Asst.Prof.Dr. Onur Okan Demirci said that substance addiction is more common in people with attention deficit. Asst.Prof.Dr. Onur Okan Demirci said, "According to studies, 40 percent of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder continue in adulthood and cause problems. An important difficulty in treating attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is to identify other accompanying conditions. Because, especially in adulthood, "Depression, anxiety disorders and substance use are common in those who remain untreated. Moreover, when substance use is involved, treatment becomes more complicated," he said. Stating that childhood hyperactivity disorder should be taken into consideration, Assist. Demirci said, "Treating Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood reduces the risk of substance use in the future. If left untreated, features such as attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity can lead to various problems in adulthood. In untreated people, reducing internal tension Behaviors done for the sake of it can become self-destructive. Cocaine has a structure similar to stimulant drugs used in the treatment of ADHD. Both of them create a similar change in the chemistry of the brain. Especially in the "nucleus accumbens", known as the "reward center", cocaine is used by substance abusers with ADHD. "The risk of substance use in adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder has been determined to be 300 percent higher than in those without ADHD. And the underlying cause in approximately one quarter of all individuals who use substances is attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder," he said.
Assist. Prof. Dr. noted that the substances preferred by substance users are generally not a coincidence. Demirci said, "People sometimes use substances to cope with their internal distress that they cannot overcome in any other way, and they prefer substances that are best for their distress. As a matter of fact, the frequency of cocaine addiction in individuals with ADHD also points to this. In these individuals, cocaine increases attention, increases self-confidence and focus." Cocaine, which was initially used to increase performance, quickly leads to addiction due to its strong effect on brain chemistry. transforms. The person becomes unable to stop using substances. Withdrawal symptoms and intense drug cravings occur when not used. Most of the time is spent with thoughts and behaviors related to obtaining the substance. All areas of life such as work, family, school, circle of friends are affected and substance use becomes the center of life. "The mind that has difficulty in daily life due to ADHD now becomes an "addicted" mind and it becomes increasingly difficult to continue daily life," he said.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ARE IMPORTANT
Attention Emphasizing that drugs used for deficit and hyperactivity disorder are more effective in childhood and adolescence, Dr. Demirci said, "Early treatment can prevent substance addiction in the future. Addiction is a treatable disease today, but there is no standard method that suits everyone. It is important to determine why and how people use substances. "In order for cocaine addiction to be treated effectively, the possibility of underlying attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder should always be kept in mind," he said.
Read: 0
