There is a high potential for those of us with ADD / ADHD to fall victim to substance abuse. There are various reasons why this occurs…
This may be due to the fact that our empathetic nature back fires and we become highly sensitized to our typical shortcomings. Overtime, our self image may depress to the point that we subconsciously seek relief to numb any feelings of inadequacy through drugs or alcohol.
Alternately, we may simply be seeking a way to calm our very active brains. Perhaps it starts as an evening cordial to help make you sleepy, or a hit of pot in the middle of the night to calm your mind. Whatever the case, the source of soothing starts to become a necessity as your body creates tolerances to the drug and requires more for the same effect.
Whatever the initial reasons, once we start self-medicating it is difficult not to descend the slippery slope to addiction. An article in the March-April 1996 issue of American Scientist indicates that “In the Unites Stats alone, there are 18 million alcoholics…” and “6 million cocaine addicts” and “14.9 million who abuse other substances”. Of the estimated 8 to 15 million people afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder, it is thought that 30-50% self medicate to the point of substance abuse.
Whether you have ADD or not, if you abuse alcohol or other drugs it’s important for you to reach out and get some help.
One useful source of information can be found here:
Thousands of Alcoholism and Addiction Resources – www.SoberRecovery.com
Let’s not mince words: There is a strong relationship between ADD and Substance Abuse.
I’m hopeful, for you, that if you are still reading this it is because you are ready to get help. Please do… It is probably the most important thing you could do for yourself.
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