How are they intertwined? I am not sure if I have a problem with Alcohol. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year.

I do not know if they are nescicarily intertwined, but many people with adhd i know (including me) have a history and/or are abusing substances. Alcohol is just one of many things people can become addicted to. Elaborate on your situation, as you are "not sure" if you have a problem with alcohol. How often do you drink? does it feel like you must drink? do you turn to alcohol for comfort? do you hoard alcohol as to not run out?
Best wishes, and will be waiting for your response.

How are they intertwined? I am not sure if I have a problem with Alcohol. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year.


Interesting question. From what I have read, a high percentage of ADD sufferers have a history of substance abuse or "self-medicating". The IRONY to this fact is that the same people, once diagnosed and PROPERLY medicated, are LESS likely to abuse substances than the general public.

This leads to two theories of mine.

1) Many substance abusers are actually undiagnosed ADDers who are self-medicating not to get high, but to find "normal".

2) ADDers who are under treatment and continue to self-medicate are either not being properly medicated or have other underlying addictive personality issues that need to be addressed.

The fact that you ask yourself if you have an alcohol problem most likely means you DO have an alcohol problem, otherwise you would not have this internal conflict. A person with no addictive issues would have no problem dropping the bottle for a month and not giving it a second thought.

I would bring this issue to your Doctor if you trust him/her and get their opinion. Perhaps all you need an adjustment in your medications to get you to that "normal" level. I've noticed on these boards that almost ALL ADDers had to continually tweak their medications to find the proper medication and dosage to address their particular imbalance......some of them over periods of years, so don't give up too soon.

Good luck!