ADHD and Addiction: Why It Works at First

🔽In this video,🔽 0:00 The question of ADHD and Substance Use 0:48 ADHD isn't just "Bad Attention" 1:31 Executive Functioning: The Brain's Manager 3:17 Why ADHD Brains Seek Regulation 3:31 The Three Reasons ADHD Turns to Substances 3:55 Reason One: Neurovulnerability 4:41 Reason Two: Shame 6:08 Reason Three: Genetics and Environment 6:50 The Dopamine Spike Trap 8:52 Medication, Misuse, and the Differences 11:34 What To Do If You Have ADHD and Substance Use Struggles 13:04 Shame Is Not the Answer The scariest thing about addiction, when you have ADHD, is not always that it ruins your life. It’s that, at first, it can feel like it works. That does not mean the substance is safe, healthy, or worth continuing. It means we need to ask a better question: what is the substance doing for the person? Resources: https://therapybyyou.com/resources/ Comment below: what do you think substance use most often replaces for people with ADHD: focus, calm, sleep, confidence, or relief from shame? Disclaimer (Therapy By You / Your Brain): I’m Mike Shihadeh, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. Your Brain is educational content, not therapy or medical advice, and watching doesn’t create a therapist–client relationship. If you’re in immediate danger or considering self-harm, call your local emergency number (U.S.: call/text 988). If you’re outside the U.S., use your country’s emergency/crisis resources. Important note: Do not stop alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or heavy substance use patterns cold turkey without medical support. Withdrawal can be dangerous. Talk with a qualified medical professional. Therapy By You 31600 Telegraph Rd. Ste 280, Bingham Farms, Michigan Citations: Lee et al. (2011) Clin Psychol Rev, 31(3), 328–341. NIMH ADHD dopamine/reward system reference. SAMHSA extended-release stimulant / SUD risk mitigation advisory. Healthy Gamer / Dr. K stimulant:    • The Honest Truth of ADHD & Adderall Meds