Adults with ADHD may occasionally enjoy an alcoholic beverage, butADHD traitsof inattentiveness and impulsiveness may increase.
There also is an increased risk of harm due to interactions between ADHD medications and alcohol use.
It discusses complications includingdepressionand offers tips on seeking help for alcohol use andalcohol addiction.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
How Alcohol Affects ADHD
Alcoholis a known depressant.
For individuals who have ADHD, it can have the opposite effect.
When a person drinks alcohol, it affects the brains frontal lobe.
This is the area that is responsible for clear thinking and decision-making.
When a person has both ADHD traits and alcohol in their system, the ADHD symptoms can increase.
The figure is about 40% in children who don’t have an ADHD diagnosis.
Some research models find that kids with ADHD ramp up their drinking patterns faster than those without ADHD.
Up to 43% of individuals with ADHD develop alcohol use disorder.Some studies report up to 62%.
Your healthcare provider can help.
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia happens when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
However, sleep disorders can be due to other factors that affect the general population too.
If you have ADHD and difficulty sleeping, contact your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.
They can help you create a plan to improve your sleep.
It is important to get adequate amounts of sleep for your overall health.
Medication for ADHD and Alcohol
Treatments for ADHD include medication that’s considered safe and effective.
The purpose of the medications is to increase focus and have better outcomes in school and/or at work.
However, when ADHD drugs are taken with alcohol, it can present risks.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medications are stimulants that typically last for four to 12 hours.
They, too, can lead to drug interactions when taken with alcohol.
Strattera, for example, is processed by your liver.
There are support groups in your area, community centers that offer support, and therapy.
Speak to your healthcare provider about your concerns.
Summary
When an individual has ADHD, it is important to understand the effects of alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can increase the symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and impaired decision-making.
People with ADHD are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol and ADHD medications can produce side effects.
If you think that your alcohol consumption may create a problem, there are ways to get help.
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