ADHD and Drug Addiction Treatment

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.

The Link Between ADHD and Substance Abuse

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]

• Impulsive decision-making influences risky behaviors and makes it harder to resist using substances.
• Self-medication attempts lead some people to use alcohol or drugs to feel calmer or more focused.
• Genetic and neurological overlap suggests both conditions may share some common biological roots.
• Untreated ADHD symptoms create stress and emotional pain that increase addiction risk.

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring ADHD and Addiction

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]

• Substance use patterns: Increasing substance use despite attempts to cut back or maintain ADHD medication schedules as prescribed.
• Relationship challenges: Difficulty maintaining relationships due to both impulsive behaviors and substance use affecting social connections and trust.
• Performance decline: Poor performance at work or school that becomes worse over time as both conditions impact focus, reliability, and decision-making.
• Money management issues: Financial problems stemming from impulsive spending combined with resources going toward obtaining substances.
• Risk behaviors: Heightened risk-taking behaviors that exceed typical ADHD impulsivity, often fueled by substance use.
• Sleep disruption: Sleep disturbances that go beyond usual ADHD sleep issues, affected by both conditions and substance use patterns.
• Emotional instability: Mood swings and irritability that become more severe when dealing with both ADHD symptoms and addiction.
• Cognitive decline: Memory problems and confusion that are more pronounced than typical ADHD-related forgetfulness.

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.[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

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.[8]

How long someone is in behavioral therapy depends on their needs and overall goals.[9]

Medication-Assisted Treatment

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:

• 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.[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.

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

Additional Treatment Modalities For ADHD and Addiction

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:

• Holistic healing methods: Services that treat the whole person help manage ADHD symptoms while supporting recovery through stress reduction and improved overall wellness.
• Relapse prevention strategies: Structured planning and coping skill development specifically designed for people with ADHD helps prevent substance use relapse by accounting for impulsivity and attention challenges.
• Family therapy for ADHD: Family members learn effective communication strategies and develop support systems that address both conditions, improving household dynamics and recovery outcomes.
• EMDR therapy for ADHD: This trauma-focused approach helps process past experiences that may fuel addictive behaviors while addressing ADHD-related emotional regulation challenges.
• Group therapy for ADHD: Peer support combines with skill-building exercises, allowing people to learn from others with similar experiences while developing healthier coping mechanisms.
• 12-step program participation: Modified approaches accommodate ADHD symptoms while providing structured recovery support and community connections.
• Motivational interviewing techniques: This collaborative approach helps strengthen commitment to treatment while accounting for ADHD-related challenges in maintaining long-term goals.

Discover Engage Wellness’s 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD and Addiction Treatment