Notices

Diagnsed ADHD and Alcoholism?

Old 05-14-2013, 05:08 PM
  # 1 (permalink)  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 12
Diagnsed ADHD and Alcoholism?

I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2001(after my 6y/o son was and he's now 18) but never really must the two together and neither did any of my physicians until recently. Has anyone else experienced this disorder/addiction and make out? I can't believe I didn't figure this out before now but things are getting worse.
mel1972 is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 05:12 PM
  # 2 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 198
Originally Posted by mel1972 View Post
I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2001(after my 6y/o son was and he's now 18) but never really must the two together and neither did any of my physicians until recently. Has anyone else experienced this disorder/addiction and make out? I can't believe I didn't figure this out before now but things are getting worse.
I do. I am day 2. Also have autism. I don't have much advice but you are not alone.
Fishy is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 05:52 PM
  # 3 (permalink)  
bona fido dog-lover
 
least's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,671
Have you seen a counselor or a specialist about this? I'd start with professional help in dealing with the ADHD and alcoholism. That's a lot to deal with all by yourself.
least is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 06:03 PM
  # 4 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Western PA
Posts: 151
My husband was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. It caused him many issues as an adult and he finally started medication about 5 years ago. The meds helped, but he refused counseling or life coaching. In the past year or so, I have observed that drinking has become a large problem. He is also off his meds and likely suffering from depression. He denies all of this.

I think that ADHD does make this harder. I think it is important that you work with therapists and doctors who understand both.
Archangelesk is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 06:27 PM
  # 5 (permalink)  
Administrator
 
Anna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,326
I'm glad you know now that you have this diagnosis and hopefully your dr can give you advice on how to deal with this.
Anna is online now  
Old 05-14-2013, 07:40 PM
  # 6 (permalink)  
Member
 
choublak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,796
Acceptance is key.
choublak is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 08:04 PM
  # 7 (permalink)  
Member
 
Wastinglife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
I was finally diagnosed with ADD when I went to rehab for alcoholism. ADD and addiction is a very common combination especially in those whose ADD hasn't been diagnosed yet.
Wastinglife is offline  
Old 05-14-2013, 08:16 PM
  # 8 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: mo
Posts: 183
Yep! I was diagnosed seven months after getting sober. It retrospect, I see a huge connection. I used alcohol as a medication, calming my mind and helping me deal with stress and transitions (my nemesis! Transitions are really tough on me, distracting and drive me to seek comfort). Since I am sober, it's been much easier to deal with my ADHD, learn better skills, etc.

Question: are you still drinking? It really is easier to deal with ADHD characteristics when sober. My life has improved dramatically, in ways I didn't even imagine. Are you receiving any treatment for ADHD?
auden67 is offline  
Old 05-16-2013, 03:27 PM
  # 9 (permalink)  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 12
Yes, I'm still drinking(to calm me down) and no I'm not receiving any treatment for my ADHD. I've gone a few days without drinking and today at work I was so irritable and on edge that I felt like ripping someone's head off(actually a few co-workers thought I did). This is why I'm having so much difficulty with quitting drinking. It's a vicious cycle.
mel1972 is offline  
Old 05-16-2013, 04:30 PM
  # 10 (permalink)  
Member
 
EverySngleNight's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Posts: 552
I have add-I, and one of the difficulties I have is forming new habits. Most people have difficulty with that. But really if you don't have add you can't possibly understand. (Just like people without drinking problems don't understand alcoholics.) I'm seeking treatment for both and haven't had luck yet BUT, I can't start drinking no matter what. You had a slip- but you CAN do this. You - like me - are probably going to need extra help. It's our burden to bare and we CAN learn to be productive and healthy- with the right help! ADD is VERY treatable! Don't lose faith in yourself. Try to ask for help. Stay strong and pls keep posting!
EverySngleNight is offline  
Old 05-17-2013, 09:12 AM
  # 11 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Western PA
Posts: 151
It makes me happy to hear from people with ADHD or ADD who believe that they can overcome the challenges. There is so much more information out there now about how this disorder functions in the adult population and how to make the adjustments that are necessary to succeed.

I have been seeing articles about ADHD medications and a bad reaction with alcohol. See the link below, the second page:
Why Adderall and Alcohol do Not Mix - Medication - ADHD.

My husband has confirmed that this is true for him. So, not only is alcohol use a potentional crutch in dealing with ADHD, but it can be very dangerous if you are medicated for your ADHD with amphetamines.
Archangelesk is offline  
Old 05-17-2013, 10:41 AM
  # 12 (permalink)  
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada. About as far south as you can get
Posts: 4,768
Originally Posted by mel1972 View Post
Yes, I'm still drinking(to calm me down) and no I'm not receiving any treatment for my ADHD. I've gone a few days without drinking and today at work I was so irritable and on edge that I felt like ripping someone's head off(actually a few co-workers thought I did). This is why I'm having so much difficulty with quitting drinking. It's a vicious cycle.
It was a vicious cycle for me as well until I committed to Alcoholics Anonymous.

You might want to check AA out .. you will hear your story told there over and over again by folks just like yourself.

All the best.

Bob R
2granddaughters is offline  
Old 05-18-2013, 03:16 PM
  # 13 (permalink)  
Member
 
choublak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,796
Originally Posted by Archangelesk View Post
It makes me happy to hear from people with ADHD or ADD who believe that they can overcome the challenges. There is so much more information out there now about how this disorder functions in the adult population and how to make the adjustments that are necessary to succeed.

I have been seeing articles about ADHD medications and a bad reaction with alcohol. See the link below, the second page:
Why Adderall and Alcohol do Not Mix - Medication - ADHD.

My husband has confirmed that this is true for him. So, not only is alcohol use a potentional crutch in dealing with ADHD, but it can be very dangerous if you are medicated for your ADHD with amphetamines.
And this is why I don't drink.
choublak is offline  

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:25 AM.