Many people with ADHD, or those who care about someone with ADHD, wonder if alcohol can help manage symptoms. This is a common question, especially for those who are struggling with focus, impulsivity, or emotional ups and downs. At Wisconsin Recovery Institute, we work closely with individuals who have both ADHD and substance use challenges. Our goal is to provide clear, honest answers based on current science and experience.
ADHD is very common, affecting about 6.1 million children and 4.4% of adults in the United States, according to the CDC. People with ADHD are also more likely to experience substance use disorders, including ADHD and alcohol addiction.
Does Alcohol Help ADHD Symptoms?
No, alcohol does not help ADHD symptoms. Research shows that alcohol can actually make ADHD symptoms worse over time. Although some people with ADHD may feel brief relief from restlessness or anxiety after drinking, this effect is temporary and often leads to greater problems later.
According to recent data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), people with ADHD have a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder compared to the general population. This increased risk makes it especially important to understand how alcohol and ADHD interact.
- Temporary relief myth: Alcohol may seem to help by relaxing the mind or calming nerves, but this effect does not last and can create a cycle of dependence.
- Scientific evidence: Studies show that alcohol worsens attention, impulse control, and memory—areas already affected by ADHD.
- Core problem: Alcohol impairs the same brain functions that ADHD makes challenging, leading to more difficulties with focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
At Wisconsin Recovery Institute, we see how important it is to approach both ADHD and alcohol use with care and evidence-based treatment. Addressing both conditions together often leads to better outcomes for individuals and their families.
How Alcohol Affects the ADHD Brain
Alcohol changes the way the brain communicates by affecting chemicals called neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one of these neurotransmitters, and it plays a role in feeling reward, motivation, and regulating attention. People with ADHD often have differences in dopamine levels and in the way their brains manage tasks and control impulses, which is called executive function.
Executive function is a group of mental skills that help with planning, focusing, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks. Impulse control is the ability to stop and think before acting. Alcohol also affects these same brain systems, and its impact can be stronger in people with ADHD compared to those without the condition.
Alcohol increases dopamine levels briefly, which can make someone feel good for a short period, underscoring the close relationship between alcohol and dopamine. However, this effect wears off quickly and can lead to more problems with focus and self-control. Because people with ADHD already have challenges with dopamine and executive function, alcohol use can make these challenges worse.
Immediate Effects on Focus and Impulse Control
Short-term, alcohol use worsens symptoms that are already present in ADHD. For people with ADHD, these effects are often more pronounced than in people without ADHD.
- Difficulty finishing tasks or following conversations.
- Increased impulsive decisions, such as interrupting others or acting without thinking.
- Trouble remembering instructions or details, even more than usual.
- More frequent mistakes at school or work because of reduced attention.
- Greater risk of engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending too much money.
Long-Term Impact on ADHD Management
Regular alcohol use disrupts the effectiveness of ADHD treatment plans. Alcohol can make ADHD medications less effective or cause unwanted side effects when used together. Over time, this can lead to worse symptom control and poorer outcomes in managing ADHD.
Studies show that people with both ADHD and alcohol use disorder have lower rates of treatment success and are more likely to stop treatment early compared to those with ADHD alone. Long-term alcohol use can also increase the risk of developing other mental health problems and can make it harder to develop and maintain healthy routines or relationships.
Why People With ADHD Turn to Drinking
ADHD and drinking are often linked because people with ADHD sometimes use alcohol to manage their symptoms or feelings. This pattern is called self-medication.
The connection between ADHD and alcohol use can be explained by several common reasons.
Self-Medicating Emotional Symptoms
Many people with ADHD experience strong emotions, mood swings, or persistent feelings of anxiety and depression. Alcohol is sometimes used to cope with these emotional symptoms.
- Stress from feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks
- Frustration from difficulty focusing or remembering things
- Feeling restless or unable to relax
- Sadness or low mood that does not go away
- Social rejection or feeling misunderstood by others
Alcohol may temporarily reduce these feelings, but it does not address the underlying issues and may lead to more problems over time.
