Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

T his presentation centers upon the co-morbid relationship between drug addiction and ADHD. Extensive research strongly supports the premise that, in a large percentage of cases, addiction develops because of attempts to self-medicate the symptoms of ADHD. Also discussed in this presentation is the fact that drug treatment programs typically do not recognize, much less treat, ADHD in a co-morbid presentation. Extensive research supports the need for these treatment programs to change their approach in diagnosing and treating ADHD. It also supports the recognition that ADHD is an underlying disorder with causative addiction properties. Currently, the average success rate produced by treatment programs is dismal. Available research study results support this position, as well as that of no overall progress in the reduction of the number of addicts in the United States. This presentation addresses areas contributing to this lack of success such as frequent relapse among ADHD addicts and uninformed treatment personnel. Additionally, Patrick presents evidence supporting the use of new, non-addictive stimulant drugs to treat ADHD symptoms while successfully managing the addiction. Unique to this presentation is Patricks ability to speak from the perspective of a long-term recovered addict and someone who has ADHD. These experiences allow personal insights mixed with current empirical evidence

Biography

Kevin L. Patrick is a graduate of Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. After a thirty- year business career, Patrick wrote his first book, No Way To Be Treated, in 2010, with a Second Edition due out in September 2013. The book is available around the world. Patrick is a frequent speaker on the topic of ADHD and addiction in the United States and overseas