South Florida-ADHD and Substance Abuse

Researchers have already conducted substantial research exploring the connection between mental health and the likelihood of developing a substance abuse problem. Researchers have been studying co-occurring illnesses and the tendency for those with mental health condition turning to drugs to self-medicate. New research has revealed a connection between ADHD and substance abuse.

ADHD research and substance abuse

Research shows that individuals suffering with ADHD are twice as more likely to experiment with drugs. This is because medications that are often prescribed to patients are at risk of being abused. The stimulants that have been used to treat the condition may be addictive, but researchers suggest that that doesn’t affect a person’s risk of becoming addictive to medications like Concerta, Ritalin and Metadate. The risks come with ADHD medications being sold among peers. It is this factor that plays a risk in a person becoming addicted to these prescription drugs.

Drug rehab and alcohol rehab approach to treating substance abuse

ADHD and other mental health illnesses are managed in a drug rehab or alcohol rehab program. From the alcohol detox stage to the rehab stage, the person’s mental health condition is managed. Research points to mental health as an important variable in the person’s recovery process. This is especially important for those with co-occurring illnesses and is using the prescription drugs as a means to self-medicate. Aid in Recovery patients are able to focus on their healing while having their mental health problems being treated by a licensed therapist and a team of addiction specialists.

People are twice as likely to try drugs if they have been treated for ADHD. Similar findings have been made for those with other mental health conditions. Physicians have to be careful in how they tackle mental health conditions like ADHD. This means being careful to identify the correct treatment approach to helping people manage their ADHD symptoms. If a person ends up developing an addiction to prescription drug medications, our South Florida drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility has a team of dedicated professionals capable of helping a person recover from the addiction.