There is a well-documented link between ADHD and addiction.
We hope you find this page helpful. Remember, ADHD symptoms affect everyone differently, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that primarily affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. If you feel disorganised, easily distracted, or overwhelmed by daily tasks, you might be wondering if ADHD could be part of your experience.
It’s important to understand that ADHD exists on a spectrum, meaning the symptoms and their severity can vary widely from person to person.
ADHD isn’t just about being forgetful or fidgety – it can impact many aspects of life, including your mood, motivation, and time management. Recognising these patterns in your behaviour might be the first step toward understanding how ADHD affects you, and how it might explain some of the challenges you’ve faced.
The symptoms of ADHD generally fall into two main categories: inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive behaviours.
If you struggle with inattention, you might find it hard to focus on tasks, regularly forget things, or have difficulty managing your time. For example, you may start multiple projects but struggle to finish any of them, or you might miss deadlines even when you intend to meet them.
On the other hand, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms can include restlessness, feeling like your mind or body is constantly on the go, or acting impulsively and without thinking – like interrupting conversations or making hasty decisions. As an adult, this might show up as tapping your foot, feeling impatient, or jumping between tasks without completing them.
What makes ADHD different from occasional forgetfulness or distraction is the persistent nature of these symptoms. They likely affect multiple areas of your life – from work to personal relationships – and have been present since childhood. If you’ve been labelled as “lazy” or “disorganised,” it’s possible these symptoms have been misunderstood as character flaws rather than part of a diagnosable condition.
Understanding that ADHD is a neurological condition and not a reflection of your effort or intelligence can help you begin to reframe your experience in a more compassionate light.
As an adult, ADHD might look different than the classic image of hyperactive children bouncing off the walls. Hyperactivity may no longer be as visible, but it often persists in more subtle forms. Your brain might feel like it’s racing or jumping from one idea to the next, even if you’re sitting still.
In everyday life, ADHD might manifest as chronic procrastination, lateness, or struggling in relationships due to forgetfulness or difficulty staying present in conversations. You might feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to do but find it hard to get started, which can lead to feelings of underachievement or low self-esteem.
You may also experience time blindness – which is the inability to accurately judge how long tasks will take or plan your day efficiently. This can lead to chronic lateness, missed appointments, and a constant sense of being behind schedule. Often, adults with ADHD feel a sense of frustration, knowing they are capable but unable to harness their potential consistently.
If these patterns resonate with you, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t about laziness or lack of effort. ADHD can be frustrating, especially when others don’t realise the internal struggle you’re dealing with. Recognising these symptoms as part of ADHD can be the first step towards addressing them.
In the UK, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can take time, especially due to long waiting lists. The process usually starts with your GP, who will refer you to a specialist for assessment.
To support your GP in making a referral, consider completing our free Adult ADHD self-test and sharing the results with them. This can provide valuable insights and make it easier for your doctor to move forward with your assessment.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms. Start by keeping a symptom log, tracking when and how often your ADHD-like symptoms occur. This can help you gain a better understanding of your behaviour and also provide useful information during your assessment.
During the assessment itself, you’ll be asked about your childhood behaviours and your current experiences, as ADHD symptoms must have been present from a young age for a formal diagnosis.
Waiting for a formal diagnosis can feel frustrating, but there are resources available where you can learn more about ADHD. From podcasts to books, there are countless tools to help you feel more understood and supported during this journey.
While waiting for a diagnosis, there are coping strategies you can explore to make daily life more manageable.
For example, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce feelings of overwhelm. If starting a big project feels impossible, begin with the smallest step and focus on completing that before moving on.
Exercise is another powerful tool for improving focus and managing restlessness. Physical activity helps boost dopamine – a neurotransmitter that is often in low supply in people with ADHD. Whether it’s a brisk walk, swimming, or yoga, regular exercise can improve concentration and mental clarity.
Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial. Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts and behaviours, giving you better control over impulsive reactions. CBT, on the other hand, helps you reframe unhelpful thinking patterns and develop strategies to manage distractions and stress.
Another practical approach is to use tools and technology to stay organised. Digital reminders, planners, and apps designed for ADHD can help you manage your time and tasks more effectively. Setting up visual cues, like a checklist or a calendar on the wall, can also keep you focused on what needs to be done without relying on memory alone.
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