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
I quit cold turkey over 20 years ago. I did gain some weight initially but with careful eating and exercise it came off easily. There is a temptation to smoke when you are stressed. What helped me is to just take a couple of deep breaths instead of giving into the temptation.
Some people may also be in a pattern that boils down to their daily routine, like smoking after meals, during stressful or emotional times, in the morning when they wake up, or while they’re out socializing. Generally, it’s about rewarding themselves, motivation, or to calm themselves down or to make themselves happy. These are psychological, physical and patterned behaviors.
Hey Dr. H,
I’m starting my second year of college, and my goals are to quit smoking and finally get help for my undiagnosed ADD.
Over my entire school career I have wondered what my problem was: despite scoring in the 99th percentile on standardized tests throughout grade school, the most I’ve managed is a GPA of 2.9 at community college (I was supposed to get a full scholarship somewhere – never happened). Teachers have consistently told me that my failure to complete homework, manage time, and/or organize has been my downfall.
I found out a few years ago from my mother that, at age seven, my school wanted to test me for ADD/ADHD, but she refused under the impression that a child considered “gifted” couldn’t possibly have any disorder. Many people associate ADHD with learning disabilities, and since I don’t have any, people that I’m close to pass off the idea and accuse me of just being lazy and forgetful; my entire family thinks that ADD itself is a joke, or “not real.” Likewise, my friends think I’m just trying to score some Adderall (which I want to avoid at all costs because I don’t want people hounding me to sell it off; I’m leaning toward Concerta).
Recently, I got a job as a waitress, and I am becoming increasingly stressed and frustrated (and smoking more). My co-workers initially thought I was a complete idiot because I couldn’t multi-task, listen, remember, etc. My manager’s exact phrase was, “You need to focus.” I catch myself walking aimlessly, talking too much, saying things on an impulse…it has become glaringly obvious to me.
So, I have three major concerns/questions that I was hoping you could help me with:
1. I’m worried that if I go to the doctor, (s)he’ll either dismiss my symptoms (as my family has) or throw me a dose too low to be effective. School has already started and I can’t afford to wait weeks experimenting in small increases with my GPA on the line; I want to finally reach my potential.
2. Dosing: Upon getting an effective dose, will I have to continue raising it as time passes? Do people build up a tolerance to Concerta? What about abuse potential, do people get addicted to it?
3. Is it true that most insurance companies will not cover any costs for ADD medication? My insurance covers very little, and I’m worried that even if everything else works out, I won’t be able to afford it. I read on an ADHD blog that Concerta is quite expensive, but the 3x a day Ritalin is cheaper. Do you know how much generic Concerta might cost?
Thank you for your time! I hope to hear from you.
About me:
Age: 19
5’4″ tall
125 lbs
BP: 95/65 (on average)
P.S. I just realized it took me over an hour to finish this…kept getting distracted!
Rachel – it’s important to get your diagnosis and get help.
I don’t know if the doctor will dismiss your symptoms or not. (there’s only 1 way to find out). It is still very important to get diagnosed and to get help now.
Concerta is expensive – though when it comes to the generic concerta – it is terrible. You can get a ‘smart card’ (in Canada) to cover the difference in cost between the generic and the name brand medicine. See the article here: http://www.addadhdblog.com/generic-concerta-in-canada/
Ritalin 3 x per day is cheaper, but it has its own problems.
The best thing to do is to get started, and see if you can get help.
Your college may have a medicine plan for students which could help with the pills.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
Long story short I would of never dreamed I had ADHD and god bless my mom she didnt know better when I was young. But I went to see a Phyc Dr when my son was struggeling in school and with sleep.. He is in his teens and has struggeled with the same things I did at the exact same age. So when I took him in I also took the quize cause if he has something so did I.
So I told the Dr I smoke and I have battled with it for years and I drink allot of coffee. He said Im right on the boarder for ADHD and I wouldnt say Im hyper at all but he thinks I am. So I tried the generic Ritalin and the first day I didnt want a cig I tried to smoke cause its a habbit and I would find myself wanting to take a break and have one puff but after two puffs it tasted like it should (like dirt). Im down to a half cup of coffee and really its more of a ritual cause I dont even finish it. I dont interupt people or am inpatient like I was. I just figured that I have a company and kids and properties etc, etc I dont have time for allot of bull if you know what I mean. So who new! My son I feel is too young I dont want to interfear with the growing process. Also there is allot of cognitive things that he needs to learn how to do to over come like I did. If his symptoms are still showing in college then Im all for trying if he wants it. Cause you can pump all the chemicals you want into a kid but if they do not want to or just do not care about school no medicine is going to fix it!
