Quit Smoking And ADHD
ByCan’t seem to quit smoking?
It really could be your ADD/ADHD
Maybe you’ve been using your ADD/ADHD symptoms as an excuse for your inability to kick the habit – the tobacco habit.
If you have been, you may be surprised (or heartened) to know that it’s just not an “excuse” but seems to be a fact: having ADD/ADHD does make it more difficult to quit smoking. (Notice, I said “more difficult” not “impossible”!)
But here’s the catch – your ability to quit smoking may be related to the specific symptoms you exhibit.
A recent study, conducted by Dr. Lirio Covey, a professor of clinical psychology (in psychiatry) at Columbia University medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and colleagues, points in this direction at least.
Individuals displaying hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms were less likely to stop smoking than those with the symptoms of inattention alone. These are the results at the conclusion of the eight-week study.
This study is one of the few, Dr. Covey told the Science News Daily web site, that has actually studied the effect of ADD/ADHD on attempts at smoking cessation.
But more than that, it’s even rarer because the study actually broke the disorder down into specific symptoms and analyzed each symptom in regards to the habit,
The trial examined 583 adults – of which 43 were found to have “clinically significant” symptoms of ADD/ADHD. All were treated with the Zyban® (which contains the medication buproprion), the nicotine patch and cessation counseling.
When compared, those without ADD/ADHD symptoms possessed higher rates of smoking cessation than those who had symptoms. But once the researchers dug deeper – and analyzed specific symptoms – they discovered smoking quit rates seemed to be linked to specific symptoms of the disorder.
Those individuals who only had the ADD/ADHD symptoms of inattention were just as likely to quit smoking as those with no symptoms—54 percent to 55 percent.
But when they examined those who possessed hyperactivity and impulsivity (regardless of whether they had problems with inattention), the statistics changed significantly. This group of individuals was more likely not to succeed at their attempt to kick the habit.
This latest research falls in line with earlier thoughts that tobacco use is a “self-medicating” treatment for many individuals with ADD/ADHD. It has long been thought that when a person smokes the neurotransmitter dopamine is released which specifically assists in the processing of attention and impulse control. To read a summary of the article, visit here.
Please share your thoughts and feelings below.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
P.S. For help in kicking the habit, I recommend this stop smoking program. This program has helped hundreds of people to stop smoking quick and easy. I believe it can help you – even if you have ADD/ADHD! To learn more, visit: Stop Smoking Fast and Easy.
Now that is interesting. My partner who won’t do anything about his ADD has been trying to quit for as long as I know him. At least once a year, he takes the plunge and fails.
I have always thought that cigerettes was his self medication.
Once again, as a new years resolution, he is attempting to quit. What can i offer him, as a suggestion for sucess? He is so unapproachable at the moment. I’m sure he’s in need of some help with his ADD before he would see sucess. It won’t be long before he is smoking again and then perhaps a chance for a plan.
My trust in the profession is not at its best but, what the heck, times are changing and perhaps something is out there for him.
We have walked the path for my kids and I really don’t want to carry his hand through his but, any suggestions would be good.
Is there information on quiting and having ADD, what best tips could be offered?
Hi Eliane,
Quitting smoking is hard.
There are no programs for ADD and smoking, as far as I know.
Certainly, if the ADHD/ADD is controlled, that would likely make it easier to quit – so maybe he will consider treatment for the ADHD.
Best,
Dr. Kenny
My husband and I have both recently decided to quit, and while I am still ciggarette free, just as he is, I feel absolutely insane. I have adult ADHD, and had quit taking ritalin years ago after reading about the damage it can do to my heart… I never really thought of smoking as self medicating, although the idea of it does make sense. Please excuse me, my mind races too fast to harness at times. I think it has made this a bit easier just knowing that this craziness is part of the adhd, not the smoking issue…I still do not want to smoke…
Hi Dr. Kenny,
I am bit surprised to know that a particular symptom makes it harder for people to be a successful ex-smoker. I was having an impression that Nicotine when enters body causes brain to release Endorphins, which makes smoker feel relaxed. So my thought was that Trigger for nicotine craving was the only cause. I feel people with ADD/ADHD symptoms can be benefited if they are given a combination therapy, i.e., combination of hypnosis and other nicotine replacement therapy. please visit tips to quit smoking if I am right on this approach.
Erin, and any one else who feels as we do, you may communicate with me if you want. I jumped into this site this very moment because, instead of working, I am surfing. Anyway, I was just now feeling what you feel: word for word.
However, I am a man, married, and do NOT want Hubby sending threatening emails. I so want out of my ADHD & smoking that I have thought of suicide.
I am not going to because I am an ex-user and recovering alcoholic and have been through tough times: but my very soul says I may be ADHD but I am NOT a smoker, yet I do.
The craving never really goes away, especially if you’re recovering or in the process of quitting smoking. Your biochemistry is just too use to having the stuff from cigarettes that you can’t take. Over time, if you stay strong and have plenty of support, you’ll be able to control these cravings easier. As time passes it’ll get easier but it will never go away.
You’re doing great though, Erin, so keep it up!
Thanks for all of the support. I am still smokeless, however my head feels more confused at times… while i am driving I panic at times because I have no idea where I actually am on the road, because I was talking or singing with the music, then there is all the extra energy… I can’t help but feel confined, I have these urges to move and play fight (which for me works because I have two young sons, who love to duke it out with the Hulk gloves) that evergy that makes me very restless in my own skin, between that and the constant loss of thought… I catch myself getting very irritated and angry, more at myself than anyone else, I try to laugh at myself as often as I can, I know it sounds little, but it helps me a lot. Thankfully I am a stay at home wife, and I don’t have any one in the office place counting on me at the moment, maybe at that time when I decide to go back to work, I will give the hypnosis a try, I have thought about it before. I know a few people who have done it either to lose weight or quit smoking, but I’ve never actually heard of it helping with the ADHD issues.
John: Laugh at yourself more, Keeping it simple means not taking yourself so seriously. Find a sponsor who understands ADHD, and the added impulsiveness we feel, Take it one thing, one thought at a time! Take Care