ADHD & Addiction - Jim Livingstone - ADHD Optimist

ADHD and ADDICTION

ADHD adults can have a higher susceptibility to addictions, turning to substances and behaviours as coping mechanisms.

Because our brain is starved of dopamine, we seek stimulation and novelty.

Fortunately, we are very creative in ways to achieve it. Unfortunately, we don’t always choose what is best for our short-term or long-term health

Our brain likes to conserve energy.

Substance abuse is a quick, easy pathway to dopamine. 

Impulsivity can drive us towards quick-fix solutions, such as alcohol, drugs, or risk-prone activities, offering immediate relief from stress or boredom.

Many adults with ADHD experience intense emotions or mood swings, resulting in challenges in emotion regulation.

This can lead to seeking substances to stabilise these emotional extremes or to dull feelings of distress. 

Understanding the intrinsic link between ADHD and addiction is crucial in developing effective strategies for prevention and recovery. With the right combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support, adults with ADHD can manage their symptoms and reduce susceptibility to addictions.

Strategies to Help Manage ADHD Addictions

- Understanding Triggers: Knowing what situations or emotions increase the risk of engaging in addictive behaviours helps in developing preventive strategies. 

- Educational Resources: Continuous learning about ADHD and addiction can empower individuals with the knowledge to make better-informed choices.

- Social Support: Maintaining a support network of friends and family provides emotional backing and helps reduce feelings of isolation.

- Therapy Groups: Joining groups like ADHD support or addiction recovery meetings allows individuals to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.

- Hobbies and Interests: Engaging in rewarding and fulfilling activities can serve as a healthy outlet and reduce reliance on addictive substances for pleasure.

- Stress-Relief Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or art therapy can help manage stress and reduce the urge to self-medicate. 

- Personal Tracking Systems: Using tools like journals or apps to monitor habits and emotions can provide insights into patterns and enable proactive adjustments. 

- Professional Monitoring: Regular check-ins with therapists or doctors can help ensure that treatment plans remain effective and adjustments are made as needed.

- Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can increase dopamine levels naturally, improving mood and attention span.

- Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can enhance brain function.

- Regular Meals: Consistently fuelling the body helps provide dopamine and stabilise energy levels.

- Structured Routine: Creating and adhering to a daily schedule can help reduce forgetfulness and improve task completion.

- Medication: Stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin) and non-stimulants (like Strattera) can help manage core ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to work with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage.

- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals develop coping mechanisms, confront negative thoughts, and to better understand their behaviours.

What are you addicted to?

Me: I love salty carbs, sweets and lollies. Moderation for me is to eat the whole packet! I used to be addicted to alcohol until I was about thirty-five. I stopped on 1^st April 1989 and haven’t had a drink since. It was the best decision for me.

I am setting myself a challenge to completely stop eating sweet biscuits, lollies and any sugar-added garbage -- for life because that is what works for me. I don’t do moderation.

I am looking for a buddy/partner to join me. To help keep each other honest and accountable. Your addiction might be totally different, and that’s all good.

If you are interested, drop me an email at [email protected]

Side Note: I have been on Aspen Dexamfetamine for over twenty years (no side effects), and I still forget to take them!

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This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content in this newsletter is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional help if you believe you may have Mental Health Issues.