ADHD is a well-known disorder these days, but it’s common for people to imagine children when they think of it. Male children indeed make up most ADHD diagnoses, but many experts say that it is underdiagnosed in young girls and adults. Adults can have ADHD or adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but few are diagnosed with or treated for it. Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD may try to self-medicate with Adderall, first using it as a recreational substance before finding that it may make their day-to-day life easier. Using Adderall without a physician’s direction can easily lead to substance abuse, and Adderall addiction treatment may be necessary before one can properly manage their ADHD.
With a dual diagnosis treatment plan, however, adults with ADHD who are also struggling with an Adderall addiction can regain control of their life and find ways to manage their ADHD in a way that works for them. At Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach, we cater our programs to specific individuals. Our dual diagnosis program offers treatment for substance abuse disorder in harmony and in conjunction with treatment for mental health disorders, including ADHD. To discover how our treatment programs can work for you, contact Oceanfront Recovery today by calling us at 877.279.1777 or visiting us online.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can go undiagnosed for years. This most commonly occurs when it’s not recognized early, and once someone with ADHD is an adult, recognition isn’t as simple. Signs of ADHD are often different in adults than they are in children:
- Difficulty with tasks is a sign of adult ADHD that can manifest in multiple ways, including difficulty following directions, forgetting information easily, concentrating, disorganization of tasks, and difficulty finishing work on time.
- Dysfunction at school is common in the histories of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This can include a history of underachieving in school, getting in trouble with authority figures, dropping out of school, and having to repeat grades.
- Issues at work can also occur in the day-to-day life of an adult with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD. Frequent clashing with your boss about unfinished tasks, poor performance, “job-hopping,” and few successes at work can all be signs.
Addiction and psychological problems are also common in those with undiagnosed ADHD. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety or depressive disorders, and they’re more likely to develop addictions to various substances.
Treatment for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is difficult to diagnose, yes, but not impossible. Studies on adult ADHD are published more and more often, and substance abuse programs are becoming more aware of how ADHD and other mental health disorders affect the cycle of addiction. Adults who think they may have ADHD should not feel discouraged; instead, they should seek a diagnosis and a provider who can give them real solutions for the challenges they face.
Discover What Oceanfront Recovery Has to Offer
At Oceanfront Recovery, we know that the best way to help our clients heal from a substance abuse disorder is to address the factors that affect it. That’s why our dual diagnosis program is so successful. When a new client is admitted to one of our programs, we ensure that they receive care catered to their specific needs. A mental health professional will evaluate those who have not been diagnosed before admission to determine if a mental health disorder like ADHD could impact their addiction. Don’t wait if you feel that you may benefit from a dual diagnosis approach in treating your addiction. Contact Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach to begin your healing journey by calling us at 877.279.1777 or completing our secure online form.
