ADHD symptoms can be troublesome for people of any age. ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects both children and adults. Research from the National Institute of Health has shown that when left untreated, ADHD often leads to a drug or alcohol use disorder, including binge drinking, drug abuse, and alcoholism. However, help from behavioural treatment programs is available. Early intervention and management of the symptoms of ADHD can set up a young person for success.

Identifying Symptoms of ADHD

teen plays with fidget spinner which is thought to help with adhd symptoms If you or someone you love has undiagnosed ADHD, you may not recognize the symptoms. They may cope with the problem in several ways, including using drugs or alcohol. Alcohol sometimes helps a person with ADHD get to sleep, or unprescribed drugs may help them to deal with emotions that bubble up on a regular basis.

Common ADHD symptoms include:

  • Difficulty concentrating, inability to finish tasks, and distracted
  • Losing items and forgetfulness
  • Fidgeting
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings and impulsiveness
  • Unorganized and interrupting

Symptoms can vary in intensity from patient to patient. Before you make a diagnosis on your own, remember that some of these symptoms are common among most people. However, keep your eyes on the situation to decide when they have become disruptive to normal life. Having these problems at the intensity of it being a disorder as a child or adult can be debilitating.

Imagine that your teen recently began at a new school. They have the intelligence and education to succeed, but their inability to focus either gets them disciplined or causes problems with other students. Stress from this situation can drive one to seek relief, and they can begin binge drinking or using drugs with their peers. Recognizing the debilitating symptoms of ADHD and any behaviours of addiction can help your teen stop this cycle.

How ADHD Symptoms Affect Your Life

Emotionally: Young adults with ADHD can have problems with mood, anxiety, and conduct disorders leading to low self-esteem, and depression. The symptom of impulsivity can also lead to having a hard time regulating emotions.

Academically: Problems in school are common as the symptoms of ADHD revolve around the intake and processing of information. Specifically, the disorder makes test-taking, studying, organization, note-taking, and concentrating more difficult.

Socially: Children learn social skills at a young age, and patterns of behaviour persist as a person grows. Young people with ADHD can have a hard time forming and developing relationships with others due to their symptoms. This can lead to isolation and depression, as well as substance abuse and acting out.

Also, symptoms of ADHD hit people at all levels of functioning. People that are not diagnosed and go untreated will do well to find treatment so that they can get their lives in order and be the people that they want and deserve to be.

ADHD does not have to ruin lives. It is something treatable. If you or a loved one suffer from the symptoms of ADHD, think about talking to someone about therapy and treatment. Some programs can help those affected by ADHD learn to deal with their symptoms and live a normal life.

Treatment for ADHD

The most common treatment for ADHD at any age is medication and therapy. Much of the time, however, this is not enough. As people become older, they become more set in their behaviors. Young and old adults are likely to benefit the most from longer-term inpatient behavioral augmentation programs.

Additionally, these types of programs will teach people to learn to change their gut reactions to a variety of things. This is through rewards systems, mindfulness techniques, group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and family therapy. Venture Academy offers a comprehensive behavioral treatment program for young adults and teens. Each teen is assessed and placed in a setting that fits their needs. Each therapy plan moves at its own pace, and each teen is assessed for any continuing needs for treatment or aftercare.

In summary, if you want to find out more about how your teen can learn to live a full life with their ADHD symptoms, call Venture Academy today at 866.762.2211. We are here to help you and your family enjoy the best life possible.