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Guest blog - by registered mental health coach Paulette Crowley from Good Health Coach
Around about half the clients I see as a mental health coach tell me they have suspected or diagnosed ADHD, although they've initially come to me help with addiction.
That figure pretty much represents what the latest NZ Drug and Alcohol study into ADHD reports, that about half of all people with ADHD will qualify for a diagnosis of substance abuse disorder (read addiction), at some point in their lives.
The link between ADHD, mental health and addiction
Despite mountains of quality evidence linking ADHD to poor mental health and addiction, many people with ADHD are often first treated with for its symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. They are often misdiagnosed with conditions like bipolar, major depressive disorder, anxiety and CPTSD. If they reach out for help with an addiction, they're given the run-of-the-mill addiction treatment. But this one-size-fits-all approach doesn't necessarily help people with this condition. There really is a link between ADHD and addiction.
I had to fight against my brain the whole time, which was impulsive, dopamine-starved and poorly regulated my mood, concentration and energy.
We all need to be aware of the link between ADHD, mental health and addiction. Ideally, ADHD should be treated first, followed by the other conditions. If that's not possible, clinicians and coaches need keen awareness of how people the brains of people with ADHD work. If this can be treated effectively through correct diagnosis, suitable medication, appropriate mental health support and lifestyle tools, the mental health conditions and addiction become way more manageable.
Unlocking the mystery – the link between ADHD, mental health and addiction
In my experience, it wasn't until my ADHD was fully treated that I realised why I struggled so hard with depression, anxiety and addiction. I had to fight against my brain the whole time, which was impulsive, dopamine-starved and poorly regulated my mood, concentration and energy. It's a miracle that I managed to get sober for as many years as I did with knowledge of a condition that was actively working against me.
Since my diagnosis and treatment, my mental health is miles better. I didn't know that life could be so good. And I'm still sober. But although I'm obviously thrilled with my improved health, there's part of me that is deeply angry that I didn't find out about my ADHD. For decades, I blamed myself for not being able to do what I wanted and what others expected of me. I am still grieving the life that I could have had if I had been diagnosed and treated as a child.
Everyone deserves good mental health and sobriety
So, excuse me for the overshare (which is so ADHD) but I am really keen to help others with ADHD get the good mental health and sobriety they deserve.
If you don't have ADHD, you might be a tad over hearing all about us and our struggles. Sorry for that but hey, hopefully you'll have learnt enough about the condition to become aware and hopefully respect those affected.
If you're a health professional or clinician, I hope that you have an excellent understanding of this complex condition - which is still under diagnosed and under treated - any time you see or treat anyone struggling with mental health and addiction. That could be the difference between full recovery and wellness, and years stuck in misdiagnosis, despair and illness.
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