Book highlights ADHD’s heightened risk of addiction

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have an increased risk of developing an addiction, but this link is still not adequately reflected in treatment, according to a report by ORF. Science journalist and former alcoholic Gaby Guzek has written a book on the subject with her daughter Lisa, who has been diagnosed with ADHD.

Lisa Guzek’s diagnosis followed an experience in which she found it easier to study for her driving theory test after drinking alcohol. She said she was able to remember questions that had previously caused her difficulty and later recalled all 30 questions.

Her mother said there was a scientific explanation for this. In broad terms, ADHD involves a dopamine deficiency in the brain, she said. Dopamine helps people feel rewarded and learn. Alcohol and other drugs increase dopamine levels, which can temporarily make it easier for people with ADHD to concentrate and retain information.

Gaby Guzek criticised the fact that people with addiction problems are not routinely tested for ADHD, despite the strong link between the condition and various forms of addiction. She said conventional addiction treatment often fails when ADHD is not recognised.

ADHD must be treated at the same time as the addiction, or even beforehand, Guzek said. Medication can help create the mental calm needed to complete addiction treatment successfully, she added.

According to the report, one in two people with ADHD develops an addiction during their lifetime. Conversely, many people with addictions may have undiagnosed ADHD. Alcohol, cannabis and nicotine are often used as a form of self-medication, the report said.

Guzek said parents should consider medication for their children at an early stage because of the risk of addiction. She said she understood parents’ concerns, but argued they should also worry about what might happen if treatment was not at least attempted.

Lisa Guzek is now part of an ADHD self-help group. She passed the theoretical part of her driving test with a score of 100 per cent.

The book is titled Suchtrisiko ADHS: Wenn das Gehirn nicht anders kann: Warum Betroffene besonders suchtgefährdet sind und wie sie sich schützen können. It was published by Heyne under ISBN 978-3453607361.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can also occur without obvious hyperactivity, a form known as the hypoactive type. The condition has a strong genetic component, and after a child is diagnosed, parents or other close family members are often found to be affected as well.

Diagnoses are most commonly made when children start school, when difficulties with attention and concentration, impulsivity and physical restlessness often first become apparent. Symptoms vary widely in severity. Learning difficulties, motor problems and eating disorders can also occur, while depression and autism spectrum disorder are possible accompanying conditions.