Renewed Life Center Programme: Integrated Therapy, Nervous System Stabilisation, Aftercare.

Living with ADHD and addiction at the same time can feel confusing and exhausting. Many people wonder which came first and why the two conditions so often overlap.

In practice, ADHD and substance use can reinforce each other. ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, restlessness, emotional swings, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing can increase the urge to self-medicate. Substances may bring short-term relief, but over time they can worsen regulation, increase cravings, and strengthen a dependency cycle.

This is not a question of willpower. When the nervous system is overloaded, the brain looks for fast relief, and that is how a dependency cycle can form. At Renewed Life Center, we support clients when ADHD and addiction intersect. We do not treat ADHD as a standalone condition, but when it coexists with substance use patterns, our integrated programme can help restore stability, reduce symptoms, and build a realistic long-term recovery plan. Your first consultation is free and strictly confidential.

Free ADHD & Addiction Consultation

Who this programme is for

This programme may be a strong fit if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

The substance is the centre of life: Your thoughts and plans are constantly occupied with finding or using drugs.

Tolerance is rising: The old amount no longer provides the same effect, and you may need more just to feel “normal.”

There is fear of withdrawal: You are afraid to stop because of severe discomfort, panic, low mood, or insomnia.

Destruction is visible: Use has begun to damage your health, mental stability, finances, or relationships.

Previous attempts failed: You have tried to quit on your own or reduce harm, but it did not hold.

Dual Diagnosis is present: Your addiction goes hand-in-hand with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or burnout.

If several points feel familiar, it may be time to speak to a specialist.

Check If This Programme Fits Me

Why ADHD and addiction
often overlap

Research and clinical practice highlight a few common drivers:

Self-medication Many people use substances to reduce inner tension, improve focus, boost confidence, sleep, or escape emotional overload. Relief can feel immediate, but the pattern becomes more automatic over time.
Impulsivity and reward sensitivity ADHD is often linked to impulsive decisions and difficulty pausing before action, which can raise risk for experimentation and compulsive use.
Dopamine and reward system dysregulation ADHD is associated with differences in how the brain processes reward and motivation. Many substances temporarily increase reward signalling, which can make the brain want to repeat the experience, especially during stress or low mood.
Co-occurring mental health patterns Anxiety, depression, chronic stress, burnout, and trauma symptoms can further increase vulnerability, particularly when sleep and regulation are already strained.
See Why They Overlap in My Case

Common signs of co-occurring
ADHD and addiction

People often notice a mix of ADHD and substance use signals, such as:
  • escalating use over time, or needing more to get the same effect
  • loss of control, failed attempts to cut down, or “rules” that never last
  • withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping
  • missed responsibilities at work, study, or home
  • risky behaviour, poor decisions under stress, conflict in relationships
  • continued use despite negative consequences

Our integrated approach

Effective support requires addressing both sides of the cycle: ADHD-related dysregulation and the addiction pattern.

Depending on your needs, your programme may include:
  • clinical assessment and a clear treatment plan
  • evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT, DBT-informed skills, behavioural therapy)
  • craving management, trigger work, and relapse prevention planning
  • psychoeducation (understanding patterns, nervous system, and behaviour loops)
  • trauma-informed care, including EMDR where appropriate
  • group and peer support elements when suitable
  • family support when it helps stabilise the environment
  • aftercare planning and follow-up to protect progress in real life
  • medical or psychiatric collaboration when clinically indicated, including medication decisions as part of an addiction-focused plan

The focus is practical: stabilise sleep and stress, strengthen emotional regulation, improve decision-making under pressure, and rebuild daily functioning.

See My Treatment Options