Saying no to recreational drugs
When Ryan was in eleventh grade, we needed to have a neuropsych evaluation in order to get accommodations for college. Over two grueling days of testing, the neuropsychologist was able to get a full picture of how Ryan’s brain worked. I am sure many of you will want to know more about this testing and the results and why it was necessary for the testing to be done at least a full year before Ryan entered college. I don’t want to explain or discuss all of that here in this particular blog. What I want to focus on is what the neuropsychologist said to Ryan when she discussed the results with him and with me. I feel compelled to share one particular conversation. Well, it was not so much of a conversation, but a directive.
As Ryan and I were sitting on a comfy couch in a pleasantly cool and calmly decorated office, the neuropsychologist was explaining to Ryan and I how Ryan’s brain could be optimally used. I had been given the sixty some page report, and with Ryan sitting next to me, we would follow along as the doctor would direct us to the page she was on and did her best to describe her findings. There was so much information to understand and grasp, that it was challenging and overwhelming at the time. But there was one thing that she said, that was not in the report, but it was directed to Ryan firmly and with great concern. She asked him to look at her and with great solemnity she said, “Ryan, your brain on drugs and alcohol will be a horrible combination. Stay away from them. It could be disastrous for you.” Ryan responded with, “Alright, I’ll stay away from them.” I was so grateful to her at that moment and I told her so.
When do we as parents have this conversation with our children and what impact do we actually have when we tell them “Don’t do drugs.” They hear it at school. They hear it from their pediatricians. They hear it in advertisements on television. But what kind of impact does it have? This moment with the neuropsychologist was THE most impactive anti-drug, anti-alcohol message for Ryan. I could see in his behavior and body language in that moment, how important that message was and how that message got through to him. To this day, this is one of the most important gifts that Ryan has been given.
There is scientific back up to prove that ADHDers are more susceptible to drug abuse. Whether it’s due to not having enough dopamine, or depression or anxiety, many ADHDers seek out something, anything that will make them feel better. Many look to self medicate. Whether it’s alcohol, meth, oxy, heroin or any other drug you can name.
In many states where marijuana is legal, ADHDers can easily use it. Pot alters brain chemistry. An ADHDer already has altered brain chemistry. So what kind of effects will pot have on the ADHDers brain? Who knows? But it’s probably not a good one. We don’t always know how a neurotypical’s brain will react on pot, so do we really want to find out how an ADHDer’s brain will react? The answer is no. We don’t even want to go there. I think an even scarier idea is the legalization of mushrooms in some cities and soon to be states. Frightening. You never know what kind of trip you’re going to have even if you’re neurotypical. It scares me to death to think of what might happen for an ADHDer on mushrooms.
How do we keep ADHDers off drugs? First, learning about how drugs can affect an ADHDers brain. Research, read, and educate yourself if you are a parent of an ADHDer or have ADHD yourself. Second, treat the ADHD and its co-diagnoses. Stimulants, anti anxiety medications, antidepressants, therapy, and coaching are important to manage a life with ADHD. By the way, there is no scientific data that shows addiction to stimulants in those with ADHD. Third, offer extra support to teenagers and college students. This is the time when many of ADHDers ‘ friends are experimenting. They will face hard peer pressure and even bullying if they refuse to participate. Fitting in is important. They will need extra support from their family. Fourth, support your friends and loved ones with ADHD. Talk to them. Get to know them. Don’t ever pressure them to have a drink or a smoke. Be open to help them on their unique journey.
Following are some links regarding drug addiction in those with ADHD:
The Truth About ADHD and Addiction
Finally, if you or a loved one is addicted to or having problems staying away from drugs, please talk to your doctor or call the SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-4357
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