Social and Sleep-Related Reasons
Some individuals with ADHD drink alcohol to feel more comfortable in social situations or to help with sleep. Social anxiety is common among people with ADHD, leading some to believe that alcohol will make it easier to talk to others or feel less nervous at events. Others use alcohol to fall asleep faster or to quiet their racing thoughts at night.
However, using alcohol for these reasons often backfires. Alcohol can make social interactions more difficult by reducing impulse control and increasing the chances of saying or doing things that are later regretted. When used for sleep, alcohol disrupts normal sleep patterns and can make it harder to get restful sleep in the long term. For people with ADHD, these effects can make both social and emotional symptoms worse, rather than better.
Risks of Alcohol and ADHD Combination
Combining alcohol and ADHD can lead to serious health and behavioral risks. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD have much higher rates of alcohol use disorder, alcohol abuse, and binge drinking than the general population.
Biological factors, such as differences in dopamine regulation, and psychological factors, including difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation, contribute to this increased risk. Family history of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders can also play a role.
Alcohol increases impulsive behaviors, which are already more common in ADHD. This combination often leads to risky actions. Individuals may be more likely to drive under the influence, have unprotected sex, or spend excessive amounts of money without thinking about consequences. Alcohol can also reduce the ability to judge risky situations, so people with ADHD who drink may experience more accidents, injuries, and legal problems, sometimes even presenting as a high-functioning alcoholic.
Alcohol use can make the main symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and problems with executive function, worse. Drinking alcohol can lead to even more trouble focusing, remembering information, or controlling impulses. Over time, regular alcohol use can make it harder to manage daily responsibilities and can interfere with ADHD treatment.
Alcohol and ADHD Medication Interactions
Mixing alcohol and ADHD medication can create harmful interactions. These interactions vary depending on the type of ADHD medication used. The most common ADHD drugs fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
- Stimulant Medications (such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, Adderall, Ritalin):
- Alcohol is a depressant, while stimulants increase central nervous system activity.
- Taking stimulants and alcohol together can hide the effects of alcohol, making it difficult to know when intoxication occurs and highlighting the dangers of mixing Adderall and alcohol.
- This combination can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and lead to irregular heartbeat, dehydration, or increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
- Mixing ADHD stimulants and alcohol can also increase impulsivity and risk of overdose.
- Non-Stimulant Medications (such as atomoxetine/Strattera, guanfacine, clonidine):
- Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.
- For atomoxetine, combining with alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
- Both alcohol and non-stimulant ADHD drugs can lower blood pressure, which may cause fainting or weakness when used together.
- Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of non-stimulant medications in managing ADHD symptoms.
- Other Common ADHD Drugs and Alcohol:
- Some ADD medicines, like bupropion, may cause seizures when combined with alcohol.
- The combination of ADHD medication and alcohol can make it difficult to predict how either substance will affect mood, focus, or alertness.
Combining alcohol with ADHD medication or ADD medicine and alcohol increases the chances of unpredictable side effects and reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Safe Alternatives for Managing ADHD Symptoms
There are practical and evidence-based alternatives to using alcohol for managing ADHD symptoms. These approaches address emotional, social, and cognitive challenges that people with ADHD often experience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured form of talk therapy that helps people recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, making CBT for addiction treatment a valuable option for co-occurring conditions. CBT can be adapted specifically for ADHD to support time management, organization, and planning.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on developing skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. DBT is sometimes used for ADHD, especially when emotional ups and downs are present.
Other therapeutic approaches include skills training in social situations and problem-solving strategies. These therapies often address coping with frustration, managing distractions, and setting realistic goals.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or team sports, has been shown to improve focus, mood, and impulse control in people with ADHD.
- Sleep hygiene: Keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate attention and energy levels. Limiting caffeine and screen time before bed can support more restful sleep.
- Nutrition: Eating regular meals with a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats supports brain function. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseed, are often included.
- Stress management: Calm breathing, relaxation exercises, and structured routines can reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Journaling or creative outlets may also help manage stress.
Support from family, friends, and peers can play an important role in ADHD management. Family members often participate in therapy or educational sessions to understand ADHD challenges and communication strategies.
