ADD or ADHD and Addiction Therapy at Banyan Heartland

When a patient suffers from both ADD or ADHD and addiction simultaneously, this is known as a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis disorder is when there is a mental illness and problematic addiction disorder at the same time. It is important that those suffering from a dual diagnosis receive the proper treatment that addresses both disorders together. Those who suffer from ADD or ADHD and addiction should be treated with an individualized dual diagnosis treatment plan; when both disorders are addressed at the same time, this makes the chances of relapse less likely.

What is ADD and ADHD?

(ADD) Attention Deficit Disorder, which is now referred to as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a behavioral disorder. Most of those who suffer from this disorder were diagnosed at a younger age than most other behavioral disorders. ADD or ADHD can affect children as early as their elementary years and symptoms can be continued through adulthood.

• Symptoms and Signs of ADD and ADHD
• Unable to concentrate
• Easily distracted
• Insomnia
• Racing thoughts
• Rapid Speech
• Daydreaming

When diagnosed, often times a doctor will prescribe a medication to counteract the hyperactivity with a stimulant prescription, also known as amphetamines. The most common names of the ADD or ADHD medications are Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin. These are also the most abused prescription amphetamines medications in our country.

ADD or ADHD and Addiction

Often times, there is an assumption that those who suffer from ADD or ADHD are more prone to addiction because of being prescribed to a stimulant medication at a young age. Prescription medications such as Adderall and Vyvanse can also be addictive for users. With some dual diagnosis scenarios, the mental disorder can cause people to self medicated with alcohol or drugs.

Self medication with illicit substances can cause problems when the abuse turns into an addiction. Full blown addiction can have devastating results for the user. It is crucial to recovery that an addiction disorder and behavioral disorder are treated concurrently to ensure a sustained recovery from drugs or alcohol. At Banyan Treatment Center we provide individualized treatment programs to overcome the symptoms brought on by both disorders.

Banyan Treatment Center Dual Diagnosis Treatment

ADD or ADHD and addiction treatment plan comes with intense therapy sessions including individual and group settings, education on both the behavioral disorder and disease of addiction, family support groups, relapse prevention and more.

Banyan Treatment Center’s goals for our dual diagnosis recovery plan is to help patients overcome both their disorder and addiction. We also encourage our patients that recovery is possible and motivate them to make positive changes in their lives in order to be a productive member of society. At Banyan, we want to support our patients during their recovery journey and always encourage their continuous growth. We feel the more supported our patients feel, the more courage they will have to continue in their battle against addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder and substance abuse, help is just a phone call away. Call Banyan Treatment Center now, we are here to help: (815) 865-3282.