Substance abuse isn’t always the only challenge a person faces. When someone is dealing with both an addiction and ADHD, there can be a complex relationship between them. Both have a significant impact on a person’s life and behaviors, and it’s important to make sure both issues are properly addressed for lasting sobriety.
The addiction specialists at Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills (Los Angeles County) have the qualifications needed to thoroughly evaluate and diagnose clients for co-occurring conditions like ADHD. A professional residential treatment program offers medical safety and effective treatment, plus care for underlying conditions.
ADHD and Addiction
If you’re struggling with addiction and have committed to getting help, you’ve already taken the
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is more than just an inability to pay attention. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes people to struggle with things like focus, motivation, organization, memory, and impulse control. Today, ADHD includes what was previously called ADD (attention deficit disorder). ADHD diagnosis is categorized based on whether one is more inattentive, more hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both.
Substance abuse involves the misuse of and dependency on drugs or alcohol. The substance use creates an altered state, and continued use leaves the body dependent on the new brain chemistry to function. Depending on the type and severity of the addiction, the person may suffer hallucinations, nausea, headaches, intense cravings, tremors, organ damage, and more.
When these occur together as dual diagnoses, ADHD and addiction feed into one another. ADHD symptoms may create pressure to use, while abusing substances may make ADHD and mental health symptoms worse.
Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis ADHD and Addiction Treatment
Dealing with an addiction and a co-occurring disorder like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder presents unique challenges, such as:
- Extreme difficulty resisting the impulse to use drugs or alcohol
- A tendency to require higher, riskier doses of stimulants to achieve a high
- Potential for abusing ADHD medications like Adderall if not taken as prescribed (an appropriate dose will not create a high, but excess or misuse may pose risks)
- Low self-esteem, which may play a role in using substances as an escape
- Risk of self-medicating, hoping it will improve focus and attention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other ADHD symptoms
Co-Occurring Conditions Like Addiction and ADHD Can Affect Everyone
The challenges of this dual diagnosis affect the individual and those around them. Friends and family may notice worrisome changes in personality and behavior, and worsening symptoms of ADHD. The person may lash out, make risky choices, and even cause direct harm to loved ones. Watching someone you care about struggle with addiction is a painful, stressful experience.
Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis ADHD and Addiction Treatment
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, we couple substance abuse treatment with an ADHD treatment program. One of the tools we use is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In this kind of individual counseling, a trained therapist helps the person identify their struggles and challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns. CBT addresses impulsivity, inattention, disorganization, time management, emotional regulation, and more.
We also prepare for the tests of addiction recovery. In addition to educating clients about drug addiction and relapse prevention, we help them develop and set appropriate sobriety goals and incentives. This reinforces positive behaviors and rewards people for abstaining from substances.
Our Los Angeles-area rehab center employs a variety of methods and therapies, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy (led by a licensed mental health professional)
- Peer support
- Coping skills development
- Mindfulness practice
- Physical activities
After Your Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and our care extends beyond program completion. At our Agoura Hills treatment center, we help clients prepare for life after an inpatient program, including finding housing and employment. After the treatment program, we continue to provide aftercare through ongoing support groups, resources, and relapse help. Members of our alumni program receive easy access to meeting schedules, webinars, and more.
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center, We Treat the Whole Person
At our Agoura Hills treatment center in Southern California, we understand challenges of overcoming addiction alongside a co-occurring disorder like ADHD. With tailored dual diagnosis treatment plans, full confidentiality and both evidence-based and holistic therapies, we can help you build a new, sober life.
Contact us today to get started in our life-changing residential inpatient program.
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