Substance abuse problems often occur at higher rates among people with other mental health disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Substance abuse occurs when the person continues using the substances despite the negative consequences they are having on his responsibilities, his relationships and his health. Without intervention, drugs and alcohol will only make the symptoms of ADHD more severe.
Risk
Having ADHD increases a person's risk of developing a substance abuse problem, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Children with hyperactive-impulsive forms of ADHD are generally more likely to be risk takers, making them prime candidates for experimenting with drugs and alcohol and continuing and increasing the use as their tolerance increases.
Also, the symptoms, frustrations and social rejections a person with ADHD experiences may lead him to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope and self-medicate.
Signs
The signs of substance abuse in a person with ADHD are similar to the signs of substance abuse among people without other mental health disorders, except the use of drugs or alcohol may intensify some symptoms of ADHD, such as irritability or impulsiveness. Signs of substance abuse in a person with ADHD include irritability, increased legal trouble as a result of substance use, irrational displays of anger, continued use of the substance despite the risks, failure to follow through with responsibilities and relationship problems due to substance use.
Intervention
When a person with ADHD is abusing a substance, the prognosis for that person can be severe if an intervention is not undertaken and treatment began. Intervention usually begins with the person stopping her use of drugs or alcohol; this may occur through a medical detoxification program. After the substance is discontinued, psychotherapy will begin and will focus on preventing relapse, teaching the person new pro-social behaviors, building skills to interact with others without drugs or alcohol, increasing self-esteem, learning ways to cope with ADHD and reducing the symptoms.
Support
Overcoming ADHD with substance abuse can be overwhelming, support from people who care about the person will be an extremely important factor in her recovery and success. Family and friends close to the person should offer their continued and constant support. The care from others will provide a person with more reasons than her own to maintain sobriety and learn to manage her ADHD symptoms.
Considerations
The risks of suicide are higher among people with ADHD, and when substance abuse is also present, the risk for suicide increases. Pay attention to signs of potential suicide among these individuals, such as using drugs or alcohol in dangerous situations, overdosing, talking about death, giving things away, saying goodbye, saying they would be better off dead or they would not be missed and suicide attempts.
Also, in teens with ADHD, the risk for car accidents increases due to their increased distractibility, notes TeensHealth.org. When a teen abuses drugs or alcohol, he may decide to drive, and the combination of being easily distracted and intoxicated may increase the risk of deadly consequences.
