Addiction and ADHD: Is there a link?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties in sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. On the other hand, addiction is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon involving compulsive behaviour despite negative consequences. While these two issues may seem unrelated, there is a growing body of research suggesting a potential link between ADHD and an increased vulnerability to addiction. 

How the ADHD Brains Works

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with executive functions such as impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. These challenges can make it difficult for them to navigate various aspects of life, including academic and professional responsibilities, relationships, and day-to-day tasks. The need for immediate gratification, thrill-seeking behaviours, and the search for novel pleasures are all common for those with ADHD, which can also be likened to addictive behaviours, often caused by behavioural, emotional, and life factors.

Are Those with ADHD More Likely to Have Addictive Behaviours?

It is more common than you might think for individuals with ADHD to exhibit addictive behaviours. As mentioned previously, an ADHD brain looks for immediate gratification or immediate dopamine hit from an addictive behaviour. Over time the thrill of these behaviours will wear off, but the behaviour may continue due to physical or emotional cravings, which in turn could lead to more severe addictions in the long run.

Neurological Factors.

Both ADHD and addiction involve alterations in the brain's reward system and neurotransmitter pathways, such as dopamine. Individuals with ADHD often have dysregulated pathways, making them more prone to seeking rewards and experiencing difficulties in self-control.

Signs of Addiction.

If you have ADHD and are unsure if you possess addictive behaviours, some indicators of addictive behaviours are:

• Lack of Control – in particular with consumption i.e. one drink leads to another, popping to the shops turns into an expensive shopping spree.

• Difficulty or Inability to Stop – having the desire to stop but not being able to is usually when it is time to see a counsellor about your condition.

• Intense, Urgent Cravings – when the need to consume the substance or carry out the behaviour is all-consuming, and you find it impossible to think of anything else.

• No Regard for Negative Consequences – sometimes involving denial about having a problem but also being aware of the problems they cause and continuing with them anyway.

The Link Between ADHD and Addiction

There have been several studies looking at the prevalence of substance use disorders among those with ADHD, compared to the public. One contributing factor is the tendency for individuals with ADHD to seek stimulation and excitement as a way of self-medicating their underlying restlessness and impulsivity. Also, the impaired executive functions of those with ADHD may hinder their ability to make sound decisions, increasing their susceptibility to engaging in risky behaviours, including substance abuse. 

It's thought that 50% of adults with ADHD have a history of dealing with substance use at some point in their lives, compared to 25% of adults not diagnosed with ADHD. This is thought to be because adults with ADHD tend to self-medicate, particularly when they lack understanding of their ADHD as well as being drawn to thrill-seeking experiences.

Chemical Addictions and ADHD

Chemical addictions and ADHD sometimes go hand in hand as they may be used to help curb symptoms of ADHD, especially if the individual does not have a full understanding of their condition. Chemical addictions include:

• Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, crystal meth, MDMA, and ephedrine.

• Alcohol used in excess is highly addictive and considered to be as severe as heroin addiction. 

• Marijuana for many people with ADHD, believe that it calms down their hyperactivity and provides a sense of relaxation. However, regular use can affect attention, memory function, and activation difficulty.

• Opiates such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as opioid prescription medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet.

• Sedatives and Tranquilizers act as central nervous system depressants and are commonly prescribed for anxiety, tension, and sleep disorders.

• Hallucinogens such as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, PCP, and DMT.

Behavioural Addictions and ADHD

Behavioural addictions include actions that are carried out repeatedly and often harm an individual’s daily life. These include:

• Internet Addictions such as excessive use of social media, message boards, and websites whilst failing to get work completed, and ignoring or hurting the people you love.

• Gambling Addictions are destructive behaviours and involve sports gambling and casino gambling.

• Shopping Addiction can provide instant gratification and temporary mood boosts, which can be labelled impulsive behaviour, something which people with ADHD are at high risk of.

• Sexual Addiction involves a loss of control over one’s sexual behaviour, including serial affairs, soliciting sexual partners online or repeated use of prostitutes.

Food Addictions and ADHD

They are considered to be both physical and behavioural addictions and include the most addictive foods which tend to be the unhealthiest, including highly processed foods like cookies and cakes, ice cream, and chips. These foods are high in sugar and have a rapid absorption rate, so the sugar-high or carbohydrate craving you feel for these foods is a symptom of food addiction.

How a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester Can Help

If you find that you are struggling with addiction and either have an ADHD diagnosis or think you may have, then speaking with a professional ADHD clinic can help. At Beyond we are experienced in helping individuals manage their ADHD and all the symptoms that come alongside it. 

Needing help with addiction shouldn’t be something to hide, instead admitting it to yourself and taking the steps to change is one of the bravest decisions you can make. Speak to our private ADHD clinic in Manchester today and see how we can help you get your life back on track.

Sources- https://www.additudemag.com/addictive-behaviors-adhd/