Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is found in children, adolescents and adults. Over the last decade researchers have spent much time devoted to the causes, signs and solutions for adults living with ADD. Dr. Edward M. Hallowell is one of our nation’s top researchers and practitioners in the area of adult ADD. His seminal work, Driven To Distraction, written with Dr. John J. Ratey, speaks to the growing attention that mental health care professionals and addiction counselors are paying to ADD.
Drs. Hallowell and Ratey define the cause of ADD in adults as, “A neurological syndrome whose classic defining triad of symptoms include impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity or excess energy.” For the suffering individual, choosing to use illegal drugs and alcohol is an ill-advised solution. Shown here, the research demonstrates the correlation between children and adults with ADHD/ADD and addiction to drugs and/or alcohol:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects more children than any other behavioral disorder. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, up to 5 percent of kids meet the criteria for ADHD, yet many go undiagnosed until they are teens or adults. Impulsive behavior, inability to pay attention and excessive physical activity are the hallmark signs of ADHD. Because this condition can have a negative impact on academic performance, social development and job success, a lot of teens and adults who live with ADHD (ADD) also fall victim to substance abuse and addiction.
In Driven To Distraction, Hallowell and Ratey identify the negative effects that addiction and adult ADD have on the suffering individual and his/he family. They write, “If you have ADD, you are 40 percent more likely to get divorced than if you don’t, and 30 percent more likely to be unemployed. Estimates run as high as 40 percent of the addicted population having ADD, and a significant proportion of the eating-disorder population”.
Our concern at AToN Center is for the suffering individual and their families. We excel at identifying the root causes of mental illness and the triggers or negative coping skills that one has turned to with disastrous effects. We excel at helping adults diagnosed depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD/ADD and addiction.
Our educational curriculum and individual therapy assists our residents in managing these symptoms behaviorally and protecting them from utilizing prescribed medications (such as stimulants or benzodiazepines) which may lead to relapse. Please consider talking to your loved one and urge them to call AToN Center for how we can help anyone suffering from addiction, anxiety, depression and ADD.
Chris McDuffie
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516
