Mental health & substance use

ADHD
& substance use.

Beyond distraction. Beyond assumptions.

The Lake’s primary focus is substance use disorder treatment. Co-occurring mental health and behavioral concerns are addressed alongside that care.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can affect attention, organization, restlessness and impulse control. When substance use is part of the picture, understanding both concerns matters.

Understanding ADHD

A pattern across everyday life

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms that begin in childhood and may continue into adulthood. Some people mainly experience inattention; others experience hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination.

For adults, difficulties may involve following through, managing time, keeping track of responsibilities or feeling restless. Occasional distraction does not establish ADHD. A diagnosis considers a persistent pattern across settings and how it affects daily functioning.

The co-occurring picture

Making room for both concerns.

ADHD and substance use problems can coexist, but neither should be assumed from the other. Sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression and other conditions can produce similar attention concerns. A thorough evaluation considers current symptoms alongside developmental history and other possible explanations.

A useful starting point

Bring your questions.

A conversation does not require you to have the right label. These are useful topics to discuss with a qualified clinician, rather than a checklist for diagnosing yourself.

• Have attention or organization difficulties been present since childhood?
• Where do these difficulties show up in work, relationships or daily routines?
• How do sleep, other mental health concerns and substance use fit into that history?

Whether The Lake is an appropriate setting depends on each person’s clinical needs and assessment. Ask about your circumstances and what support may fit.

Keep exploring

More of the picture.