More young adults in San Diego are being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD each year.Self medicating with drugs and alcohol provides those ADHD relief from their restless bodies and brains. For some, drugs such as nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, diet pills and “speed” enable them to focus, think clearly and follow through with ideas and tasks. Others chose to soothe their ADHD symptoms with alcohol and marijuana. People with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD often try to medicate their failings by using drugs and alcohol.

An article in American Scientists tells us that, “In the United States alone there are 18 million alcoholics, 28 million children of alcoholics, 6 million cocaine addicts, 14.9 million who abuse other substances, 25 million addicted to nicotine.”(1) That adds up to at least 63.5 million Americans addicted to substances. Many Southern California residents are addicted to alcohol or drugs and need help.

People with ADHD as a whole are more likely to medicate themselves with substances than those who do not have ADHD. Dr. Hallowell, an ADD/ADHD specialist estimates that 8 to 15 million Americans suffer from ADHD; researchers in San Diego estimate that as many as 30-50% of them use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their ADHD symptoms.

At La Jolla Recovery, we work with residents who have ADD/ADHD and are recovering addicts. We assist our ADD/ADHD residents with the challenges that come with having the disorder.

A recent study revealed shocking results that may cause binge drinkers to think twice before picking up that first drink amounts of alcohol. Researchers at University of California San Diego found that individuals who consume more than 4 drinks in one sitting (for females) and 5 drinks in one sitting (for males) have a deficiency of white matter in their brains. White matter is made of axons which carry messages between neurons. The damage causes lower levels of brain organization and slower response time.

Heavy episodic or “binge” drinking is common among San Diego’s young adult population with 55% of those in the study reporting binge drinking within the past two weeks. Unlike a hangover, the damage is permanent and irreparable. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol please contact La Jolla Recovery.