The effects of ADHD on particular psychological functions and life skills among clients undergoing addiction treatment in therapeutic communities
Abstract
Therapeutic communities are specialised residential facilities with an informal and open atmosphere that focus on abstinence-oriented treatment and social rehabilitation. The symptoms or residues of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood not only pose difficulties in the individual's personal, professional, and social life, but they are also a major complicating factor for addiction treatment in therapeutic communities.
The range of symptoms directly associated with ADHD (i.e. attention deficit in the presence of impulsivity, chronic restlessness, understimulation, disorganised behaviour, disorders of affect control and emotional lability, moodiness, low hardiness, sensation seeking, inefficient coping with emotions and stress or problems in interpersonal relationships, communication, and social skills) are likely to affect clients throughout the treatment process. ADHD may have a strongly negative effect on compliance with the treatment and its outcomes.
In addition, individuals with ADHD may show a different behavioural performance and generally impaired adaptation mechanisms and social skills. Such symptoms may result in their higher attrition rate (drop-out) and a higher frequency of their involvement in conflicts.
There is evidence that timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment could have a positive impact on treatment outcomes, including a better quality of life for the patients and significant saving of funds invested in this segment of treatment services. Further research should primarily examine whether there is a relationship between ADHD among adult patients undergoing drug treatment in a therapeutic community and specific deficits in their cognitive and executive functioning that affect the course and outcome of their treatment, as well as impairing their adaptability