Do you get to the end of a page in a book and forget what you just read? Do you tend to forget to set your alarm and miss class? Do you overspend or shop impulsively? These are just a few of the many behaviors related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that you may recognize in yourself or in someone you love.
Untreated ADHD is risky business. Not only does it negatively impact your productivity and personal relationships, but it also makes you more vulnerable to addiction. In fact, people with untreated ADHD are four times more likely to abuse substances. One reason is because many people with ADHD mistakenly self-medicate with alcohol or drugs instead of seeking proper treatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms of ADHD
Often, ADHD symptoms go undetected until college. Researchers chalk this up to the structure of high school as well as the structure provided at home by parents. In general, students with ADHD have more academic concerns, lower GPAs, more depression and emotional stability and higher rates of smoking cigarettes and substance abuse. Other signs, according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), include:
- Does not work to potential
- High IQ but low grades
- Consistently late to appointments
- Impulsive spending
- Difficulties with organization
- Papers fall out of the backpack
- May have difficulty getting along with roommates or other peers
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
Did you know that 70 percent of people with a substance use disorder are also battling an additional mental illness? If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction and ADHD don’t wait to seek treatment. As addiction worsens, so does the co-occurring condition — and vice versa. At Hope Academy, we specialize in treating both diseases simultaneously. To learn more, call us toll-free today: 866-930-4673.
