Adhd and Substance Abuse
ADHD and Substance Abuse
The Evidence Of Substance Abuse With ADHD The purpose of this paper is to identify the link between ADHD and substance abuse. Substance abuse is a true threat to people who are diagnosed with psychological disorders. Among the questions of precursors to substance abuse, lies the hypothesis that individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Multiple studies have been done to either prove or disprove this hypothesis. This paper will discuss the results of those studies and demonstrate whether this hypothesis stands true or false. ADHD is a disorder characterized as a chronic neurobehavioral problem. The exact etiology is unknown, however, it is believed that inherited genetic factors, environmental factors, lead exposure, dysfunctioning dopaminergic or noradrenergic neurotransmitters can be possible causes. Symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsitivity-hyperactivity. Children diagnosed with ADHD are at risk for academic, behavioral, and social functioning difficulties. These risk factors usually manifest themselves in both childhood and adolescent years. Treatments are available, but nonetheless, have been controversial since their evolution. ADHD first came to light in 1845 in a children’s book called The Story Of FidgetyPhillip, written by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman (Sircy & Stojanoski, 2008). A British physician, Dr. George Still described the disorder as a medical problem, and not a disciplinary problem. He published multiple articles and lectured his belief to many of students. Eventually, in 1937, Dr.Charles Bradley began prescribing stimulants to treat this disorder in children. It wasn’t until 1987, that the disorder earned its recognition by the American Psychiatric Associations (APA).Since
The Evidence Of Substance Abuse With ADHD The purpose of this paper is to identify the link between ADHD and substance abuse. Substance abuse is a true threat to people who are diagnosed with psychological disorders. Among the questions of precursors to substance abuse, lies the hypothesis that individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Multiple studies have been done to either prove or disprove this hypothesis. This paper will discuss the results of those studies and demonstrate whether this hypothesis stands true or false. ADHD is a disorder characterized as a chronic neurobehavioral problem. The exact etiology is unknown, however, it is believed that inherited genetic factors, environmental factors, lead exposure, dysfunctioning dopaminergic or noradrenergic neurotransmitters can be possible causes. Symptoms of ADHD are inattention and impulsitivity-hyperactivity. Children diagnosed with ADHD are at risk for academic, behavioral, and social functioning difficulties. These risk factors usually manifest themselves in both childhood and adolescent years. Treatments are available, but nonetheless, have been controversial since their evolution. ADHD first came to light in 1845 in a children’s book called The Story Of FidgetyPhillip, written by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman (Sircy & Stojanoski, 2008). A British physician, Dr. George Still described the disorder as a medical problem, and not a disciplinary problem. He published multiple articles and lectured his belief to many of students. Eventually, in 1937, Dr.Charles Bradley began prescribing stimulants to treat this disorder in children. It wasn’t until 1987, that the disorder earned its recognition by the American Psychiatric Associations (APA).Since
References: Sircy, R. & Stojanoski, A. (2008). ADHD treatment and the risk of substance abuse. Volkow, N.D., & Swanson, J. M. (2008). Does childhood treatment of ADHD withstimulant medication affect substance abuse in adulthood? Schachar, R. (2009). ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Childhood NeurologicDisorders in Adulthood, 15(6), pages 78-97. doi: 10. 1212/01.