ADHD and Drug Addiction Treatment
Written By
Updated On : August 1, 2024
Welcome to the Engage Wellness Acton page for dual diagnosis attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (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.
People with ADHD experience hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, and persistent impulses.[1] These symptoms create challenges in relationships, academic performance, and work life.
Research shows ADHD and addiction frequently occur together.[2] When ADHD remains untreated, some people turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to manage their symptoms. The core features of ADHD – impulsivity and difficulty regulating behavior – can increase vulnerability to substance use problems.
Several factors can link these conditions:[3]
Providers often recommend professional treatment for both conditions at the same time. Getting proper care for ADHD reduces the chance of developing substance use problems. For those struggling with both conditions, integrated treatment addresses both ADHD and addiction simultaneously.
When ADHD and addiction occur together, the symptoms can overlap and intensify each other. Recognizing these interconnected signs helps in getting appropriate treatment for both conditions.
Common indicators of dual diagnosis issues with ADHD and addiction can include:[4]
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.
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.
The first step in treating dual diagnosis is to abstain from the addictive substance. This process is called detoxification.[5]
People with substance use disorders have a difficult time quitting on their own due to their body’s dependence on the substance.[6] 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.[7]
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 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:
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.
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:
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.[8]
How long someone is in behavioral therapy depends on their needs and overall goals.[9]
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a holistic program that combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders.[10] 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:
There are several prescription medications used to provide these benefits.
They include:
Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders may receive medications to treat them alongside the above prescriptions.
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.[11]
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.
There are several benefits that medication and mental health treatment provide to individuals with ADHD and addiction.
They include:
Treatment approaches that address both ADHD and addiction simultaneously offer the best outcomes for recovery. Beyond DBT and CBT, several specialized treatment modalities provide comprehensive support for untreated ADHD and substance abuse:
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.
While there are concerns about stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall, research shows that proper treatment with ADHD medication actually reduces the risk of substance abuse. Healthcare professionals carefully monitor medication use and can prescribe non-stimulant alternatives when needed. The key is working with psychiatric specialists to find the right treatment plan and dosage.
Untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often leads to self-medication through alcohol and drugs. People may use substances to manage symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and low self-esteem. Getting the proper ADHD treatment early significantly lowers the risk of developing substance use disorders.
Support groups provide essential peer connections and coping strategies for managing the symptoms of ADHD and ongoing addiction recovery. Groups focused on ADHD symptoms help members develop organizational skills and impulse control, while addiction recovery groups address substance use challenges. Many treatment programs combine both types of support with individual therapy and medication management for comprehensive care.
[1] Elmaghraby, R., & Garayalde, S. (2022, June). What is ADHD? American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd on February 14, 2025
[2] Srichawla, B. S., Telles, C. C., Schweitzer, M., & Darwish, B. (2022). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(4). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9097465/ on February 14, 2025
[3] Davis, C., Cohen, A., Davids, M., & Rabindranath, A. (2015). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Relation to Addictive Behaviors: A Moderated-Mediation Analysis of Personality-Risk Factors and Sex. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6(47). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4403287/ on February 14, 2025
[4] ADHD and addiction: Relationship, signs, and treatment. (2022, January 31). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-and-substance-abuse on February 14, 2025
[5] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2016). Overview, Essential Concepts, and Definitions in Detoxification. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/ on February 14, 2025
[6] MedlinePlus. (2013). Substance use disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001522.htm on February 14, 2025
[7] Gupta, M., Gokarakonda, S. B., & Attia, F. N. (2020). Withdrawal Syndromes. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459239/ on February 14, 2025
[8] National Institutes of Health. (2022). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/ on February 14, 2025
[9] Chapman, A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: Current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 3(9), 62–68. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/ on February 14, 2025
[10] Illinois Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQ. Dph.illinois.gov. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/opioids/treatment/mat-faq.html on February 14, 2025
[11] General Peer Support. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/brss_tacs/peer-support-2017.pdf on February 14, 2025