Addiction
Types of addiction
How do I know if I have ADHD? Does my child have ADHD?
Many people with ADHD aren't aware they have it. They will be aware however that everyday tasks seem more difficult for them than for others. Typical symptoms are finding it hard to focus, missing deadlines and trouble controlling impulses, ranging from impatience to mood swings and outbursts of anger. Other symptoms include:
- Trouble multitasking.
- Excessive activity or restlessness.
- Poor planning.
- Hot temper.
- Trouble coping with stress.
What ADHD is not
The above list may be familiar to most people at different times in their lives. If these symptoms occur only occasionally, they probably don't have ADHD. A doctor usually diagnoses when someone’s symptoms cause problems that stop a person working, finding stable housing, or living normally and safely.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults is often trickier because the same symptoms also occur in mental health conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have at least one other mental health condition (depression and anxiety are the most common).
At what age do ADHD symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually start before the age of 12 and continue into adulthood.
How long does ADHD last?
ADHD is a lifelong condition, though it often becomes less marked in adulthood. But it can be effectively managed. The first step is to see a doctor and start seeking a diagnosis.
How many people have ADHD?
In the UK, the incidence of ADHD in school-aged children is thought to be between 3 and 5%. In adults it is between 3 and 4%.
What causes ADHD?
We still don’t know for sure. An enormous amount of research is focused on finding the causes of ADHD. Factors that may be involved include:
- Genetics.
- Environment.
- Problems during development.
What are the risk factors for ADHD?
The risk of a person developing ADHD may increase if:
- Family members suffer from ADHD.
- During pregnancy the mother smokes, drinks, or uses drugs.
- A child is premature.
What are the impacts of delayed diagnosis of ADHD?
ADHD has been linked to:
- Poor school or work performance.
- Unemployment.
- Financial problems.
- Trouble with the police.
- Alcohol or drug misuse.
- Unstable relationships.
- Poor self-esteem.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Making the diagnosis normally includes:
- Asking questions about symptoms and family medical history.
- ADHD tests to measure symptoms.
What are the treatments for ADHD?
ADHD is normally treated through a two-pronged approach:
- Medication.
- Therapy.
ADHD medication
Doctors might prescribe stimulants for ADHD – which might seem counterintuitive, but has a strong evidence basis for regulating brain activity.
Some ADHD patients might also benefit from antidepressants or other medication, but in every case a doctor is best placed to advise on what to take.
Therapy for ADHD
Psychotherapy is indicated for people with ADHD but behavioural therapies can also help manage traits that make people with ADHD disorganised, and teach useful skills as well.
Help and information about ADHD
ADHD (NHS Choices)
NHS Choices provides information about the signs, symptoms and treatment for depression.
ADHD Foundation
For people with an ADHD diagnoses, this charity provides resources and advocacy.
Young Minds
Aimed at young people, this profile of ADHD explains what it is, how to seek treatment and mental health concerns for people with ADHD in a clear and straightforward way.
youngminds.org.uk
Click here to see practitioners who specialise in
Addiction
Drug addiction
Compulsive drug-taking can be an escape valve for difficult feelings and stresses, but by avoiding unpleasant feelings, a person puts their relationships, friendships, work, creativity and security on the line. People who use drugs regularly might typically take cocaine, weed, steroids, prescription painkillers, legal highs or ketamine but crack cocaine, benzos (such as Xanax), kratom, heroin, and speed are also used alone or alongside these drugs. Regardless of what drugs you use, specialist doctors and therapists can advise on how to treat the underlying problem that sustains drug addiction.
Alcohol addiction
Drinking more than 14 units (seven pints, 14 small measures or a bottle and half of wine) on a regular basis puts a person over the threshold for alcohol misuse. If a person’s drinking habits affect their ability to work, enjoy relationships and hobbies or keep themselves and loved ones safe, they might benefit from outside help and support. Seeing a therapist about the reasons for drinking more than you want or need to can help express the feelings under the behaviours, expose bingeing cycles, and look for ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings that don’t rely on alcohol.
Gaming addiction
The UK’s first service for internet and gaming ‘disorders’ opened in 2019, a sign of how seriously the NHS takes under-25s’ vulnerability to gaming and social media. Although gaming is not physically addictive, dependence on gaming to cope with stress affects people’s ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. Therapists are increasingly skilled in supporting adults and children who are worried about the amount of time they spend gaming or on social media, and how their relationship with gaming or social media is affecting other parts of their lives.
Sex addiction
Sex addiction, perhaps more accurately called sexual dependency, describes sexual behaviour that feels dangerous and compulsive. People with experience of compulsive sexual behaviour sometimes attribute it to unhappy sexual experiences such as abuse or assault. For people worried about dangerous or compulsive sexual behaviour, therapy can be a good place to discuss desires, fears and memories without judgement.
Shopping addiction
Although shopping is not physically addictive, when spending gets out of control the consequences can be devastating. Therapy is an excellent place to discuss the feelings before and after spending money, explore the client’s relationship with money, and ask how they can address compulsive spending.
How many people have addiction problems?
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people in the UK are addicted to something. The latest figures for the UK show that around 268,000 adults are in treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
What are the causes of addiction?
There are many reasons for addictions. With drugs, alcohol and nicotine, the substances themselves affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings are often enjoyable and activate the body’s reward system, triggering a powerful incentive to use them again.
Gambling, shopping or sex result in a similar mental "high" which can develop into a habit that becomes hard to stop.
The state of addiction also means that when a person doesn’t satisfy their addiction, they suffer from withdrawal symptoms, which range in severity from an inability to concentrate, or depression, all the way through to nausea and vomiting and even death. Because of the unpleasantness of this “come down,” it's easier to carry on having or doing what you are addicted to.
What are the treatments for addiction?
Addictions are treatable. However, the treatment varies depending on what type of addiction a person is struggling with. Alcohol and drug addiction for example often require a mixture of medications and talk therapy.
Am I an addict? What should I do if I have an addiction?
If you feel you may be addicted to something, speak to one of our expert psychiatrists, psychologists or psychotherapists who are highly qualified to help people with addictions. They will provide you with the support you need on your journey to recovery.
Other helpful resources for people affected by addiction
We Are With You
Formerly Addaction UK, this charity provides confidential advice and information for alcohol and drug addiction, and mental health concerns after addiction.
wearewithyou.org.uk
M-Alliance
A network of specialists and professionals advocating for treatment.
m-alliance.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
The first twelve-step programme, these confidential groups offer a place to share and be accountable, and have inspired similar programmes for Narcotics Anonymous (UKNA), Sex Addictions Anonymous (SAA) and others.
alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
