Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that can lead to problems at school and work and maintaining healthy relationships. When someone also struggles with alcoholism, the person's problems and need for treatment intensify. Unlike depression and anxiety, ADHD can't be caused by alcoholism, but alcoholism can increase the person's ADHD symptoms.
Basics
Some people don't know that their issues at work and home are due to ADHD, haven't received treatment for it or haven't received effective treatment. These people might turn to drinking to escape their problems associated with ADHD, which can turn into alcoholism. When you suffer from a substance abuse problem and a mental health disorder, it's called a dual diagnosis.
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
When someone drinks too much too often, they might struggle with alcoholism. Someone who's an alcoholic either suffers from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse occurs when someone continues to drink alcohol even though they're experiencing negative consequences. Alcohol dependence occurs when your body is physically dependent on it. If you don't drink, you'll experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, nausea, sweating and a fever. If you're going to quit drinking, it's important to know whether or not you're dependent on it, because it can be dangerous to quit drinking without medical attention.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, zoning out during meetings and conversations with friends, poor listening skills, disorganization, hyperfocus and poor self-control, according to the Help Guide website. These symptoms, if left untreated, can also cause other problems such as depression or anxiety, and according to Attention Deficit Disorder Resources, some people use alcohol as a way to cope with these symptoms.
Treatment
The biggest factor in treatment is getting help for both problems at the same time. You need to find a program or facility that is capable of treating alcoholism and ADHD, because you can't treat one without treating the other and expect positive, long-term results. Treatment for ADHD includes medication such as Ritalin or Straterra and psychotherapy. Treatment for alcoholism includes detoxification, short-term and long-term rehabilitation, individual and family therapy, support groups and 12-step programs. Each person needs an individualized treatment plan that takes into account the person's level of use, other mental health issues such as depression and severity of ADHD symptoms.
Warning
By nature, teens are impulsive. When a teen struggles with ADHD, he's at a higher risk than others his age for developing a drinking problem. He might start drinking without thinking and continue to use it to calm his hyperactive brain and body. Teens who suffer from ADHD need to learn the risks of using alcohol and other drugs and receive effective treatment for their symptoms so they don't self-medicate.
