What Alcohol Abuse Does to People With ADHD
The relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use is becoming increasingly recognized by studies across the world. And many researchers discuss that there may be a connection between alcohol addiction and the symptoms of ADHD.
Despite being complicated and persistent, substance use disorder is curable. To ensure that treatment is successful, those who check into an addiction facility should address both their alcohol addiction and ADHD at the same time. In this article, we’ll go over how these disorders are related and how to obtain assistance if you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both activity and attention. According to estimates, 4% of adults and 11% of children suffer from ADHD. Young children in particular share many of its characteristics, such as excessive activity levels, short attention spans, and difficulty staying quietly for extended amounts of time.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter a person’s lifestyle and result in low self-esteem, relationship issues, and professional and academic difficulties, as well as relationship problems. The following signs and symptoms define ADHD:
Inability to focus: People with ADHD may find it challenging to concentrate on tasks such as jobs, school, or other important responsibilities. They might commit errors at work or school, forget important dates, and be unable to complete tasks demanding persistent mental effort.
Hyperactivity: A person with ADHD who experiences this symptom may fidget, tap their hands or feet, or wriggle in their seat while at work or school. Children with ADHD may run and climb in inappropriate places.
Impulsivity: It may be difficult for people with ADHD to maintain their patience. They frequently interrupt talks or make snap judgments without carefully considering the consequences.
Researchers are unsure of the exact etiology of ADHD but risk factors such as maternal drinking while pregnant or high levels of stress throughout pregnancy, can occur in the womb. ADHD was long thought to solely affect children, but new areas of research have emerged, such as the connection between ADHD and alcohol consumption in adults.
Alcohol’s effect on those with ADHD
The existence of ADHD symptoms can raise the risk of issues with alcohol use even in the absence of an ADHD diagnosis. It appears that having ADHD may make you more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol usage and ADHD are linked, according to extensive studies the results include:
Early alcohol use: A twin study found that those with severe childhood ADHD are more prone to start drinking young and drinking heavily and frequently.
Increased risk of binge drinking: A guy binges when he consumes five or more drinks in less than two hours, while a woman binges on four. Researchers have found that early-adult binge drinking is more common among those with ADHD. According to one study, 42.1% of people with ADHD admitted to binge drinking each time they ingested alcohol.
Increased risk of alcohol use disorder: Research indicates that having ADHD as a youngster increases the likelihood of later developing an alcohol use disorder. While heavy drinking might temporarily alleviate the restlessness and anxiety that are frequent signs of ADHD, it can also exacerbate these symptoms and make some ADHD treatments useless.
Alcohol consumption with ADHD
Despite the fact that alcohol is a depressive, it can have the opposite impact on people with ADHD. Alcohol use has an impact on the frontal lobe, which is in charge of rational thought and decision-making. Impulsive behavior can have negative effects on those with ADHD who indulge in it. These symptoms may worsen when they drink alcohol. Additionally, drinking alcohol might make restlessness and inattentiveness symptoms worse.
People with ADHD may experience worsened anxiety symptoms and have trouble controlling their emotions while drinking heavily for an extended period of time.
How we can assist
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