A lot of research shows that alcohol use is often linked to ADHD disorder. Both disorders seem to have similar symptoms and are complex to tackle. Fortunately, despite addiction’s chronic and complex nature, it is treatable. This explains why you should visit a suitable facility, such as Skyward Treatment centre, for adequate support. It is vital to tackle ADHD at the same time you are treating your Alcohol disorder.
Defining ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects attention and activity in those suffering from it. Usually, his conditions affect more children than adults, with 11% of children being affected and only 4% of adults suffering.
In most cases, the symptoms in adults are often characterized by hyperactivity and low attention spans. However, such a diagnosis in adults often leads to low self-esteem and may cause difficulties in different areas, including careers. Usually, the symptoms manifest as follows.
Inattention
Most sufferers have difficulty paying attention or focusing on one thing for a long time. This is why they may struggle to pay attention in school or meet other life obligations. Such individuals easily forget things and are unable to follow through with stuff.
Hyperactivity
Patients with hyperactivity tend to fidget a lot or tape their hands. Sometimes they squirm. Kids can even climb inappropriate places.
Impulsivity
This trait often leads to a lack of patience. Most of the decisions made are rushed and often without a second thought. Sometimes it causes interruptions in conversations.
It is believed that risks of ADHD develop when the child is still developing in the womb. It could be triggered by the mother drinking excessive alcohol or under too much stress.
What is the Impact of Alcohol on ADHD
Seeing how ADHD is a handful on its own, it is even scarier when you factor in the implication of using alcohol with this condition. ADHD can also increase the possibility of Alcohol use disorder. Research findings have shown a link between alcohol use and ADHD development. This can be traced to the following:
- Early alcohol use. People with severe cases of ADHD can turn to alcohol use early
- Binge drinking. ADHD adults tend to be more binge drinkers compared to others
- Heightened AUD. ADHD patients can easily turn into alcohol abuse users because of this disorder.
Usually, ADHD patients turn to alcohol as a temporary solution to their restlessness. Unfortunately, that relief is short-lived and could introduce other complications. Whenever one consumes alcohol, the brain’s frontal lobe is affected. This means that the clarity of their thinking is also affected, and they are less likely to make clear or conscious decisions and choices. Prolonged heavy drinking can even lead to more serious consequences, leading to anxiety.
Alcohol also affects ADHD medication and can easily lead to serious consequences since it changes how the medication is processed. Some of these include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased or irregular heart rate
- Dehydration
- Impaired judgment
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Raised body temperature
- Trouble sleeping
- Seizures
What’s more, combining alcohol and other stimulants (which the medications are?) is dangerous. Most patients turn to alcohol for various reasons, but the most common is the ability to mask and numb the effects temporarily. Unfortunately, this often leads to dependence. In the end, the symptoms of AUD and ADND are similar and include the following:
- Anxiousness
- Impulsivity
- Reward-seeking
- Challenges with managing emotions
Unfortunately, due to these factors, alcohol dependency can only worsen unless the patient gets the needed help. Self-medicating with alcohol has both shorter and long-term effects, which have negative implications. The best way to overcome the challenges is to get the needed help. Call us today to help you get started on a program.