Adhd and Substance Abuse

Estimates suggest that ADHD decreases in only about one-third of adolescence (santrock, 2003). It’s now being recognized that these problems may continue into adulthood. Definitive causes of ADHD have not been found. However, a number of causes have been proposed, such as low levels of certain neurotransmitter (chemical messengers in the

According to the research conducted by Dr. Laura A. King, the Frederick A. Middlebush Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri, Columbia, “ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders of childhood, in which individuals show at least one of the following: impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.”

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is classified as a syndrome that is comprised of a variety of behaviors that often arises in early childhood and is characterized by extremely high levels of motor activity, difficulties with attention span and concentrating, and/or impulsive behaviors (Cook & Cash, 2011). It has been estimated in the United States that approximately 20% of children and adolescents display signs of a psychological or behavioral disorder according to Luthy, David, Macintosh, Eden, and Beckstrand (2015). ADHD is considered one of the more prevalent psychological disorders in children, with approximately 3-7% of school-age children with an ADHD diagnosis as mentioned by Luthy et al. (2015).

It is determined ADHD, is caused by an imbalance of chemicals affecting certain parts of the human brain that work with attention, impulses and concentration Mall & Holland, (2013). Some of the symptoms include daydreaming, forgetting or losing items, and having difficulty resisting temptation. Some of the medication that is provided to patients with ADHD is Ritalin and Concerta. There are some concerns that ADHD medication may led to substance abuse Brown University, (2013). According to Brown University, (2013), the increase in the diagnosis of ADHD may have resulted from over – diagnoses of ADHD or inaccurate information reported from the parents that were surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). This report has raised questions about the increase in ADHD

Miranda et al. (2014) stated that young adults with ADHD and as well comorbid disorders have a higher risk of abuse on nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and other substance. Scully, Young and Bramham (2014) researched that seventy-three adults with ADHD were divided into two groups, one with a history pf offending behaviour, which were thirty people in total and of non-group offenders, who were forty-three people in total.

Medications is the main reason it is believed that patients develop substance abuse, to coincide and further help with their symptoms. Developing a tolerance for their prescriptions and in need of something more. Most of these patients never received medication for their ADHD because it was never found until their later years. Due to this they have other psychiatric comorbidities and turn to alcohol and drugs. I will use this article in unit three, I feel it’s interesting that these people never been diagnosed with

Most people have heard of the term Attention Deficit Hyperactive (ADHD) disorder. "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that interferes with an individual's ability to attend to tasks (inattention), inhibits one's behavior (impulsivity), and may interfere with a person's ability to regulate one's activity level (hyper-activity) in developmentally appropriate ways (Barkley 19)". The most important job for teachers and parents is to separate fact from fiction, to clarify what we know and don't know.

There are many children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and some adolescents have substance use disorders. Of many substances, besides alcohol, cocaine is a common use among the human population. However, there are strong possibilities that psychiatric doctors or counselors can misdiagnose ADHD and cocaine use disorders based on the DSM-V. Some doctors misdiagnose children and adolescents with ADHD leaving the nation either over diagnosing youth with ADHD which lead to high amounts of medication and some doctors misdiagnose those with substance use disorders such as cocaine use with ADHD, and some are diagnosed with comorbidity and would need more therapeutic treatment and prescribed medication. These incidents

First, people who suffer from ADHD are often “hyperactive, restless, impulsive, disorganized, distractible, and trouble concentrating” (Armen 77). Hence, ADHD patients have difficulty focusing on most tasks in school or works, and have trouble completing projects. Specifically, “35 percent never finishes high school, 52 percent of untreated teens and adults abuse drugs or alcohol” (Armen). The disorder was originally considered as a behavioral problem in children; however, today, it is also a serious problem in adults. The main cause of ADHD is still unclear, yet doctors believe that a child can inherit this disorder from their parents making genetics the most likely cause of ADHD. Daniel G. Amen, M.D., an award winning child and adult psychiatrist,and brain disorder specialist, claims

Some major causal variables that have been identified are categorised as neurological factors, toxic reactions, genetic linkages and environmental factors. However, most of the available evidence found, points to neurological factors, which are imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain, and genetic variables as the primary causes of ADHD. The environmental factors and toxic reactions (such as lead exposure and food additives) are considered very minimal causes of ADHD. The search for causes of ADHD continues. There are many variables which are biological or thought to have an affect on biological functioning.

The 21st century brings upon a new era in most areas of life, including education and health care. What used to be a little known and obtuse disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is now more well known and more commonplace than in previous decades and centuries. There are three specific classifications of ADHD and the paper will discuss that as well as other aspects of the disorder. Moreover, the paper will provide a close reading and analysis of interviews conducted with young people, children and teenagers, who have ADHD. In the interviews, the youth are specifically questioned as to what respect their ADHD affects their specific experience in education, as well as the affects in their general life experience.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses its site to make the public aware of certain disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). This website provides much information and knowledge on this disorder. There is sufficient information regarding ADHD for the reader that is seeking knowledge on this neurodevelopmental disorder. CDC's website provides the reader, or the parents of children with ADHD, with further understanding and knowledge concerning ADHD. The article puts forth the grave and serious facts on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. CDC explains the three different kinds of ADHD with its causes, and symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD include: hyperactivity, excessive daydreaming, and making unnecessary

The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to

ADHD is an abbreviation for attention deficit/hyper activity disorder. It is commonly referred to as a psychiatric disorder in need of therapy. The origination of the disease is in the neuro-physiological brain construct, and the main cause of the disorder is considered to be genetic (Wilson, 2012). Many children with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention (Unnever, Cullen, & Pratt, 2003). According to McNamara, Vervaeke, and Willoughby (2008), “attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder among children and adolescents. It affects between 3% and 5% of school age children” (p. 38). In a

“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and overactivity” (CHADD). “It is a neurobiological disorder that affect 3-7 percent of school age children and may be seen as before the age of 7. The current diagnostic label is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, however, in the past several other names have been used, such as brain-damaged, minimal brain dysfunction, hyperkinetic impulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder (CHADD). ADHD is a controversial disorder. Some understand it to be a true disability, while others believe “good teaching and discipline at home resolve the problems” (Kauffman 2005).