Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common co-occurring disorders diagnosed alongside substance use disorder (SUD). The symptoms and side effects of ADHD vary significantly from person to person and exist along a spectrum. Healthcare professionals use evidence-based and holistic modalities to treat addiction and co-occurring ADHD. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff to tailor treatment services to accommodate clients with ADHD and other conditions.
Clients With ADHD May Experience Unique Symptoms and Side Effects
Healthcare professionals must keep in mind how co-occurring conditions, including ADHD, may impact a client’s ability to adhere to treatment guidelines and achieve lasting sobriety. Flexible rehabilitation programs treat all active conditions simultaneously and allow for accommodations. Experts in mental health and addiction work together to effectively address any symptoms or side effects clients experience during early recovery.
Individuals diagnosed with co-occurring SUD and ADHD may experience unique symptoms, including:
- Impulsivity
- Difficulty delaying gratification
- Increased cravings and intrusive thoughts
- Forgetfulness
- Disorganization
- Intense mood swings and emotion dysregulation
- Trouble with low stimulation and boredom
- Chronic sleep disturbances or irregular sleep patterns
- Impaired executive function
- Inconsistent motivation and difficulty following through with set goals
Clinicians benefit from collaborating with clients to determine the most effective way to manage issues affecting client focus, energy, and commitment to recovery. Treatment plans generally include a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. According to Cureus, “Non-pharmacologic interventions proposed for the management of ADHD include mindfulness-based stress management, exercise, and meditation amongst others.” Staff at Driftwood Recovery accommodate clients with ADHD who may need additional structure or support to remain actively engaged in treatment.
Creating Personalized Care Plans for Specific Groups
Tailored care plans allow mental health and addiction experts to adjust treatment as needed to meet client goals. Healthcare professionals create personalized treatment plans by doing the following:
- Utilizing comprehensive assessments
- Identifying client goals
- Customizing therapeutic modalities
- Offering medication management
- Addressing sensory and environment considerations
- Enhancing coping skills
- Offering family and social support
- Gradually exposing clients to triggers
- Offering practical support adhering to treatment
- Comprehensive aftercare planning
An individualized approach to client care improves the effectiveness of addiction treatment for clients with ADHD. According to the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, “The premise is that individual differences are likely to exist in the effects of treatments and that if those individual differences can be predicted, they can be used to select the most effective treatment for a particular individual.” Tailored care plans reduce the risk of relapse. The dedicated professionals at Driftwood Recovery educate clients and their loved ones on the various treatment options to ensure they make informed decisions about their care.
Being Mindful of Co-Occurring Conditions to Better Serve Clients
Co-occurring conditions may interfere with rehabilitation, making it more difficult for healthcare professionals to treat clients. Individuals with SUD and ADHD may have other co-occurring conditions affecting their ability to adhere to treatment programs. Being mindful of all active disorders and underlying issues ensures that addiction and mental health professionals provide appropriate treatment options to meet each client’s unique needs.
Healthcare Professionals Can Adjust Treatment Programs to Support Clients With ADHD
Treatment programs should meet clients’ needs by anticipating and addressing issues affecting client engagement. Healthcare professionals often use an integrative approach to care and collaboration to ensure clients can access essential support.
Some potential accommodations that addiction and mental health professionals provide to clients with ADHD include the following:
- Allowing movement or breaks during therapy
- Breaking therapy down into shorter sessions
- Supplementing treatment with written or visual instructions and guidelines
- Adjusting expectations and treating clients with compassion if they struggle with memory issues or focus
- Teaching effective strategies for emotional regulation
- Recognizing and addressing impulsivity during relapse prevention education
- Teaching time management strategies
- Allowing for greater flexibility in treatment sessions
Healthcare professionals work with each client to determine what symptoms or side effects of their ADHD may need to be addressed through accommodations or other forms of support.
How Do Professionals at Driftwood Recovery Treat Clients With ADHD?
Individuals with co-occurring SUD and ADHD benefit from tailored care focused on both conditions. According to The American Journal on Addictions, “Given the common co-occurrence of ADHD with SUD, clinicians working with patients with SUD must be proficient in the identification and treatment of ADHD.” The staff members at Driftwood Recovery treat ADHD using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies.
Preparing Clients for Lasting Sobriety With Comprehensive Aftercare Planning
Clients with ADHD often struggle to manage cravings, everyday stressors, and intrusive thoughts. Healthcare professionals improve the effectiveness of treatment and help clients continue making progress in their healing journey by developing comprehensive aftercare plans. Staff prepare clients for long-term recovery by educating them in the realities of recovery from addiction with ADHD.
Some of the factors clients and clinicians must consider during aftercare planning include:
- Greater risk of impulsive relapse during continuing care
- Need for increased accountability and frequent check-ins
- Greater risk of boredom leading to relapse
- Need for structured routines
The experts at Driftwood Recovery work together to ensure that clients feel confident and prepared for long-term sobriety by providing detailed aftercare plans and referrals to additional resources.
ADHD affects everyone differently. Some individuals may not need additional accommodations to successfully participate in structured treatment. However, other clients may require therapy, prescription medications, or other treatments to control symptoms of ADHD during rehabilitation and aftercare. ADHD cannot be “cured” and must be managed long-term. Healthcare professionals use their experience and expertise to help clients and their families navigate recovery. Driftwood Recovery treats clients with ADHD and other co-occurring disorders using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. The personalized approach improves treatment outcomes and ensures clients have the ability to focus on their treatments. To learn more about our facility, programs, and treatments, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.