San Diego, CA–This spring and summer experts recommend that San Diegans ditch alcoholic drinks in favor of healthier alternatives—especially individuals who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or another primary mental health diagnosis.
That’s because of research that indicates individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD face an increased risk of developing long-term substance use and addiction disorders.
ADHD is a condition that causes difficulty focusing, attending to tasks or controlling an individual’s energy and activity. It affects roughly 5-10% of the population, most of whom were diagnosed at a young age. Diagnosed individuals may face a variety of symptoms, from physical indicators like leg/finger/foot tapping, to constant locomotion and even things like grinding their teeth. Other nonphysical symptoms can include a persistent inability to focus, difficulty organizing thoughts and ideas and struggles with problem-solving.
Research into the root cause of ADHD has not been entirely conclusive, however medical experts believe the condition is caused by lessened activity in the prefrontal cortex—the portion of the brain associated with critical thinking, complex thought, and problem-solving. As a disorder that impacts such an important center of the brain, researchers have also found that alcohol can have a profound effect on how ADHD manifests—or not—especially in younger individuals.
“Alcohol is a depressant, a class of psychoactive substance that slows and deteriorates critical thinking processes—those same systems at work in the prefrontal cortex,” said Dr. William Bresnick, Medical Director for the San Diego Adult ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression Center. “Because of this, alcohol can often be used as a kind of self-medication for individuals with ADHD; alcohol takes the place of prescription drugs and ‘numbs’ the overactive cortex. This tempers the symptoms of ADHD. However, this can quickly go from self-medication to a worsening of symptoms.”
Dr. Bresnick is a specialist in dealing with neurological and psychological disorders and points out that the link between alcohol use and ADHD is much stronger than many people realize. In some studies, upwards of 25% of ADHD diagnoses meet the criteria for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) substance use disorder. Teens who have ADHD are especially at risk because it is associated with cannabis dependency and alcohol misuse
More recently, researchers found that 6-10% of ADHD diagnoses had alcohol use disorders (AUD), specifically.
But these issues don’t develop overnight; often, substance misuse develops over a lifetime and can creep into someone’s day-to-day slowly. For individuals diagnosed with ADHD, the major risk is that substance use as self-medication will start early and develop into a much more complex problem later in life. As Dr. Bresnick notes, these “dual diagnoses” are often circular issues—as ADHD symptoms overwhelm someone, their self-medication often leads to a host of other, worsening issues.
This problem is especially troubling for youth and college populations, who are already susceptible to risky drinking habits. For example, despite an overall decline in binge drinking habits in youth, the relative number of youth who engage in binge drinking is still high. Coupled with a diagnosis of ADHD, young people who engage in these high-risk drinking activities are in danger of developing serious, life-long dependencies.
Having ADHD is no guarantee that anyone will develop an addiction or substance use problem. Given proper attention and support, most individuals diagnosed with ADHD in their youth will lead healthy, fulfilling lives. An ADHD diagnosis does not mean someone is doomed to self-medicate, nor should it be a reason for stigma.
Instead, this information serves as a reminder that alcohol can affect everyone differently. So, this spring as San Diego prepares for outdoor weather, baseball, and all the other joys this time of year brings, consider what alcohol-free options might appeal to you and your loved ones. Getting outside and away from alcohol retailers can be a great way to dodge temptation and relieve stress at the same time. Grab water, try a new smoothie recipe, and stock the cooler with fresh juices. Keep non-alcoholic options abundant and available—especially if you have teens, who often gain the most access to alcohol at parties and at home.
Besides setting up safeguards in the home, communities can help prevent youth with ADHD diagnoses from taking up self-medication habits by reducing community access to drugs and alcohol and enabling healthier choices. Experts suggest that the reduction of things like alcohol outlet density—the number of places to buy/get alcohol in a community—can be a strong step toward preventing youth alcohol access and promoting healthier coping mechanisms.
With all these options available, consider ditching the drink this spring and going with an option that is safe for everyone.
