What Could be Adding to Your Addiction?

Do you ever wonder what comes first… the smoking (addiction) or the ADD/ADHD (disorder)? Statistics on smoking are not in favor for those with the disorder, as40% of adults with ADHD smoke, compared to 26% of the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many smokers with ADD/ADHD claim that smoking is a"self-medicating" rationalefor their addiction, as they say thatnicotine helps them focusand improve performance.

While there is no hard evidence to support this, pre-clinical data does show that dopamine may be released while smoking, so it can affect mental processes and impulse control (but doesn't necessarily improve it).

These findings are the result of a new study published in the Journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, which shows thatsmokers with the disorder showedlower quitting ratesthan those without ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Regardless of whether or not smoking helps control symptoms, the dangers of smoking far outweigh any alleged benefits, assmoking remains the number one preventable cause of deathin the United States, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths annually.

Since ADD/ADHD is a neuropsychiatric condition that develops in early childhood (and persists to adolescence and adulthood if left untreated), researchers suggest utilizing the findings tounderstand the added struggle,which can help to overcome it—asmotivation and willare the primary factors needed to conquer addiction.

In addition, the study encourages us to takeproactive measures to avoid addictionin the first place – such as discouraging our children or other younger people with ADD/ADHD from smoking tothwart nicotine dependency.

For those already addicted, natural and holistic treatments canalso lessen the urge to smoke and help you to restore balancein your body. Supporting the nervous system and helping tomaintain balanced serotonin levelsin the brain can help to provide the support you need to successfully quit.

Combined withknowledge, motivation and natural support, it is possible to lead a life free of nicotine addiction!