But going back to Ritalin and I use the brand name I tried the generic and I had crazy symptoms when I wore off. I highly recomend the brand it feels much cleaner and I can barly tell when its wearing off. So this worked for me and I wish I would of known about this when I was in college maybe I would of finished and not have damaged lungs after 16 years of smoking on and off!
Also I tried Welbutrin when it first came out in the ’90′s it did nothing for me but make me a zombie just nothing goin on upstairs. So to each their own! So again if everything has been tried and exhausted then who is anyone to judge. Life expectancy is much longer with out ciggs and just be safe with this stuff get your blood work done and get your hart checked regularly! Good luck and God bless!
One more quick thing to address how evil smoking is if you google the brain chemistry under a brain scan they can see that when you take quicker puffs it triggers your brain to wake up and be alert and when you take deeper longer puffs it triggers the relaxing censation. OMG so evil, there is nothing like it in the world! Good luck and do what ever it takes to quit! Cause even ciggs will damage your hart I know cause I lost my dad at 48 and because of smoking (hart attack)! I was 12 and its sucked we lost everything when he died most importantly him I would give anything to have him here even 25 years after!
Im not sure If that was the case for me. I sometimes wonder if I do have ADD/ADHD of some sort. However, I think I kept smoking because I had not made the decision to commit to it until now. Even though I am young I feel some what old school when it comes to excuses. Dont make them because no one will care. At the end of the day the choice was simple for me. Do Not pick up another darn cigarette again…Though which is more harmful ADD/ADHD Med or tobacco? Now there is a debate…
Here’s the truth about quitting. I don’t want to discourage you, but the fact is that 90% of those that try to quit don’t make it.
Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine or heroine. But, nicotine isn’t the “bad buy” in a cigarette. It’s the 4,000 chemicals and 63 carcinogens that are killing people.
What I found that worked like a miracle was the electronic cigarette. It gives you nicotine using a water vapor atomizer. So, it looks, feels, and tastes like a cigarette, but it isn’t. I thought it was too good to be true. But, after using it for a couple weeks, I was blown away!
You can use it anywhere, it has no smell, and costs about $3 a pack, using the cartridges. If you want to know more, go to http://www.smokefreeroom.com. After 47 years of trying to quit, this is the best thing to ever happen to me.
Okay, I am on day 4, this is the second time I have quit, first time I was 35 and stayed a non-smoker for 3 years, but went back using alcohol as an excuse. I just turned 50, my husband who is also 50 had a minor heart attack last week, hence the force quitting smoking. I am also adhd and am on adderall. The last time I quit I got heavily into exercise, trained for a marathon. Exercise has always made me feel better. I have started using the patch for the nicotine, but already feel better. I know not to substitute cigarettes for food, because I know if I gain weight I will go back. So everytime I get the urge to smoke or frustrated or figidity I go for a long walk, it makes me feel better. I am one of those people who think better when I walk. The only thing that bothers me is the constant nightmares I am having, very negative dreams and abusive dreams. I don’t remember dreaming that much prior to this and now I remember all my dreams. I keep on thinking this is my addiction fighting me and I just need to keep on telling myself no. I really never ever figured heart attacks, I always feared cancer but the heart attack thing really took me for a loop. I know what makes me happy so I keep lots of music around and walk alot. I am beginning to feel stronger and better and know this is a good thing. That is the only thing you have to remember, to believe in yourself. Being ADHD is not a bad thing, it is actually good, I might be different, but in a lot of respects I am stronger and smarter because of it.
There has been some interesting work in addictionology and the “Brain Reward Cascade”. Seems that those with ADHD have the same genetic issue with dopamine receptors as those that suffer from addiction…however, we know that nicotine itself is a “designer drug” and has the potential to cause addiction in just about anyone regardless of genetic issues. This makes quitting difficult for anyone, but the traits that exist for ADHD can make it more difficult.
The truth is that each person possesses the power to make changes and an individual can overcome anything. Some people have it harder than others.
If you are interested in more natural treatment for addictions and ADHD, look up an Auriculotherapy practitioner (taught through the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders) combined with Torque Release chiropractic care. This therapy had shown some interesting results working with the brain reward centers.
Reference
Holder, Jay; Duncan, Robert; Gissen, Matthew; Miller,
Michael; Blum, Ken; “Increasing retention rates
among the chemically dependent in resident treatment:
subluxation based chiropractic care.” Molecular
Psychiatry, vol 6 supplement Feb 2001, Nature
Publishing Groups, England.