ADD & Addiction

Understanding thescience behind ADD

Attention Deficit or AttentionInconsistency????Medicating a Brian Problem

Amber Hollingsworth LPC | MAC | CCS |

LPCS

CriticalThinker

The Role of Dopaimine

Inconsistant Dopamine levels can create manyproblems:Difficulty organizing time, resources, and schedules

MotivatesBehavior

Planning &Strategies

0

10

20

30

Implications

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms are thought to be associated with inconsistant Dopamine andNoraepinipherine Levels.

40% of Children withADHD begin using alcoholcompared to 22% ofchildren without

Young adults have asimiliar rate of alcoholuse but have a higher rateof abuse

ADHD is 10x more commonin adult alcoholics than inindividuals without ADHD

statistics

Amphetimines

Methylphenidate

Activate Norepinephrine

Adderoll, Dexedrine

Concerta, Ritalin

Streterra

Decreases extra "noise"

Dopamine stimulation

Increases signal strength

Common Medications

Works wellunderpressure

Gifts Of ADD

Although there are a number of difficulties associatedwith ADHD, there are many unique gifts that alsoaccompany the disorder.

Lessresistant tochange

Canshiftattention

Connection Between ADD and Addiction

Dopamine createsDesire and initiates

planning and obsession

Increased Risk Taking& Novelty Seeking

Low Self Esteemcreates risk factors.

Obstacles to Recovery

Poor Self Esteem Decreased Impulse Control Diminished Executive Functioning

Appropriate Screening and Treatment

Nicotine Addiction

ADHD

Other co-occurring disorders

Addiction