Attention Deficit Disorder and Addiction

In the July 2014 issue of The Sober World, Dr. Silverman discusses the impact and relationship ADD/ADHD has on addiction and how treatment for ADD/ADHD can help reduce the risk for future addiction. 

This insightful article by Dr. Sanford J. Silverman examines the often-overlooked relationship between Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and addiction, including:

• The prevalence of ADD/ADHD in the United States (affecting approximately 15 million people)
• How the symptoms of ADD/ADHD—difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation challenges—create vulnerability to substance abuse
• Research showing that individuals with ADD/ADHD are up to twice as likely to develop addictive behaviors
• The encouraging news that treating ADD/ADHD can help address underlying factors driving addiction
• Various treatment approaches, including both medication-based therapies and drug-free alternatives like neurofeedback

The article, on page 10, offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between attention disorders and addiction and potential pathways to more effective treatment.