Welcome to the Engage Wellness Acton page for dual diagnosis ADHD and addiction.

Dual diagnosis is the combination of two or more conditions, in this case, addiction and ADHD. Individuals diagnosed with both conditions require treatment to heal and get better. Treatment in the form of detox and therapy offers the best chance at lasting recovery, though there are additional ADHD disorder and addiction treatment options that can support healing.

On this page, you’ll discover how dual diagnosis occurs, how ADHD plays a role, and what treatment options are available for both.

Does One Disorder Cause Another?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a psychological condition that causes a person to experience hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, and persistent impulses. The symptoms of ADHD cause individuals to have problems in their relationships, at school, and at work.

Due to the disruptive nature of this condition, most people with ADHD require treatment to feel better. Left untreated, they may seek out unhealthy alternatives to treatment, such as binge drinking or using drugs to feel relaxed. Unfortunately, self-medicating, impulse issues, and the obsessive nature of ADHD place them at a higher risk of developing an addiction.

According to Mayo Clinic, studies examining the link between addiction and ADHD found that:

• ADHD is up to ten times more common in alcoholics than non-alcoholics.
• 25% of people who abuse alcohol and other substances were found to have ADHD.
• 40% of children with ADHD began using alcohol by the mean age of 14.9 years old.

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Due to the various symptom categories underscoring ADHD, the signs and symptoms of a dual diagnosis will differ from one individual to another. Additionally, the overlapping signs and symptoms of ADHD and addiction can mimic other health conditions. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that individuals with coexisting ADHD and addiction commonly display.

They include:

• Poor personal hygiene habits.
• Needing more money than usual.
• Having unexplained mood swings.
• Neglecting personal appearance.
• Declining performance at school or work.
• Feeling depressed and unmotivated.
• Having angry outbursts.
• Appearing sleepy or tired during the day.
• Drinking more than usual.
• Hiding alcohol or pill bottles.
• Cravings for drugs or alcohol.
• Wanting to quit drugs or drinking but can’t.
• Continuing to use drugs and alcohol despite the complications.
• Risk-taking includes driving under the influence.

There are also physical signs of substance abuse and addiction that a person with a dual diagnosis of ADHD may display. Depending on the substance, these signs can include:

• Red eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Impaired motor skills
• Unusual body odor
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained anxiety or paranoia

How are Addiction and ADHD Diagnosed?

If someone you know is displaying the above-listed signs and symptoms, they may have a dual diagnosis of ADHD and substance use disorder. However, because the symptoms often overlap, a dual diagnosis can be challenging to self-assess. Therefore, one must see a licensed physician or mental health professional for these diagnoses.

A licensed professional can assess using various screening tools, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), to help determine if a dual diagnosis is likely.

During this assessment, they’ll ask several questions about mental health and their history of drug or alcohol use. Depending on the answers to these questions, they can identify which disorders are present and pinpoint appropriate treatments.

Note: Although it may be referred to as a single condition, dual diagnosis is a combination of diagnoses.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

A dual diagnosis of ADHD and addiction will not go away on its own. Both conditions require treatment to get better. ADHD disorder and addiction treatment often include a combination of approaches, starting with detox and followed by medication and therapy.

Detoxification:

The first step in treating dual diagnosis is to abstain from the addictive substance. This process is called detoxification.

People with substance use disorders have a difficult time quitting on their own due to their body’s dependence on the substance. This results in painful and, at times, dangerous withdrawal symptoms. To reduce these symptoms, they may relapse or use another substance. This significantly raises the risk of overdosing.

To address these risks and minimize discomfort caused by withdrawal syndrome, it is recommended for these individuals to detox under medical supervision.

A medically supervised detox – also called inpatient detox – can last anywhere from one day to several weeks. During this time, a medical provider will administer medications to lessen withdrawal effects and monitor the patient’s vitals to keep them stable and comfortable.

Inpatient Treatment:

Inpatient treatment is provided at a dual diagnosis or rehabilitation facility. Individuals with a dual diagnosis can benefit from attending an inpatient facility for care. Here, they’ll receive detox, counseling, and several supportive therapies to help them recover and heal.

These therapies can include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Group therapy sessions
• Yoga
• Mindfulness meditation
• Spiritual programs
• Medication support

An inpatient program may last anywhere from 30 days to six months, depending on the treatment plan. After leaving, most patients go into an outpatient program to continue their recovery goals and prevent relapse.

Behavioral Therapy:

People with addiction and co-occurring ADHD exhibit several maladaptive behaviors, problems with impulse control, and negative thought patterns. Behavioral therapy is a mental health treatment that helps them identify thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors and how to challenge and replace them.

There are currently two behavioral therapies aimed at treating a dual diagnosis:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy(DBT)

People in behavioral therapy learn to challenge their thoughts, face their fears, and use positive coping strategies to overcome difficult situations. Some CBT therapists use role-play to help their clients practice these coping skills or meditate to address problematic symptoms.

How long someone is in behavioral therapy depends on their needs and overall goals.

Medication-Assisted Treatment:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a holistic program that combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders. People with SUDs or an addiction – the most severe form of an SUD – need medication to help them normalize brain activity and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

MAT also provides the following benefits:

• Lower transmission of blood diseases like hepatitis and HIV
• Reduced risk of criminal activity
• Reduction in overdose-related deaths
• Reduction in illegal drug use
• Lower risk of relapse
• Improved birth outcomes in pregnant women with the SUD

There are several prescription medications used to provide these benefits.

They include:

• Buprenorphine – A synthetic opioid used to eliminate withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder.
• Methadone – A synthetic opioid used to reduce opioid cravings in individuals with OUD.
• Naltrexone – A synthetic opioid used to treat the withdrawal effects of alcohol and opioid dependency.
• Disulfiram – An antagonist drug used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders may receive medications to treat them alongside the above prescriptions.

Peer Support Groups:

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), peer support groups encompass a range of activities and interactions between people who are diagnosed with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both.

Peer support leaders provide attendees with coping skills and strategies to help them stick to their recovery goals after rehab. Meanwhile, attendees share their recovery stories and support their peers by keeping them accountable and offering them support along their journey.

Benefits of Treatment

There are several benefits that medication and mental health treatment provide to individuals with ADHD and addiction.

They include:

• Safer withdrawal
• Improved mental health
• Improved quality of life
• Improved self-esteem
• Increased self-awareness
• Renewed sense of hope
• Reduced hospital admissions
• Improved engagement in self-care
• Reduced overdose risk

Discover Engage Wellness Acton’ Dual Diagnosis Program

Although it may seem overwhelming and hopeless at times, overcoming addiction is possible. The Engage Wellness Acton dual diagnosis program provides a safe and comfortable environment where healing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – is a priority.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Are you ready to take the first brave step to recovery? Contact us to learn more.