Breaking the Cycle: How to Address Untreated ADHD and Substance Abuse
This is undoubtedly a difficult topic. Substance abuse is linked not only to a loss of quality of life, health complications, and, in the worst case, loss of life altogether.
Denial is a powerful tool, and acknowledging a problem is the hardest step. It is of no surprise that the first out of the 12 steps outlined in AA involves acknowledging the problem by saying aloud, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”
increased risk
For individuals with undiagnosed ADHD, there is an increased risk. One of the primary motivations to engage with substances that alter our mental chemistry is the management of symptoms in the first place, originating from a desire for relief of symptoms by a way of self-medicating. On the other side of the spectrum are the wildly known symptoms of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, leading to the excitement felt within the exploration of discovery for a good burst of feel-good dopamine and then some. Yet, we have to be ruthlessly honest: These behaviors are undermining all we can be and corroding us from the inside out. Telling ourselves we can be in control is a big lie.
self-medication
The idea of self-medication is a way of escaping from the reality that exists underneath the skin. Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to feelings of frustration, boredom, and difficulty coping with daily life stressors, prompting individuals to use substances as a means of escaping or numbing their emotional and cognitive struggles.
Reflection
Looking back, I can see how my undiagnosed/treated ADHD definitely led me towards alcohol, especially in the younger years when the body could process it quickly. It was as if a light went on inside, calming the world down, slowing the thoughts and everything raging internally. It felt F%^$ good. And that right there is the warning. Leaning into that feeling became a slippery slope that, I think, would have caused me to slip without my commitment to self-exploration, self-awareness, and learning about myself within the greater perspective of the world. Of course, I also had athletics, which kept me in check.
Today, I know that one evening of hanging out with a friend and enjoying wine can and will most likely trigger wanting to enjoy another evening the following day. One leads to two, leads to three, and so on. Why?
A very quick search, and we have the answer.
Dopamin
Alcohol raises Dopamine levels. Dopamine and serotonin equals happiness. It would be false to see it as simply as individuals with ADHD have low dopamine. The brain is far more complex than such a simple statement, but for the purpose of today’s post, we will bring it down to simplicity. So, now that we know alcohol increases dopamine, and the ADHD brain lacks it, we can already see the straight connection.
HOWEVER:
With continuous use, the artificially high level of dopamine in the brain through alcohol will further lower the body's production and expectation. So now without alcohol, there is even less available, AND the body expects more. We have a perfect concoction for developing a grey zone of addiction.
What to do if you feel something is starting to slip:
Educate yourself. Understand how alcohol or any other substances alter the brain. Understand the connection to symptoms, behavior, and mental health.
Write down how you want to live yourself. What is the version of your best self.
Communicate your findings to your community.
Establish a plan to change course. Trial and Error.
Develop your self-awareness. of your habits, triggers, thoughts, reasons…
Find other ways to boost dopamine in the evening, when it is low due to the day behind us. I love cracking some peanuts for example…Athletic Brewing has fantastic NA beer, Hop Water is great for adaptogens and hydration…any flavored sparkling waters work well too. More and more wineries are producing NA wines and bubbly.
Check-in with a nutritionist to dial in your day’s approach to food/hydration. New research also shows that so much about ADHD is how we feed ourselves, and we can manage symptoms by controlling the intake of our macros (carb, protein, fat)
Light at the Horizon
There is a movement towards non-alcoholic beverages, and this is a true blessing because it is beginning to set things straight. Alcohol is a drug that is so widely accepted. People apologize for not ordering alcoholic drinks at dinner when they choose non-alcoholic options. It is so backward. Symptoms become massively worse when our brain chemistry becomes impacted by substances. Often starting with anxiety and depressive moods.
So, let’s raise a glass of cold sparkling water with a hint of lemon into the sunset! Who wants to feel the extra load of anxiety when the world around us seems to go up in flames already? Connect with your friends. If alcohol is the only way you can relax and unwind, then you know there is work to be done.
Be well, onward and upward!