Many people with ADHD turn to unregulated street stimulants to help regulate their brains. While this works at first, it can lead to destructive cycles because individuals with ADHD are vulnerable to becoming addicted to these substances.
Why are people with ADHD more vulnerable to substance use disorders?Â
Clinical research shows that the ADHD brain is drawn to substance abuse due to these neurological, psychological, and genetic factors:
- Dopamine Regulation Issues: People with ADHD don’t have the same dopamine regulation that “neurotypical” individuals have in their brains, making them highly vulnerable to substances that flood the reward pathway with this chemical neurotransmitter.
- The Burden of Shame: Growing up with untreated ADHD can make individuals feel like failures. These substances temporarily reduce feelings of intense self-criticism and emotional distress.
- Genetic Predisposition: ADHD and addiction have strong biological and hereditary links. Many individuals inherit both the neurological vulnerability and learned coping mechanisms from their parents.
At Therapy By You, we understand the strong connection between ADHD and addiction, and we’re here to help you break that cycle. To lead a healthier, more productive life, call (248) 919-8092 or contact us online!
How Stimulants Affect the ADHD Brain
If you want to break the cycle of substance abuse, you need to understand what substances do to your brain. Your ADHD brain struggles with inconsistent dopamine regulation, and stimulants give you that dopamine, and that’s the problem.
What is the difference between street stimulants and prescription ADHD medication?Â
Street drugs create a destructive cycle of instability and addiction, while prescription medications offer safer brain regulation:
1. Street Drugs & “Dopamine Bankruptcy”
Your brain cells communicate using dopamine. These chemicals are regulated by functions in your brain that remove excess levels of these chemicals. Taking unregulated stimulants blocks this removal system, which produces massive amounts of dopamine that cause intense spikes in focus and euphoria.
To cope with this huge increase in chemicals, your brain quickly adapts by increasing its ability to collect the overload of dopamine. When the street drug wears off, your brain switches to removing natural dopamine, which you need.
Without natural dopamine, you’ll end up in a state of “dopamine bankruptcy.” This leads to an emotional crash and an increased desire to take the drug again to “feel normal.”
2. Prescription Medication & Brain Regulation
FDA-approved prescription medications are engineered with delayed-release or extended-release mechanisms. The medication slowly and evenly metabolizes dopamine over several hours, which prevents the spikes and crashes associated with street drugs.
The goal of prescribed ADHD medication is to establish stability and focus. It helps regulate your dopamine pathways without triggering the brain’s defense mechanisms, so you can better manage impulses and handle everyday tasks.
Take Your First Steps Toward Integrated Recovery
Overcoming ADHD and substance use disorder requires a high level of dedication to your recovery through ADHD therapy. Your brain is searching for something to help regulate itself, so your treatment must replace destructive coping mechanisms with safer tools.
How do you treat a dual diagnosis of ADHD and substance use disorder?Â
According to therapist Mike Shihadeh, successfully managing a dual diagnosis requires treating both conditions through these steps:
- Get evaluated for ADHD if you struggle with substance use. This is your first step toward determining what’s driving your impulses.
- Find a therapist who specializes in both areas. Your expert care should integrate treatments for neurodivergence and addiction.
- Never quit dangerous substances cold turkey without medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal.
- Find healthier ways to achieve the feeling the substance replaces. Your therapist can help you build habits to help increase your confidence, focus, or mental quietness.
By now, you’re ready to work with a qualified therapist who’s helped people who struggle with ADHD and addiction.
Therapy By You: The Best Place to Start Your Recovery Journey
Your ADHD brain isn’t broken; it just needs the right tools to regulate itself. Your recovery journey should begin with you letting go of the shame of the past and replacing it with healthier tools.
At Therapy By You, we understand the strong connection between ADHD and addiction. We’re ready to guide you through an effective treatment plan so you can stop prolonging the cycle of strain and exhaustion.
Remember, untreated ADHD and addiction get worse over time, so you shouldn’t put off treatment. Now is the time to get the support you need by calling (248) 919-8092 or contacting us online!
