3 Simple Tips To Help Cope With ADHD In Recovery

For those who deal with ADHD, the experience can be described in numerous ways. For some, ADHD can feel like every radio station on the dial playing at once. For others, it can feel like driving in a rain storm with wipers that don't work right. No matter how the experience is translated, ADHD is mentally exhausting and causes those who suffer from it to live a nightmare on a daily basis.

Imagine if you are dealing with ADHD and you are in recovery from substance abuse

The Challenges of Dealing with ADHD While In Recovery

It is common knowledge that substance abuse in of itself is often a symptom of a deeper mental issue. Along with depression and anxiety, ADHD can be a common dual diagnosis issue for people with substance abuse issues. It is estimated  four percent of adults in the United States suffer from the disorder, which translates to roughly 8 million adults. From this population, about half also suffer from addiction issues.

In recovery, those with ADHD face special challenges. Oftentimes, people suffering from this mental disorder used drugs and alcohol to minimize the symptoms, but in turn developed substance abuse addiction. Additionally, many ADHD sufferers developed an addiction to medicines such as Adderall which is widely prescribed to treat ADHD.

The million dollar question is begging to be asked: how do people in recovery from substance abuse deal with ADHD without relapsing back into active addiction? Fortunately, there are some simple tips that ADHD suffers can employ to make their symptoms more manageable.

3 Simple Tips To Help With ADHD In Recovery

1 - Supplements

One way those with ADHD can help treat their disorder while maintaining their recovery is through the use of supplements. Research has suggested that ADHD sufferers have low levels of zinc in their bodies. In addition to zinc supplements, those dealing with ADHD may benefit from foods such as  oysters and other seafood, red meat, poultry, dairy products, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

Additionally, there is some evidence that fish oil may also help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Fish oil supplements that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit. Both of these supplements are available at most stores and are relatively inexpensive.

2 - Meditation

It may seem counter-intuitive using mindful meditation techniques for a disorder in which concentration and attention is a challenge. However, recent research shows that mindfulness training can be adapted for this condition and that it can improve concentration.

Mindful meditation techniques are not only easily adaptable, they can be done anywhere and at anytime. As long as you have at least 10-15 minutes a day where quiet time can be set aside, you can engage in meditation practice. It can be as simple as focusing on your breathing, and that can have a leveling and calming effect on the mind which makes it easier to get through those periods where the brain is hyperactive.

3 - Nutrition

Another important piece in dealing with ADHD while in recovery is diet and nutrition. For those suffering from ADHD, they should avoid sugar and high-fructose corn syrup as well as those foods that have artificial colors and preservatives which are toxic to the body.

To help minimize symptoms, those with ADHD should adopt a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids (as found in fish and other seafood), protein, and complex carbohydrates. Herbs such as gingko biloba and ginseng may also be of help.

These basic tips not only will help those with ADHD learn to manage the disorder in a healthy, proactive manner, these tips also are part of a plan of recovery when dealing with substance abuse. These interventions help address the stresses of the mind, body and spirit and help promote overall wellness.

For more information on ADHD and other co-occurring disorders and their impact on addiction, Sober Nation provides a wealth of articles, resources and information that you can refer to at anytime.