It can be challenging to manage both ADHD and addiction. When you have ADHD, you may feel restless, unfocused, or overwhelmed, which might lead you to rely on substances just to calm down or get through the day.

Read below to learn how ADHD affects your daily life, why it can increase the risk of addiction, and what kinds of treatments can help you take back control.

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how your brain works. If you have ADHD, it might be hard for you to focus, sit still, or finish tasks. Your mind may feel like it’s always moving, jumping from one thought to another. You might act without thinking or get bored very quickly. 

This is because of how your brain is wired. ADHD is something you’re usually born with, and it can show up in childhood and continue into adulthood. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports research to learn what causes ADHD. Scientists study factors like genes, brain activity, hormones, and early life experiences. 

They are also looking at how children and adults with ADHD behave, so they can find better ways to diagnose and treat it. This includes learning which symptoms appear at different ages and in different types of ADHD.¹

Symptoms At Different Ages and Types of ADHD

ADHD symptoms can change as you grow older, and they can look different depending on the type of ADHD you have. Let’s break it down:

Types of ADHD

There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI). You might find it hard to focus, get easily distracted, or forget things. You may not seem hyperactive, but you often feel mentally “foggy” or daydream a lot.
   
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-PH). You may feel restless, talk a lot, interrupt others, or act without thinking. Sitting still can be a challenge.
   
3. Combined Type (ADHD-C). This is when you have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. It’s the most common form of ADHD.

Symptoms by Age

Children (Ages 6–12)

• Often forget to do homework or chores.
  
• Have trouble sitting still in class.
  
• Interrupt others or have difficulty waiting for their turn.
  
• Easily distracted by noises or sights.​

These symptoms can affect school performance and friendships. ​

Teenagers (Ages 13–18)

• Struggle with organizing tasks and managing time.
  
• Feel restless or fidgety.
  
• Act impulsively, like making quick decisions without thinking.
  
• Experience mood swings or frustration.​

Teens may also face challenges with self-esteem and relationships.

Adults (Ages 19 and up)

• Have difficulty focusing at work or during meetings.
  
• Miss deadlines or forget appointments.
  
• Feel inner restlessness or have trouble relaxing.
  
• Struggle with managing money or maintaining relationships.​

Adult ADHD can impact job performance and daily responsibilities.

These traits can affect school, work, relationships, and even simple things like cleaning your room or making a phone call. But remember, many people with ADHD are also creative, full of ideas, and great at thinking outside the box.

Why People with ADHD May Turn to Substances

Because of intense feelings of fidgetiness, hyperactivity, and agitation, some people with ADHD may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope.

But here’s something important: according to a study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, people with ADHD who take prescribed medication, like stimulants, are not more likely to abuse substances. In fact, they may be less likely to do so. 

The study found that people who were taking ADHD medication in 2006 had a 31% lower rate of substance abuse in 2009, even after looking at other factors. And the longer they were on the medication, the lower the risk became.

That means getting the right treatment might protect you from substance use problems. Still, doctors must watch carefully to make sure the medication is used the right way, and not misused or shared with others.

There’s also a big difference between using medication for ADHD and using substances for fun or escape. We’ll talk more about that in the next section.

Medical vs. Recreational Substance Use in ADHD

Medical Use

When used the right way, ADHD medicine can lower your risk of drug or alcohol problems later on.

• You take medicine that a doctor gives you, like Adderall or Ritalin.
  
• It’s meant to help your brain focus, stay calm, and stay on task.
  
• You take the right dose, at the right time, just like your doctor says.
  
• It helps you with school, work, or daily life, so you don’t feel “high” or out of it.
  
• It’s part of your ADHD treatment plan.

Recreational Use

This kind of use doesn’t help your ADHD, it can make it worse and hurt your health, focus, and relationships.

• You use substances, such as alcohol, weed, pills, or other drugs, to feel good, relax, or escape problems.
  
• You might not know what’s in them or how they’ll affect you.
  
• You’re not using them under a doctor’s care.
  
• You may feel better at first, but it often leads to bigger problems like addiction, mood swings, or legal trouble.

Treatment Options for ADHD and Addiction

There are many ways to feel better and get back on track. Treatments are made to help your brain work better, improve your focus, and support your choices.

Here Are Some Common Treatments

• Medicine. Medicine prescribed by doctors, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, can help improve focus, control impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity, making it easier for you to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.
  
• Therapy (Talking Help). Talking with a therapist can give you a safe space to talk through your challenges, learn coping strategies, and develop better ways to manage your ADHD symptoms and any related struggles like addiction.
  
• Parent Training. Parent training helps parents understand ADHD, so they can provide better support, create a structured environment, and use strategies to manage behaviors at home more effectively.
  
• School Support. Teachers and school staff can make learning easier by giving extra help or special tools, like noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, or extra time on tests to help them focus. 

Newer and Extra Support

• Brain Training. Some programs help you practice focus and memory skills using games or challenges.
  
• Mindfulness. Learning how to slow down and pay attention to your body and breath can help calm your mind.
  
• Neuromodulation. This is a new treatment that gently changes brain activity using special devices.
  
• Technology Tools. New tools like phone apps or even virtual reality are being studied. These can give you real-time support so you can make better choices and avoid risky behavior.

If you or a loved one are seeking support to manage ADHD and addiction, call 844-330-0096 or contact South Coast Counseling, we offer expert care, support, and treatment plans designed just for you.

Source:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. www.nimh.nih.gov; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd