AODD were found only among those who had developed CD (e.g., Barkley et al. 1990; Gittleman et al. 1985). This finding among middle- and late-aged adolescents has led to conclusions that CD and not ADHD underlies AOD risk. However, there are other plausible explanations that do not preclude ADHD as a cause of AODD.

However you decide to get support, it’s important to remember that both AUD and ADHD are medical conditions and not personal failings. There are evidence-based treatment options, like alcohol therapy, that can help you reduce symptoms and https://rehabliving.net/ live a life you love. The clinicians on the Monument treatment platform, such as myself, are here to support you at every step. There are also medications to treat AUD that can be helpful to someone navigating co-occurring AUD and ADHD.

But, long term alcohol use may impose more risk factors that may unintentionally worsen ADHD symptoms. Stimulants, including Ritalin and Adderall, are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. People with ADHD have above-typical levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, and may have trouble focusing their attention on a task or sitting still for long periods of time. He’s also a part of the mere 20 percent of adults with ADHD that have been properly diagnosed or treated, since he was diagnosed with ADHD at 26. Therefore, using alcohol while navigating ADHD can lead to worse developmental and cognitive outcomes in these areas. If you or someone you love is navigating AUD and ADHD, you should seek support as early as possible.