Bonnie

How you can feel when you have ADHD   Our brains have a pathway called the Dopaminergic pathway, which controls how we feel pleasure, think, remember things, and move our bodies. When things go out of balance in this pathway, it can make us more likely to struggle with addictive behaviors like using substances excessively or engaging in risky activities. Did you know that up to 50% of individuals with continuing ADHD symptoms have a substance-use disorder?   If you have ADHD, you might have symptoms like feeling restless, having trouble controlling your mood, or feeling overwhelmed.  You are seeking the very thing that your brain struggle with: dopamine. You are on a constant quest for something that will help you feel normal, like you belong. That will quieten the constant noise in your head and give you peace. But for most of us with ADHD, peace often eludes us… Because of these feelings, you might try to find ways to calm down and get rid of the anxiety.   Why many with ADHD have addiction problems   ADHD can affect your ability to make decisions, use judgement and practice self- control, you might end up turning to substances that temporarily make you feel less restless or anxious, and more like everyone else. This feeling of relief can be addictive, leading to a cycle of substance abuse.   Research shows that people with ADHD often have genes that make them more likely to develop addictive behaviors. ADHD is a condition that affects the structure and function of the brain, as well as how certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine, and other neurochemicals work.   Many people with ADHD don’t realize they’re seeking substances to help them feel “normal.” Even after being diagnosed, some still struggle with substance abuse. However, treatments like medication or supplements can help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce the risk of substance abuse. (substance abuse refers to alcohol, nicotine and possibly even other drugs)   It’s important to understand how ADHD affects your brain and why you might be more prone to addictive behaviors. Substance abuse can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause other health problems. If you’re struggling, it’s essential to seek help from medical and mental health professionals who can offer safer and healthier ways to cope.   How genetic testing can help The DNA Resilience test looks at 7 neurochemicals to see how well you can handle stress and difficulties. And the DNA Mind test looks at Neurodegenerative disorders, Mood regulation and Addictive behavior – Risk for alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and opioid dependence, psychosis response from cannabis use, eating disorders (binge eating), ‘adrenaline seeking’ or risk-taking behavior. These two tests together can help someone with ADHD to get personalized advice on diet, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle changes to optimize your resilience and improve your overall health. I also recommend my clients get a functional test to look at neurochemical metabolite levels, micronutrients, amino acids, fatty acids and proteins. Contact me for more info on these tests to orders yours and receive nutrigenetic feedback.   Interested in learning more about genetics and epigenetics? Then sign up for my exclusive membership here . This membership gives you access to a wealth of information for life! With a single once-off fee. Increase your knowledge and learn how to improve your genetic expression.   Sources: Sullivan MA, Rudnik-Levin F. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance abuse. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Jun;931:251-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05783.x. PMID: 11462745. Zulauf CA, Sprich SE, Safren SA, Wilens TE. The complicated relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2014 Mar;16(3):436. doi: 10.1007/s11920-013-0436-6. PMID: 24526271; PMCID: PMC4414493. Anker E, Haavik J, Heir T. Alcohol and drug use disorders in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Prevalence and associations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and emotional dysregulation. World J Psychiatry. 2020 Sep 19;10(9):202-211. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i9.202. PMID: 33014721; PMCID: PMC7515748.