ADHD and Addiction Treatment in California - ARISE Treatment

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions to affect children.[1] ADHD typically lasts into adulthood and is characterized by impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity. When left untreated, ADHD can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.

According to the CDC, the estimated number of children diagnosed with ADHD is 6 million. Even further, 6 in 10 children with this condition suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition.[2]

While most of the statistics on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder focus on children, this condition does not go away once you become an adult. If you allow your ADHD to go untreated, you are at an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder.

Finding treatment for ADHD and addiction in California can be challenging, but ARISE Treatment Center is here to help. Please call today to learn about your treatment options.

 

ADHD

 

How are Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Addiction Linked?

If you have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, your risk of developing an addiction is increased. A study on cannabis use disorders found that 38% of the participants suffered from ADHD. Additionally, 23% of young adults seeking professional addiction treatment had ADHD.[3]

While experts are unsure of the exact reason ADHD and substance use disorders co-occur frequently, there are several theories connecting the conditions. These include:

  • ADHD traits like impulsivity, judgment issues, and challenges in school increase the likelihood of adolescent substance abuse
  • Genetic links between ADHD and substance use disorder
  • Self-medication of untreated ADHD symptoms

Even further, some researchers have found a neurobiological link between ADHD and addiction. Research shows that both ADHD and addiction have “smaller volumes in the frontal cortex, cerebellum, and subcortical structures.”[3]

If you or a loved one has ADHD, it does not necessarily mean you will develop an addiction. Accessing proper treatment from an early age can prevent you from resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

What to Expect During ADHD and Addiction Treatment in California

If you suffer from co-occurring ADHD and substance abuse, attending a reputable treatment program is vital. However, you must choose a rehab center that provides dual diagnosis treatment to ensure that you receive services for your addiction and ADHD.

Treatment for ADHD and addiction in California may involve:

Medical Detox

The first step in treating co-occurring ADHD and addiction is medical detox. Before you can focus on learning to manage your ADHD, you must overcome the withdrawal phase of recovery. Depending on the type of substance you were addicted to, the withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to moderate or even life-threatening.

For severe cases of withdrawal, you will be prescribed symptom-specific medications that prevent you from experiencing symptoms or cravings. Medical staff will monitor your symptoms all day and night to ensure that you are medically and psychologically stable.

Therapy and Counseling

ADHD and addiction treatment program clinical staff will create an individualized treatment plan that includes evidence-based therapies customized to your specific needs. This means the therapy you participate in will be specifically targeted to help you learn to manage your symptoms of ADHD and teach you how to remain sober long-term.

Examples of the types of therapy used to treat ADHD and addiction include:[4]

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Social skills groups
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Family therapy

Medications

While ADHD is often treated with stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin, your rehab program may attempt to stabilize you using non-stimulant drugs because stimulant medications can exacerbate your substance use disorder, as they are habit-forming and addictive.

Examples of non-stimulant ADHD medications include:[4]

  • Strattera (Atomoxetine)
  • Viloxazine (Qelbree)
  • Clonidine (Kapvay)
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv)

The purpose of ADHD medications is to limit your symptoms of impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity while improving focus and emotional regulation. By taking these medications, some of the symptoms of your substance use disorder may improve, especially if your addiction stemmed from self-medication.

Aftercare Planning

Lastly, you will work with your therapist to create an aftercare plan. Aftercare plans provide you with all of the tools and services you need to successfully remain sober outside of a treatment facility. When you leave drug rehab, you will face new triggers that could cause you to relapse if you are not equipped with the proper tools and resources.

Examples of the tools and services included in an aftercare plan include:

  • Individual and group therapy sessions
  • Continued medication management
  • Access to alumni support groups
  • A list of personal triggers and healthy coping mechanisms to use
  • A list of sober support friends to call in times of need
  • Referrals to sober living programs in California that can make your transition to independent living easier
  • Recommendations on sober support groups to attend like 12-step meetings or SMART Recovery

Get Treatment for ADHD and Addiction in California Today

If you or a loved one suffer from co-occurring ADHD and addiction, a dual-diagnosis treatment program can help you recover. Dealing with comorbid mental health conditions can be extremely difficult, especially without proper treatment. At a dual diagnosis facility like Arise Treatment Center, you will have access to evidence-based treatments and an individualized treatment plan that specifically targets the symptoms you suffer from.

To learn more about our treatment program for ADHD and addiction in Southern California, contact Arise Treatment Center today.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414493/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676785/

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