Do you often find yourself continually fidgeting or feeling restless? Perhaps you have a hard time paying attention and have to fight the urge to act or speak impulsively. If you recognize these ongoing traits in yourself, you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Many people view ADHD as a disorder that only affects children. Still, in fact, ADHD is a disorder of your brain that can cause a consistent pattern of inattention and impulsivity to such an extent that it interferes with your daily life – even as an adult. At Oceanfront Recovery, we recognize that the symptoms and problems caused by ADHD can also be a catalyst to substance addiction. Our trained therapists in our ADHD treatment program work with you during your mental health treatment program in California to help you address your addiction while managing your ADHD.
Understanding ADHD and ADHD Treatment Programs
ADHD symptoms may appear as early as age three and often continue through adolescence and adulthood. In many cases, ADHD is mistaken for disciplinary problems or emotional underdevelopment or missed completely if a child is well-behaved or quiet. Symptoms of ADHD can change as you age – in young children, hyperactivity or impulsivity tend to be the most predominant traits. In elementary school, inattention may become a prominent symptom, leading to poor academic performance. Hyperactivity gives way to restlessness in high school and beyond, though impulsivity and inattention may remain, and high school children may have relationship struggles. Adolescents and adults with ADHD typically show a history of academic and workplace struggles and challenges or failures with relationships.
To receive an ADHD diagnosis, your symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity must be lasting and impair your ability to function. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation performed by a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist who expert in ADHD. This assessment will help to ensure that your issues are real because of ADHD and not caused by another psychiatric or medical disorder. Our mental health treatment center in Laguna Beach will help you find the right program for you or your loved one. ADHD is usually diagnosed in elementary school, although adults and adolescents can also be diagnosed if their symptoms have been present since they were a child. Our professionals at our ADHD treatment program in Laguna Beach, California, will help you manage your addiction and ADHD diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD
People who struggle with ADHD demonstrate an ongoing pattern of three different categories of symptoms:
- Inattention – you have a hard time staying focused, are disorganized, and often leave tasks unfinished.
- Hyperactivity – you are constantly restless and moving, whether fidgeting or wandering around, even in situations where you are expected to be seated or still.
- Impulsivity – you may make hasty decisions without giving them any thought or considering the consequences, desire instant gratification, or talk excessively and interrupt others in social situations.
These are the key behaviors of someone with ADHD and may require an ADHD treatment program. While some people only have problems with one type of behavior, some have inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity issues. Everyone likely has some degree of inattention and impulsivity. Still, for people with ADHD, these behaviors occur more frequently, are more severe, and interfere with their quality of life and ability to function at school, work, or home.
Symptoms of Inattention
Symptoms of inattention include:
- Disorganization and poor time management
- Making careless mistakes or overlooking details
- Problems staying focused while engaged in certain tasks and conversations
- Failure to follow through on tasks and meeting deadlines and are easily sidetracked
- Forgetful and absentminded, losing items that are necessary for everyday activities
- Easily distracted
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- A constant need to be “on the go.”
- Fidgeting or constantly moving while seated
- Getting up or moving around when staying seated is expected, such as in a meeting.
- Feelings of restlessness
- Interrupting others, talking nonstop, or finishing others’ sentences
- Having trouble waiting your turn
The above list is only a sampling of symptoms, and if you have some of them, it does not mean that you have ADHD. Symptoms of other mental health issues (such as depression and anxiety) can be similar, so a diagnosis by a doctor is an essential step in your treatment.
Reach Out to Oceanfront Recovery Today
ADHD is a mental health concern that can be managed with the proper treatment. Here at Oceanfront Recovery, we offer a wide range of mental health treatment programs, like our ADHD treatment program, to help individuals identify, address, and ultimately overcome their issues to live a more healthy life. Some of our programs include:
- Anxiety treatment
- Bipolar disorder treatment
- Depression treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- OCD treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Schizophrenia treatment
- Seasonal affective disorder treatment
ADHD occurs more often in men than women, and people with ADHD commonly have other disorders, including substance abuse and addiction. If you or a loved one has ADHD and is struggling with addiction, call Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.279.1777 to speak confidentially with one of our experienced intake specialists. Contact Oceanfront Recovery, and our specialists can help you take the first step on your journey to recovery with our ADHD treatment program in Laguna Beach, California.
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