05/23/2025
Today we attended "Beyond the Surface: Deepening Understanding of ADHD, Substance Use, and Treatment Pathways" a webinar provided by Promises Behavioral Health
Beyond the Surface: Deepening Understanding of ADHD, Substance Use, and Treatment Pathways expands on previous discussions by examining the evolving presentation of ADHD across different life stages and the associated risks at each age. This training explores the complex relationship between ADHD and substance use disorders (SUDs), shedding light on misconceptions and reducing stigma. Participants will gain deeper insights into the neurobiological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the high co-occurrence of ADHD and SUDs, with a particular focus on impulsivity, sensation seeking, and self-medication behaviors. A key component of the session includes an in-depth discussion on how ADHD manifests from childhood through adulthood, emphasizing age-specific challenges and risks.
For instance, impulsivity in childhood may lead to behavioral issues, while in adolescence, increased risk-taking can heighten the likelihood of early substance use. In adulthood, struggles with executive functioning and emotional regulation may contribute to self-medicating behaviors. Additionally, the training addresses the controversial question of whether prescribed ADHD medications, such as stimulants, increase the risk of substance use. By reviewing current research and clinical perspectives, participants gained a balanced understanding of the benefits and risks of medication management, including the potential for misuse versus its protective effects when properly managed.
Watch the first training here: https://youtu.be/80xqahZNm5o?si=ltDADjJ0p986X_O9
We deepened our clinical understanding to serve by:
-Understanding how ADHD symptoms present differently in children, adolescents, and adults, and recognize the unique risks of substance use at each stage
-Explored the controversy surrounding stimulant medications, evaluating research on whether they increase or decrease the likelihood of substance misuse.
-Learned evidence-based interventions, harm reduction approaches, and best practices for supporting individuals with ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders.
This training explores the complex relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders, addressing the misconcep...
