Is ADHD associated with risk-taking behaviors like tobacco abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, or crime?
Dr. Larimore: Some studies indicate that there is an association between ADHD and the abuse of alcohol and drugs, as well as criminal activity. When it comes to tobacco abuse, a study from the University of California, Berkeley, reported "a significant difference in rates of daily smoking and tobacco dependence for those with ADHD who had used stimulant medication in childhood in contrast to controls." These researchers felt there was a possible link between ADHD treatment histories and levels of tobacco dependence in adulthood.
However, most experts believe these antisocial behaviors are much more likely in those who have ADHD and another disorder, such as conduct disorders and mental health disorders. They believe those who have ADHD alone, and who are treated with medication, do not appear to be at increased risk for these problems. In fact, they point to a study that showed that medication for children with ADHD reduced the probability of substance use disorder (SUD) by 85 percent when compared with the risk among unmedicated kids with ADHD.
The general danger of the typical characteristics of ADHD, particularly in adolescence and adulthood, is a desire for high risk activity. Dr. Dobson points out, "Even as children, they can be accident-prone. But, as they get older, rock climbing, bungee jumping, car racing, motorcycle riding, white-water rafting and other high-risk activities are among their favorite activities."
Thus, "Adults with ADHD are sometimes called 'adrenaline junkies,' because they are hooked on the 'high' produced by the adrenaline rush associated with dangerous behavior. Others are more susceptible to drug use, alcoholism, and other addictive behaviors." Consequently, about 40 percent of adolescents living with ADHD have been arrested by their eighteenth birthday.
Dr. Dobson warns those with ADHD: "Some adults who have ADHD are at higher risk for marital conflict, too. It can be very irritating to a compulsive, highly ordered husband or wife to be married to a 'messie' - someone whose life is chaotic and one who forgets to pay the bills, fix the car, or keep records for income-tax reports. Such a couple usually need professional counseling to help them learn to work together and capitalize on each other's strengths." Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Nevertheless, for many who live with ADHD, the symptoms will diminish with neurologic social maturing. Nevertheless, it's helpful for all of us to realize that many of those living with ADHD can, with instruction, skill, and mentoring, demonstrate in remarkable ways their outstanding giftedness - which can include creativity, energy, enterprising thinking, and leadership skills.
Dr. Larimore: I'll never forget meeting Sarah. She was failing her college classes. She had gone through four roommates, each complaining of her messiness and lack of organization. She was a social butterfly known for her creativity and energy. Yet her study habits were atrocious. She felt she had made it through high school based upon her ability to talk her way through difficult academic situations.
Sarah had recently been arrested for a DUI and madjuana was found In the car. Her favorite memories included bungee jumping and skydiving. But she was seeing me for depression. She had trouble sleeping and had "no friends left."
Although I sensed she was depressed and that her self-asteem was at rock bottom, I wondered if there wasn't something else going on. Her lab tests were all normal. Her depression-screening questionnaire was borderline positive. But her Conner's Scale questionnaire for ADHD was very high.
I told her, "Sarah, in a sense, even the word 'disorder' in ADHD is somewhat misleading, because the syndrome has so many positive features." She wrinkled up her forehead and blurted out, "No way!"
"Way!" I responded. We laughed. Then, I pulled out a copy of an article from Time magazine and read this to her: "[People with ADHD] see themselves as creative; their impulsiveness can be viewed as spontaneity; hyperactivity gives them enormous energy and drive; even their distractibility has the virtue of making them alert to changes in the environment. People with ADHD are wild, funny, and effervescent. They have lots of life." Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
"Sounds like me!" she exclaimed.
I agree. Furthermore, Sarah, ADHD can almost always be treated successfully with a number of therapies. Wanna learn more?"
"You bet!"
The more I discussed ADHD with Sarah, the more her eyes tit up. I asked Sarah to see a psychiatrist experienced in caring for adults and adolescents with ADHD to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other possible causes for her symptoms. She agreed.
The psychiatrist spent a fair amount of time with Sarah and her parents. By the end of the consultation, all agreed ADHD was the likely diagnosis. They discussed treatment options and together agreed to begin family therapy. Sarah also chose to try one of the longer-acting stimulant medications.
Not only that. we all think my brother may also be ADHD. And, although he hasn't yet admitted it, I think Daddy has it. So. we've got a long way to go, but Doc, you've got us heading down the right road."
Eventually, Sarah graduated with honors. Today she is in her last year of medical school and, no surprise to me. has chose to in psychiatry.
So you you want to be like Sarah, or have your children to grow up as a doctor and someone outstanding? Get Adult Attention Deficit Disorder right now and learn the ways to handle them.
