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Co-occurring disorders

ADHD and addiction, treated together.

ADHD brings daily challenges that can feel isolating and misunderstood — and for many, those challenges include substance use. There is hope for a better way forward. Our compassionate, integrated treatment offers the support you or your loved one needs to build a healthier, more stable future.

The link between ADHD and substance use

Self-medicating a treatable condition.

An estimated 21% of people with substance use disorder also have co-occurring ADHD. This overlap often happens because using drugs or alcohol can feel like a temporary answer to the impulsivity, restlessness, and emotional distress ADHD can cause. That short-term relief can start a painful cycle — but with the right support, the cycle can be broken.

Signs to watch for

It's not always an obvious diagnosis.

Many adults enter addiction treatment without ever knowing they have ADHD. Symptoms are sometimes mistaken for depression, anxiety, or a lack of effort. For many, receiving an ADHD diagnosis during treatment is a moment of relief. Signs worth paying attention to:

  • 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.
Our approach

Dual-diagnosis care, built around you.

True recovery means healing the whole person. Simply treating the addiction without addressing the underlying ADHD leaves you vulnerable to relapse — so we treat both together.

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

Together with our licensed professionals, we 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 medical providers help you find the safest and most effective options — your sobriety and well-being are always the priority.

Therapeutic support

Individual and group counseling to build healthier ways to relate to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Life skills and executive function coaching

Practical tools for time management, routines, and organizational strategies, meeting you where you are.

Relapse prevention and emotional regulation

Before completing treatment, you'll have a stronger understanding of how to tolerate discomfort, manage mood, and respond to triggers.

Your path to wellness

Two levels of care, one connected team.

We offer medical detox and residential treatment. Many clients transition from detox directly into our residential program — a continuum that helps you get stable, stop using substances, and build a foundation for life after treatment. How long each stage lasts is individualized to your needs and reviewed by your care team.

Coverage

Ohio Medicaid accepted.

We proudly accept Ohio Medicaid and help you understand your coverage before you ever start treatment.

Common questions

ADHD and addiction, answered.

What makes treating ADHD and addiction together different?
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.
Can I receive ADHD medication during addiction treatment?
Yes. When managed by experienced clinicians, medication can be a safe and effective part of your recovery. Our medical team considers your history with substance use along with any prior prescriptions before determining if it's the right option for you.
How long does treatment last?
Treatment duration is unique to each person. Your personal progress and needs guide your timeline through detox and residential care.
Can I work or attend school during residential treatment?
Residential treatment is an immersive experience that requires you to live at our Westerville center 24/7, so you'll need to take a leave of absence from work or school. Our team can help coordinate the necessary documentation for your leave.
Reach out today

Support for the whole picture, not just part of it.

When you call, our admissions counselors listen without judgment. We're here 24/7 to talk through what integrated ADHD and addiction care could look like for you.