The terms attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often used interchangeably by people who aren’t clinicians. However, there are some important differences between ADD vs. ADHD. It is important to understand the distinctions if a family member is being treated for either of these conditions.
The most reason to distinguish between the two conditions couldn’t possibly be of any greater importance: to receive the correct diagnosis and most appropriate treatment. Doctors have a variety of medicines at their disposal to manage both attention disorders. They monitor these closely to prevent side effects, abuse, and addiction. When this occurs, treatment is typically required at an Adderall addiction treatment center.
If you have ADD or ADHD and addiction, there is help and hope available. At Crestview Recovery, we’re proud to provide dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the mental health issue and the substance use simultaneously, giving you the support you need to recover successfully. To learn more about our treatment programs, please reach out to Crestview Recovery today by calling 866.262.0531 or using our convenient online form.
What Are The Differences Between ADD vs. ADHD?
ADD and ADHD share a number of symptoms. People who suffer from these conditions may be easy to distract. They may have trouble focusing, and they may find it difficult to organize themselves. They can lose interest in basic tasks and find themselves unable to concentrate for any length of time.
The primary difference between ADD vs. ADHD concerns hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is possible for an individual with ADHD to not exhibit these traits. Symptoms that are unique to ADHD can include:
- Excessive talking
- Trouble sitting still
- Frequent impatience
- Excess fidgeting
- Constant interruption while talking
If you listen to the news, it would be easy to think that ADD and ADHD are the only attention disorders out there. In fact, they are not. However, they are the two most common, which is why the public is aware of them. If there is any suspicion of an attention disorder condition, there needs to be a proper medical diagnosis to confirm it.
How Treatment Differs Between ADD vs. ADHD
As mentioned, doctors have several different medicines at their disposal when it comes to treating ADD vs. ADHD symptoms. They may use stimulants, antidepressants, sleep aids, or non-stimulants. When treatment begins, doctors monitor patients and record side effects. It is important to relay a reaction to any medication to the doctor so the dosage can be adjusted if needed.
A well-balanced treatment plan will also include non-medicinal treatments. Behavior therapy sessions address specific challenges in social relationships, school and work. Family therapy will educate family members in spotting behavior patterns that can cause issues and learn to manage them while being supportive.
The Risks Associated with Treatment of ADD vs. ADHD
Most of the risks associated with the medication mentioned above concern side effects. By changing medication or adjusting the dosage, you can minimize these risks. However, a more serious problem can occur when medication, particularly when abusing stimulants. When this happens, mental health can rapidly decline, making the patient’s condition even.
If you or someone you know is abusing ADD or ADHD medication, it’s important to seek help from a specialized Adderall addiction treatment center. These are professional establishments where staff members who understand the need for compassionate care will help you. A professional treatment center can tailor a recovery plan to each individual while managing any existing conditions in a judgment-free setting.
Getting Help Is Easy when You Contact Crestview Recovery
Help isn’t out of reach. Actually, all it takes to set foot on the path to recovery is a phone call. Enjoying a life not controlled by addiction or substance use isn’t some fantasy that can never achieve. It’s that kind of thinking that prolongs addiction. In fact, you can actually achieve a life where substance use remains a thing of the past rather than part of your future.
At Crestview Recovery, we are committed to helping each of our clients manage their mental health conditions and addiction concurrently. We offer a range of treatment options, which we tailor to each client’s needs. For instance, our expert treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Outpatient programs
- Aftercare programs
Just a simple conversation with our professional staff to better understand the differences between ADD vs ADHD can set you up for success. Reclaim your life today. Call Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 to learn about how our team can help you manage your ADD or ADHD as well as your addiction.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
