But you’re not alone. At pH Wellness, we understand that ADHD is more than a distraction; it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that deserves real, compassionate care. That’s why we offer personalized ADHD treatment in California, including support for those facing co-occurring substance use disorders.
Whether you’re an adult with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder trying to hold your life together or a parent concerned for your child’s future, there are treatment options available that can help you reclaim control and rediscover peace.
Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a complex mental disorder that impacts the brain’s executive functioning. People with ADHD often struggle with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But those are just the surface-level symptoms. Behind them may be disorganization, emotional reactivity, and low self-esteem.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ADHD symptoms must be chronic, disruptive, and developmentally inappropriate. It’s not just about being a little distracted—it’s about living with a condition that affects your mental health and nearly every part of your daily life.
Some people are diagnosed in childhood, while others don’t receive clarity until early adulthood or even later. And for many, untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder contributes to deeper struggles like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and most commonly, substance misuse.
What Causes ADHD?
There’s no single cause of ADHD. Like many mental health conditions, it often arises from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences.
Genetics play a major role—if one parent has ADHD, their child has a significantly increased risk. Brain structure differences, particularly involving dopamine regulation, also contribute to the neurological underpinnings of the disorder. Meanwhile, environmental factors like premature birth, lead exposure, or trauma can all increase the risk of developing ADHD.
ADHD and Substance Abuse: A Complicated Relationship
It’s incredibly common for individuals with ADHD to also battle substance misuse. In fact, research suggests a significant overlap between ADHD and addiction, often due to self-medication.
People with untreated ADHD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with restlessness, emotional dysregulation, or low self-esteem. Stimulant substances like cocaine or methamphetamine can temporarily boost dopamine levels, mimicking the effects of ADHD medication. But what begins as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral into drug abuse.
This connection between ADHD and substance abuse often includes:
- Impulsive behaviors that drive risky choices
- Low self-esteem tied to school, work, or relationship challenges
- Co-occurring psychiatric disorders like anxiety or personality disorders
- A history of conduct disorder or other behavioral issues in childhood
- Environmental factors such as trauma, bullying, or neglect
At pH Wellness, our team provides dual diagnosis treatment for ADHD and addiction. Because treating one without the other through comprehensive addiction treatment means the cycle just continues.
ADHD Patients Often Face More Than Just Focus Issues
For many ADHD patients, the challenges go far beyond restlessness or distraction. ADHD is a neurological disorder that can affect emotional regulation, learning, and behavior, especially when left untreated. Those with earlier onset ADHD are more likely to face issues like impulsive behaviors, low self-esteem, and learning disorders.
Without support, these struggles can add up. Self-medication becomes common, especially with prescription stimulants or other substances. Over time, that can lead to a serious substance use disorder or behavioral addictions like gambling or compulsive eating.
At pH Wellness, we help individuals of all ages manage ADHD as a primary disorder while addressing the real-life impact it has on mental health and daily functioning.
Treating ADHD and Addiction Together at pH Wellness
Addiction and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s the result of overlapping vulnerabilities. People with untreated ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders may develop poor coping mechanisms, struggle with emotional regulation, and experience chronic frustration or low self-esteem. Over time, these challenges can lead to serious addictive disorders and unhealthy coping methods.
In fact, ADHD is a well-documented risk factor for the development of addiction, especially in early adulthood. Co-occurring ADHD and substance use are common, especially among those who have never had access to effective treatment or ADHD medication. The longer the condition goes untreated, the more likely it is that a substance use disorder will form.
At pH Wellness, we don’t just address the surface issue. We dig deeper to identify how both ADHD and addiction have shaped your story. From there, we build a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes dual diagnosis therapy, life skills training, and emotional support, so you can break free from both.
When to Seek ADHD Treatment in California
If you’ve ever felt like no one understands how hard it is to manage your ADHD and addiction at the same time, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD are dismissed as “lazy” or “unmotivated”—but in reality, they’re battling a neurodevelopmental disorder that often overlaps with substance abuse.
At pH Wellness, we encourage individuals to seek treatment that accounts for all of these layers. Through personalized care plans and dual diagnosis support, we help people gain insight into how their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has affected their choices, relationships, and self-worth.
Seeking treatment early can prevent addictive disorders from progressing and give you the tools to manage symptoms effectively. Whether your ADHD symptoms are mild or severe, there is a treatment option that fits your needs.
What ADHD Treatment in California Looks Like at pH Wellness
Our ADHD treatment programs in California are designed to help you thrive, not just survive. We offer a comprehensive treatment plan that includes clinical therapies, medication support, including psychostimulant medications and holistic care.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapies are foundational in the treatment of ADHD care. At pH Wellness, we offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and replaces negative thought patterns, and is especially effective for ADHD and addiction.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps with emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthens your internal motivation to change and seek recovery.
- Parent Training: Empowers families to support children with ADHD in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Medication Management
Not every person with ADHD requires medication—but for many, it can make a significant difference. We help you explore stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine.
We work closely with you to monitor for prescription stimulant misuse and develop a plan that balances medication with therapeutic support. If stimulant use is a concern, we prioritize alternatives with a lower risk for addiction development.
Treating ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders Together
ADHD rarely exists in a vacuum. Many patients also struggle with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, or personality disorders. This is why we offer dual diagnosis care that treats ADHD alongside other psychiatric disorders.
Our programs are designed for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders, so whether you’re dealing with cocaine dependence, alcohol misuse, or another form of addictive disorder, our treatment plan targets both ADHD and addiction at the same time.
We treat:
- ADHD and addiction
- ADHD and substance abuse
- ADHD and depression
- ADHD and bipolar disorder
- ADHD and conduct disorder
- ADHD and behavioral addictions (like gambling or compulsive eating)
This comprehensive treatment model is supported by clinical evidence and built to improve long-term outcomes.
Substance Abuse and ADHD: Healing Both, Not Just One
Many treatment centers focus only on addiction or only on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. At pH Wellness, we know that healing means addressing the full picture. ADHD often begins in childhood but doesn’t stop there—it influences how you cope with stress, make decisions, and form relationships for the rest of your life.
Without ADHD treatment, people may continue to self-medicate. And without addiction treatment, they may never have the stability to learn how to manage ADHD symptoms. That’s why our dual diagnosis care exists: to treat co-occurring ADHD and substance use together, in one place.
Our programs include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy with peers
- Art and music therapy
- Nutritional support to manage mood, focus, and physical energy
- Family therapy to build healthier communication at home
- Life skills training to support structure and independence
- Support for adults with ADHD, including vocational planning
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we’ll help you begin treatment with dignity and hope.
ADHD and Addiction Treatment California with pH Wellness
Located in Riverside, pH Wellness is more than just a treatment center—we’re a community built around supportive environments, compassionate care, and evidence-based practices.
We treat ADHD not as a flaw but as a different way of experiencing the world. Through ADHD treatment California residents can trust, we help patients reduce impulsivity symptoms, strengthen emotional resilience, and reclaim their ability to thrive.
Whether your goal is to get off stimulants, overcome substance use initiation, or simply live with more confidence, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to seek treatment for ADHD and addiction, you don’t have to wait. We offer customized care plans for people with co-occurring ADHD, substance use, and other psychiatric disorders. Whether you’re dealing with low self-esteem, impulsive behaviors, or the fallout of untreated ADHD, healing starts here.
Reach out today to learn more about how pH Wellness can help you or your loved one move forward.
Sources
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know
Other Concerns and Conditions with ADHD
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
