In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

ADHD and addiction: Knowledge is power

Oct 10, 2024

Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist and ADHD expert, discusses the intricate link between ADHD and addiction. He highlights how brain chemistry can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors in those with ADHD. Roberto shares compelling statistics about this heightened risk and the phenomenon of self-medication. He emphasizes the importance of open communication with children regarding substance use and the need for parents to teach assertiveness skills. His insights offer hope and guidance for families navigating these challenges.

28:46

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Episode guests

Roberto Olivardia

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Children with ADHD are notably at a higher risk for addiction due to impulsivity and their brain's reward processing differences.

Engaging in open discussions about substance use risks helps children with ADHD make healthier choices and understand their unique challenges.

Deep dives

Increased Risk of Addiction for ADHD

Children with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk for substance abuse and addiction compared to their peers. Studies indicate that individuals with ADHD can be two to three times more likely to face substance dependency, with ADHD doubling the risk of nicotine dependence and tripling the risk of alcohol dependence. This increased susceptibility is attributed to how the ADHD brain processes rewards, craving more stimulation when it encounters something enjoyable. As ADHD often leads to impulse control issues, the potential for innocent experimentation with substances rapidly increases the likelihood of developing harmful habits.

Intro

2min

ADHD and Addiction: Understanding the Connection

9min

ADHD, Cannabis, and Substance Awareness

10min

Navigating Parenting with an Emphasis on Addiction Awareness

3min

Understanding ADHD's Impact on Addiction

5min

You may have read or heard that kids with ADHD are at a higher risk for addiction. Is this true? If so, why? And what can we, as parents and caregivers, do about it?

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Roberto is a Massachusetts-based clinical psychologist. He has spent years evaluating people for learning and thinking differences including ADHD. And he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

He shares helpful information to help families understand the relationship between the risk of addiction and ADHD.

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

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Timestamps

(02:01) Chemistry of ADHD

(02:40) Helpful statistics about risk and ADHD

(06:15) Self-medication studies

(13:28) Risk of addiction

(15:34) Talking to younger kids

(21:22) The importance of communication

(22:16) Assertiveness skills for kids

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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