Do you have ADHD? Perhaps you’ve spent your life trying to manage your symptoms on your own, but you’re not battling challenges. You could also have an addiction. Treatment is possible and can be effective.
Mental health challenges, such as ADHD, can often create an increased risk of substance use disorder (SUD). Both conditions require careful treatment at the same time to create a better future and outcome. By better understanding what you’re facing and working on both conditions at the same time with a qualified professional, you’ll be on your way to long-term healing and recovery.
You may find that dual diagnosis treatment can give you the relief that you’ve sought much of your life for and the quality of well-being you’ve never thought possible.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis treatment is the process of treating both mental health disorders and substance use disorders at the same time. A mental health disorder, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can happen before the SUD, and sometimes can lead to the SUD. There are other situations where suffering from an SUD may trigger underlying symptoms of ADHD.
In all situations, you’re battling both, and you need tailored treatment to help you regain control over your future. That’s where dual diagnosis comes in. It provides treatment that addresses both areas in an effective manner.
How Does ADHD and SUD Happen?
In some situations, a person with untreated or undiagnosed ADHD will turn to the use of alcohol or drugs to manage their endless racing mind. They may find that medications taken as teenagers are not effective. Some people use medications to treat ADHD only to develop an addiction to them. Many people with ADHD suffer from SUD as a result of their need to use medications, not from purposeful misuse.
It’s estimated that about 15.2% of adults with ADHD also suffer from SUDs. That’s in comparison to 5.6% of adults without ADHD. This data, shared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, demonstrates the importance of staying vigilant when treating both conditions.
The reality is, you need medications that could cause SUD to help you navigate your condition, but you’re now dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms from the drugs. How can you navigate these challenges?
How Treatment for SUD and ADHD Works to Better Your Future
Treatment for ADHD and SUD happens in a controlled environment. When you enter our residential treatment program at Iron Bridge, you work with a therapist who creates an individualized treatment plan for your unique needs. Among the treatments will be strategies such as the following:
- Psychotherapy: Talk therapy is an important part of navigating both SUD and ADHD. It’s a way to help you learn to express yourself, recognize your triggers, and learn to control negative thoughts. You’ll engage in types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
- Medications: The use of medication to treat mental health disorders is often necessary, and it doesn’t have to be habit-forming. You’ll work closely with our team to find strategies for the use of non-stimulating treatments that don’t trigger SUDs but can still provide you with the relief you need.
- Physical ailment treatment: Keep in mind, you should never just stop taking your mental health medications. Doing so can trigger complications and life-threatening conditions. In treatment, we’ll control those negative behaviors to minimize those risks.
- Group therapy: Another core component of treatment involves group therapy, where you’ll learn strategies for healing, managing stress, and overcoming challenges in real-world stressful situations. It also helps to have interactions with people who are facing some of the same challenges you are.
- Family therapy: We also provide educational and supportive therapy for families. This is an opportunity to come together to explore healing as a family unit without blame and finger-pointing.
You’ll engage in group therapy, holistic care, and community programs where you’ll feel empowered to build a stronger future. Even if you have never felt like you could control your racing mind or manage your negative thoughts in the past, the treatment initiatives we offer today can be life-changing.
Our team always provides a thorough assessment and individualized therapy. That means you’ll feel respected within our program. You’re not left to manage the symptoms yourself.
Take the Time Now to Explore the Options Available to You
At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, you can find treatment through dual diagnosis for SUD and ADHD. Let us work with you to create a plan that fits your objectives. Contact us now to learn more.
