ADHD and addiction are both disorders that greatly affect women. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often goes undiagnosed, untreated, or missed entirely in young girls and women. This is due to several reasons. Women, in general, are encouraged to mask their symptoms, especially as young girls. They may also experience more consistent and persistent symptoms of ADHD, which is often mistaken for lazy or attention-seeking behavior. According to data collected by the CDC between 2013-2019, 5.5% of girls ages 3 to 17 were diagnosed with ADHD. That is not counting girls who went without a diagnosis who were later diagnosed as adults.
Because of these issues, many women struggle with ADHD and addiction. This is known as a dual diagnosis – when two or more mental health disorders affect someone at the same time. There is a clear link between ADHD and addiction, which causes a vicious cycle of pain that can feel impossible to escape from. No matter how impossible it feels, someone can always recover from addiction.
Help can be found at Painted Desert Recovery, a women’s-only treatment facility located in Utah. With an emphasis on holistic and scientifically backed treatment, women find a safe place to recover from ADHD and addiction. When clients have the right tools and skills, they can manage their ADHD and remain sober. However, before we can understand why this link between ADHD and addiction is so prevalent, we must first understand what ADHD is.
A Brief Overview of ADHD in Women
ADHD is a mental health disorder marked by patterns of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention that interfere with an individual’s ability to function and develop. It’s often diagnosed in children when ADHD prevents the child from achieving academic and developmental success. Children cannot “grow out” of ADHD, as it is a lifelong condition. However, receiving a diagnosis and learning healthy coping skills early can lessen the impact of ADHD on one’s life, especially when one becomes an adult.
Women are often under-diagnosed for ADHD as children. This is because young girls and women often experience experience the inattention symptoms of ADHD more than hyperactivity or impulsiveness. Some examples of inattention symptoms are forgetfulness, procrastination, difficulty in managing time, losing belongings, and changing topics mid-conversation.
Women and young girls with ADHD may also have symptoms of depression and anxiety. Combined with ADHD, it can cause mood swings, irritability, difficulty handling stress and criticism, and a low tolerance for frustration. How ADHD symptoms can present in women can fluctuate along with the hormonal changes responsible for the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These symptoms are frequently dismissed as a “normal” part of being a woman, especially during puberty.
However, dismissing these symptoms has caused many women to struggle with diagnosed ADHD, leading to addiction and other unhealthy coping skills.
The Link Between ADHD and Addiction
For the most part, addiction results from a person trying to reduce the pain they feel from stress, trauma, and other negative feelings. ADHD is no different, as undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can make life difficult. Undiagnosed women often struggle in life without knowing why they have difficulties performing tasks that seem so simple to others. These can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Women struggling with ADHD are often tempted to self-medicate as a way to feel “normal.”
Of course, self-medicating almost always becomes an addiction. It’s common for those struggling with ADHD and addiction to abuse alcohol as a way to “tone down” hyperactive symptoms. Those who can obtain a diagnosis are often prescribed stimulants. These stimulants are used to help those living with ADHD to focus and stay on task. However, stimulants are highly addictive, and it’s possible to become addicted to prescribed medication. That’s why it’s important for those receiving medication to always listen to their treatment provider and never take more than the recommended dosage.
The link between ADHD and addiction is obvious. Even those who have an ADHD diagnosis are still prone to unhealthy coping skills, such as substance abuse. However, it’s possible to receive treatment and learn healthy ways to cope.
Receiving Treatment for ADHD and Addiction
Though it may seem difficult, anyone can recover from both ADHD and addiction. It requires someone to recognize that they need help and be open to receiving professional help. At Painted Desert Recovery, clients receive an individualized treatment plan to meet their particular needs. For example, someone struggling with ADHD and addiction can make use of group therapy. By interacting with fellow peers, clients can find understanding and comfort from others. ADHD and addiction can feel incredibly isolating and lonely. Finding others who are going through the same thing you are can make you feel less alone and more hopeful for the future.
Clients are never judged or belittled when seeking help. Painted Desert Recovery is not a place where clients have to mask to fit in. Instead, clients are encouraged to discover themselves and find the things in life that give them joy. It’s not uncommon for clients to use time in therapy to learn a new hobby, especially through therapies such as art therapy.
The most important aspect of ADHD and addiction treatment is promoting hope. Anyone can learn how to manage their mental health disorders and live a healthy life. They can forge long-lasting relationships with others and find community and support. Most of all, clients can find a place where they can recover in comfort and peace. Though there is a link between ADHD and addiction, it doesn’t mean that it’s a destiny set in stone. Beginning your recovery journey today can help you set sail for a brighter and healthier future.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects countless women across the country. This mental health disorder is known to be missed or not properly diagnosed in women, leading to confusion and stress. In some cases, it can even lead to an addiction. Understanding the link between ADHD and addiction brings awareness to those who are struggling, which may include yourself and those whom you love. Here at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients can expect quality and compassionate mental health and addiction treatment. This includes validating a client’s struggles as well as finding them the proper treatment needed for recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD and addiction, don’t wait. Call (844) 540-0353 today.
