Located in Portland, Maine, Liberty Bay Recovery specializes in the treatment of ADHD. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems with work, school, and relationships. Learn how therapy and medication used together can help bring ADHD under control.
We are able to prescribe and refill medication for anxiety and depression, but for other mental health concerns we refer out. Certainly, more severe mental health concerns may arise after you have some time clean and sober. If these traits emerge, or they were not disclosed during admission, we do our best to find outside psychiatric help while you are receiving treatment.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a mental health condition that makes it difficult for children and adults to concentrate for extended periods of time. The condition affects millions of children and adolescents. It often continues into adulthood. The severity and type of symptoms vary based on the individual. Many of the symptoms are related to the inability to concentrate for extended amounts of time. This leads to an individual with ADHD having to cope with peripheral mental and social challenges. These challenges include poor performance academically and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.
There is no cure for ADHD. However, consistent treatment, combined with medication and behavioral therapy, is effective in helping individuals manage their symptoms. Most children with ADHD grow up to be fully functional and healthy adults.
Signs and Symptoms
Inattention symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are the two primary categories of symptoms that characterize ADHD. All children experience periods of inattention and hyperactivity at times. However, if these increase in severity and frequency, or begin to interfere with the child’s home and school life, they may be a sign of ADHD.
Some signs of inattention include the following:
- Difficulty in paying attention during play or when performing specific tasks
- Not listening when being addressed directly
- Poor organization skills
- Being easily distracted
- Habitual forgetfulness or failure to recall where items have been left
Some signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include the following:
- Fidgeting frequently
- Difficulty sitting or playing quietly
- Talking excessively
- Feeling restless constantly
- Difficulty waiting for his/her turn
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no known single cause of ADHD. However, several factors may influence the development of the condition. Some of these risk factors for ADHD include the following:
- Family history of mood or behavioral disorders
- Maternal exposure to drugs, toxins, or alcohol
- Low birth weight
- Suffering from depression and anxiety
- Having a co-occurring learning disability
Diagnosing ADHD
To diagnose children with ADHD they must show symptoms which are persistent as well as severe. They must occur over an extended period of time in all environments. No set test exists for diagnosing ADHD.
Children may be diagnosed with the following:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive-type ADHD, which is accompanied by at least 6 symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Predominantly inattention-type ADHD, which is accompanied by at least 6 symptoms of inattention
- Combined type ADHD, which is characterized by at least 6 symptoms in each category
ADHD and Addiction
It is quite common for patients to present with both ADHD and problems with either substance abuse or pathological behaviors. This combination is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Impulsivity is common in ADHD. This impulsive behavior often causes individuals to have difficulty controlling their behavior and may lead to experimenting with substances. These behaviors can subsequently lead to the development of addictions. Those with ADHD may additionally have difficulty coping with their condition. They may feel compelled to self-treat (i.e., escape from) their occupational and associated social consequences with behaviors or substances.
ADHD Treatment Portland Maine
The standard treatment for ADHD consists of a combination of medication and behavioral counseling.
Other therapies are available including family therapy, psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, basic support groups, and parenting skills training that can help families understand and manage ADHD and its symptoms better. If parents are also suffering from addictions, they will require treatment that will address both issues simultaneously. Contact Liberty Bay Recovery today to learn more about the specific treatment programs available.
Don’t Wait. Call Today.
There are numerous reasons to enter a rehab program. ADHD and addiction can be destructive and will eventually wreak havoc on the individual as well as the individual’s loved ones.
Left untreated, ADHD and addiction will affect your quality of life and take everything from you. Call us today at 866-824-5276 for more information on the ways Liberty Bay Recovery can help you get your life back on track.
We accept Cigna, Aetna, Humana, United Health Care, GEHA, ValueOptions, UMR, Providence Health Plans, Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, and state insurance. We also offer many affordable self-pay options.
Contact Liberty Bay Recovery
At Liberty Bay Recovery, we strive to rebuild the lives and health of individuals and their families through body, mind, and spirit. Located in Portland, Maine, we are a nationally recognized alcohol and drug addiction treatment program providing services to men, women, and families.
