Many types of behavioral issues can influence a person’s risk of developing an addiction. The following material will explore the topic of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. What is ADHD? Furthermore, how does ADHD relate to addiction?
What is ADHD?
Behavioral conditions are chronic health problems that affect a person’s actions, decision-making skills, and impulse control on a regular basis. What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one type of behavioral disorder that can result in impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, and excessive energy. While ADHD is frequently noticed in childhood, the condition can persist into adulthood. When it remains untreated, it can have many adverse effects on a person’s daily functioning.
4 Signs of ADHD
With the answer to the question, “What is ADHD?” let’s look at the following list of signs of ADHD:
Poor Impulse Control
People with ADHD will often act impulsively on a regular basis. They may not stop to think about the consequences of their actions. As a result, it is common for these individuals to engage in risky behaviors. They also may get into trouble with authority figures.
Extreme Difficulties with Concentration
Those with ADHD often experience racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating. Problems with concentration can make it hard to perform properly at work or school. Poor concentration also increases the risk of suffering from dangerous accidents.
Rapid Speech and Excessive Bursts of Energy
Many people with ADHD speak rapidly, almost as if they trip over their own words. Family and friends may find it difficult to converse with these individuals. They may also display an excessive amount of energy.
Chronic Mood Swings
People who have ADHD are also more likely to experience erratic moods. They may seem to switch between periods of elation, sadness, anger, or frustration. They may also become bored very easily.
Behavioral Conditions and Addiction
How does ADHD relate to addiction? As it turns out, those who suffer from behavioral disorders have a much higher risk of succumbing to addiction. In many cases, a person struggling with ADHD may attempt to self-medicate to relieve bothersome symptoms. Additionally, a person with ADHD may have great difficulty making rational decisions. Therefore, she may be more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
Getting the Proper Treatment
If someone you care about is suffering from an addiction or behavioral problem, it is normal to feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, don’t let these feelings prevent you from getting adequate help for these problems. Seek dual diagnosis treatment from a skilled facility that has experience in dealing with both of these common issues.
Soledad House is an experienced addiction treatment center serving the needs of the San Diego, California area. The dedicated staff members at Soledad House place importance on giving each person a targeted treatment plan to fit their specific needs.
So what is ADHD? It’s a treatable behavioral disorder. You can gain access to the tools necessary to overcome an addiction or behavioral problem. Call Soledad House at 866-314-3222 to learn more about the treatment options available to you.
