Marijuana use among those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents a two-edged sword. Together, these present deficiencies in both cognitive and executive functioning of the brain. When someone diagnosed with ADHD abuses marijuana regularly, it can exacerbate both issues, especially when the person with ADHD begins using marijuana at a young age, according to a study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.1
The study also found that those living with ADHD were more likely to smoke marijuana as compared to those without ADHD. Also, ADHD patients were more likely to begin using marijuana at an earlier age compared to others without ADHD who used the drug.
When marijuana abuse or addiction occurs together with ADHD, the person is said to be struggling with a dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. Both disorders are treatable, and every person diagnosed with both issues should seek specialized treatment at a rehab center that is able to provide comprehensive treatment for both problems simultaneously.
Self-Medication of ADHD Symptoms Through Marijuana Use
Many patients diagnosed with ADHD use marijuana in an attempt to medicate their symptoms. Rather than use pharmaceuticals—or when prescribed medications don’t seem to work well enough—some attempt to manage their compulsive behaviors and hyperactivity through marijuana use.
Unfortunately, though the initial result may be a decrease in energy and an increased ability to manage compulsivity, the long-term result can be a marijuana abuse problem or addiction. When either of these issues develops, the patient will likely struggle in the following life categories:
- Financial problems – Marijuana is not cheap, and many spend too much money maintaining their addiction. Additionally, marijuana use makes it difficult to perform well at work, and being high while on the job can lead to losing your job in some cases.
- Health problems – Marijuana can exacerbate or lead to respiratory issues. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, inability to sleep and decreased appetite and mood, when the person becomes dependent.2
- Mental health problems – Marijuana use has been linked to an increase in mental health symptoms and, in some cases, an increased likelihood of developing schizophrenia if the person is already at risk based on other factors.
- Relationship issues – It is not easy to maintain positive, healthy relationships with others when one is barely functional.
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
Many who abuse marijuana exhibit the following signs of use:
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Poor short-term memory
- Unexplained dizziness
- Laughing about things that are not objectively funny
- Wanting to eat a lot or odd combinations of foods
- Smelling like marijuana
- Possessing eye drops and/or air fresheners to combat the signs of marijuana use
Marijuana Use and Other Drugs
It has often been said that marijuana is the first drug of abuse for people who will go on to abuse and become dependent upon other drugs that are considered more dangerous like cocaine and heroin. Because many adults with an ADHD diagnosis who particularly struggle with hyperactivity and impulse control gravitate toward marijuana, they too may begin to experiment and become addicted to harder drugs.
JT began experimenting with drug abuse in high school with his medicine for ADHD. The high was too good to be true and eventually led to cocaine addiction. After a family intervention, JT found hope in a rehab program to learn how to manage his addiction while having ADHD. “We each have unique personal circumstances, but a healthy, drug-free life is possible,” he says. “Millions of Americans are living in long-term recovery. As one of them, I can assure you that life does get better.”
Treatment for Marijuana Abuse and ADHD
When living with marijuana use and ADHD, it is important to seek treatment at a specialized treatment program for co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Although marijuana is becoming legal in certain forms in many states, the reality is that marijuana use leads to addiction in nine percent of those who use it. The percentage increases drastically for those who begin using before the age of 18.2 We want to help you and your family find hope apart from marijuana.
Planning an intervention—like JT’s family did —to help your loved one get into treatment is a great place to start. We can help. Callus today at our 24-hour, toll-free helpline right today. Our caring admissions coordinators can help you take that first step toward a life of sobriety.
1 L Tamm, et. al, “Impact of ADHD and cannabis use on executive functioning in young adults.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 1 December 2013. Accessed 16 November 2017.
2 “Marijuana.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. August 2017. Accessed 16 November 2017.