What Is ADHD and What Are Treatment Options for This Disorder?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly known to affect children. However, this disorder can also impact adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD impacts approximately 4.4% of adults between the ages 18 to 44 in the U.S. ADHD can severely impact a person’s ability to achieve career or academic aspirations, to form meaningful and healthy relationships, or build self-esteem. To cope with the negative impact of ADHD in their lives, some adults turn to substances or process addictions.
Hope Harbor Wellness is here to help those who are struggling with a dual diagnosis of ADHD and addiction. You can learn new skills to manage your symptoms of ADHD while freeing yourself from addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD, you may notice the following behaviors:
- Impulsivity: Interrupting others during conversations and meetings Having difficulty waiting for their turn during group activities or projects Giving up new activities or challenges due to a low frustration tolerance
- Inattention: Forgetfulness Overlooking details when completing tasks Having difficulty sustaining attention during conversations, work meetings, or lectures Appearing to not be listening during a conversation Inability to follow-through and complete tasks or chores Struggling to organize events or tasks Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort Easily going off-topic during conversations or off-task when working on projects
- Hyperactivity: Unable to sit still Fidgeting or moving legs while sitting Feeling restless Inability to relax Constantly in motion or “on the go” Talking nonstop during a conversation
Behavioral patterns like this can significantly disrupt a person’s ability to maintain a job or career, build relationships with others, or find fulfillment from achievements. When a person is unable to sustain their attention to accomplish a goal, they might feel shame or guilt about not following through. Feelings of guilt and shame can lower a person’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Hope Harbor Wellness can help to rebuild your self-esteem and self-confidence so that you can manage your ADHD symptoms in healthy ways!
How Can I Treat My ADHD Symptoms?
While there is no cure for ADHD, the expert staff at Hope Harbor Wellness can teach you the skills you need to treat your disorder. Treatment for ADHD can include taking medications to increase your attention, reduce hyperactivity, and control impulsivity.
However, medications are just a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Since ADHD can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem or ability to pursue fulfilling relationships, therapeutic interventions can help a person rebuild their life. People with dual-diagnosis of ADHD and addiction can benefit from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapist can guide you in processing your thoughts and feelings. By understanding how your beliefs can impact your decision-making and attention, you can learn to challenge negative thoughts and feelings.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions can help a person process their feelings by sharing their experiences with peers. Many others may have had similar issues in their lives and might offer a fresh perspective on dealing with addiction and underlying mental health issues!
- Medications: Medications might help by addressing biochemical deficiencies in the brain. By increasing chemicals responsible for focus and concentration (dopamine and norepinephrine), you might find an increase in attention with a decrease in hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD may leave deficits in critical life domains that impact a person’s overall quality of life. Hope Harbor Wellness believes that addressing the person’s “whole-self” in recovery will yield the best results for success. Taking holistic approaches, like learning life skills and exercising, can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD.
Program Components
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy & Counseling
- Medical Services
- Medication Management
- Case Management Services
- Holistic Treatments
- Clinically Developed Curriculum
- Addiction and Mental Health Education
- Family Program
- Aftercare Development Planning
