ADHD brings daily challenges that can feel isolating and misunderstood. For many, these challenges include substance use. In fact, an estimated 21% of people with substance use disorder also have co-occurring ADHD. This overlap often happens because using drugs or alcohol can stem from and feel like a temporary solution for the emotional distress, impulsivity, and restlessness that ADHD can cause.
There is hope for a better way forward. At Oak Grove Recovery in Westerville, Ohio, our compassionate, integrated treatment for ADHD and addiction offers the support you or your loved one needs to build a healthier, more stable future.
What it means to have co-occurring ADHD
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects your ability to organize tasks, manage emotions, regulate impulses, and follow through on commitments. When someone has both ADHD and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time, it is known as having co-occurring disorders. Facing both conditions makes the recovery journey more complex, which is why specialized, integrated care is so important.
The link between ADHD and substance use
The core symptoms of ADHD make people more vulnerable to substance use. Impulsivity, a constant need for stimulation, and challenges with emotional regulation can all act as powerful triggers for turning to drugs or alcohol. Many people with ADHD attempt to self-medicate their symptoms. They might use alcohol to quiet anxiety or abuse stimulants to try to improve concentration.
While this may offer short-term relief, it can start a painful cycle. Negative feelings arise, substances are used to cope, and over time, addiction develops as the brain comes to rely on substances as the only source of relief. As substance use escalates, it becomes difficult to separate the challenges caused by ADHD from those caused by addiction. With the right support, though, the cycle can be broken.
Signs of co-occurring ADHD and addiction
If you or a loved one has never had a diagnosis of ADHD, it can be difficult to recognize. Habits may seem normal by now, but here's how you can tell if they may actually be causing problems:
A history of starting and stopping projects, jobs, or relationships.
Using substances to manage stress, focus on tasks, or handle overwhelming emotions.
A persistent feeling of restlessness, boredom, or unease, even when sober.
Challenges with stopping or reducing substance use, despite a genuine desire to do so.
Ongoing struggles with organization, time management, or remembering important commitments.
Many adults with ADHD go undiagnosed
It's not uncommon for adults to enter addiction treatment without ever knowing they have ADHD. They may not have been diagnosed as a child because their symptoms were misunderstood, dismissed, or never truly evaluated. Sometimes, symptoms are mistaken for depression, anxiety, or simply a lack of effort. These experiences can erode self-esteem over time and increase the risk of turning to substances to cope. For many, receiving an ADHD diagnosis during treatment is a moment of relief—an answer that finally makes sense of lifelong challenges.
Why treating both conditions is key to success
True recovery means healing the whole person. Simply treating the addiction without addressing the underlying ADHD leaves a person vulnerable to relapse. The symptoms of unmanaged ADHD—impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and restlessness—can continue to act as powerful triggers. Integrated care provides the space, tools, and strategies needed to build the strongest possible foundation for your recovery.
Looking for support in the Westerville, Ohio area? You're not alone.
Oak Grove Recovery's approach to dual diagnosis care
Your path to healing is as unique as your personal story. At Oak Grove Recovery, our coordinated approach works to empower you at every stage of your treatment journey.
Our values
Comprehensive evaluation
Your care begins with a thorough and compassionate assessment. We take the time to learn about your experiences, goals, and symptoms using evidence-based, standardized measures.
Individualized treatment planning
We believe you should be a partner in your own recovery. Together with our licensed professionals, we'll set clear, achievable goals for managing both your substance use and your ADHD symptoms.
Medication management
If medication is part of your ADHD treatment, our specialized psychiatric team will help you find the safest and most effective options. Your sobriety and overall well-being are always our top priorities.
Therapeutic support
Through individual and group counseling, you'll learn healthier ways to relate to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, building new coping strategies for both ADHD and addiction.
Life skills and executive function coaching
Our licensed clinicians can help you plan new routines and habits, from practical time management tools to organizational strategies, meeting you exactly where you are.
Relapse prevention and emotional regulation
Before you complete treatment, you will have a stronger understanding of how to tolerate discomfort, manage mood fluctuations, and respond to triggers in a healthy way.
Finding the right level of care at Oak Grove Recovery
We offer two levels of care to support our clients on their journey to wellness:
- Medical detox: Recovery begins with physical and emotional stability. Our 24/7 medical team supports you through withdrawal safely and comfortably while beginning treatment for co-occurring ADHD. This typically lasts about a week.
- Residential treatment: Our residential program is a structured, supportive environment where you can step away from daily pressures and immerse yourself fully in recovery. This program typically lasts about a month.
Many of our clients transition from detox directly into our residential program. This continuum of care allows you to get stable, stop using substances, and build a strong foundation for life after treatment.
What you can expect from our team
Taking the first step toward recovery requires courage, and the Oak Grove Recovery team is here to support you. From your first phone call, our admissions counselors will listen to you without judgment and encourage your progress. We provide clear, compassionate information at every turn, so you always know what to expect. Oak Grove Recovery proudly accepts Ohio Medicaid and provides free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage before ever starting treatment.
The Oak Grove Recovery team includes dedicated therapists, licensed clinicians, and supportive peers who understand the recovery journey. As you near the completion of our treatment program, we'll work with you to build a thoughtful and comprehensive aftercare plan, so you feel confident about your next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Integrated treatment leads to significantly better outcomes. Addressing only the addiction while leaving ADHD symptoms unmanaged often leads to relapse. Dual diagnosis treatment considers your needs as a whole person, empowering you with skills for both conditions.
Yes. When managed by experienced clinicians, medication can be a safe and effective part of your recovery. For many, properly prescribed ADHD medication actually lowers the risk of substance abuse by reducing the underlying symptoms that trigger cravings. Our medical team will determine if it is the right option for you. We'll consider your history with substance use along with any prior prescriptions, like Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin.
Treatment duration is unique to each person. At Oak Grove Recovery, medical detox typically lasts four to 10 days, and our residential program is about 30–35 days. Your personal progress and needs will always guide your treatment timeline.
Residential treatment is an immersive experience that requires you to live at our treatment center in Westerville 24/7, so you will need to take a leave of absence from work or school. Our team is happy to help you coordinate the necessary documentation for your leave.
Serving the people around Columbus, OH
You deserve care that is grounded in respect, empathy, and hope. Oak Grove Recovery provides compassionate, accessible treatment in Westerville, OH. We look forward to helping you move toward a brighter, more stable future. Whether you’re ready to start treatment or simply have questions, reach out any time. We’re here for you.