Many people find it helpful to connect with ADHD support groups, either in-person or online. These groups provide a space to share experiences, learn new coping strategies, and reduce feelings of isolation.
ADHD-specific resources, such as national organizations and local advocacy groups, offer educational materials, workshops, and peer connections designed for people with ADHD and their families.
Treatment for ADHD and Alcohol Problems
When someone has both ADHD and alcohol use disorder, treatment is called dual diagnosis care. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions at the same time. Research shows that focusing on only one condition often leads to poor results, because symptoms from one disorder can make the other worse.
Treating both ADHD and alcohol problems together is important because ADHD can make it harder to stop drinking, and alcohol can make ADHD symptoms worse. Many people with both conditions have more trouble with focus, impulse control, and managing emotions. Dual diagnosis care uses a team approach to support a person’s mental health, physical health, and recovery from substance use.
The treatment process usually begins with a thorough assessment. This helps the care team understand the individual’s symptoms, history, and goals. Based on this assessment, a treatment plan is made that may include medical detox, therapy, medication management, and support groups. The Wisconsin Recovery Institute uses evidence-based strategies and personalizes care for people with co-occurring ADHD and alcohol use disorder.
Medical detox is used to remove alcohol from the body in a safe way. This step also helps clear out substances that could interfere with ADHD medications. Individual therapy teaches coping skills and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, while also helping a person understand and avoid triggers for alcohol use.
Group therapy connects people with ADHD to others who are facing similar challenges. It also creates a sense of community during recovery from alcohol problems. Medication management involves reviewing and adjusting medications for ADHD and, when appropriate, using medications that support alcohol recovery.
Long-term recovery planning includes regular follow-up appointments, ongoing therapy, and support groups. This helps maintain progress and manage both ADHD and alcohol use disorder over time. Wisconsin Recovery Institute specializes in this type of integrated, dual diagnosis care.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
Recovery from both ADHD and alcohol use problems is possible. Many people experience improvement when both conditions are addressed together rather than separately. Dual diagnosis care involves treating ADHD and alcohol use disorder at the same time, which is associated with higher rates of treatment engagement and better long-term outcomes.
Wisconsin Recovery Institute uses a personalized approach for each individual. Treatment plans are developed based on each person’s unique symptoms, goals, and experiences. Programs may include medical detox, therapy focused on impulse control and emotional regulation, medication management for ADHD, and ongoing support groups.
Next steps for getting help with ADHD and alcohol use issues may include reaching out to a dual diagnosis treatment provider, scheduling an assessment, and discussing treatment options with a qualified clinician. Family involvement, support networks, and regular follow-up are also important parts of sustaining recovery. Wisconsin Recovery Institute specializes in supporting individuals and families as they begin and maintain their recovery journey.
FAQs About ADHD and Alcohol
Some adults with ADHD may drink alcohol in moderation, but they have higher risks of negative effects compared to people without ADHD. It is important for individuals with ADHD to consult healthcare providers about what is safe for them.
Regular alcohol use can worsen ADHD symptoms for a long time by changing brain chemistry and interfering with treatment. Many people experience improvement in symptoms when they stop drinking and follow a treatment plan for ADHD.
People with ADHD might seem to have higher alcohol tolerance because their brains respond differently to alcohol, but they actually experience more challenges with attention and self-control even at lower levels of alcohol.
Professional help from a dual diagnosis treatment provider can address both ADHD and alcohol use problems at the same time and improve the chances of recovery.
Get Help for ADHD and Alcohol Issues Today
Wisconsin Recovery Institute provides care for people who have both ADHD and alcohol use issues. The team uses a dual diagnosis approach, meaning both conditions are addressed at the same time. This approach involves coordinated treatment planning, careful monitoring, and support from professionals with experience in mental health and addiction.
Treatment plans at Wisconsin Recovery Institute are tailored to each person’s symptoms and goals, including comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment in Fond du Lac, WI for co-occurring disorders. These plans may include medical detox, individual and group therapy, medication management, and ongoing recovery support. Specialists are available to answer questions about treatment options and next steps.
