Sometimes I think I should go back to school and get an advanced degree in neurochemistry/neurobiology (I realize that I am the boss of me and could, therefore, go back to school if I wanted to). Last night Tim's ADD support group had a presentation about ADD/ADHD and addiction/substance abuse. REALLY fascinating. The presenter got into the neurochemical/genetic/physical reasons behind most addictive behaviors, and it just blew my mind. There's a whole lot of dopamine receptor stuff going on (though, of course, it's WAY more complex than I just made it sound).

Apparently clinical studies (as opposed to anecdata) have shown fairly conclusively that people with ADD/ADHD are *vastly* more likely to develop addictions than are people without ADD/ADHD.

The good part, though, is that studies have ALSO shown that when people with ADD/ADHD take meds for their ADD/ADHD, it markedly reduces the risk of developing addictions, and the earlier the meds are started, the better (though, as the presenter said, it's never "too late" to start meds).

Purely selfishly, I am so glad that Tim takes Ritalin. He has a history of pot smoking pre-diagnosis, which he calls an addiction. And I like to see him healthy.

Anyway, the whole brain chemistry/structure/genetic link thing fascinates me, and I would totally love to study it.

t /nerd-o-rama

I saw a friend of mine who I assume has ADD take a hit off a joint and then get quicker at the game we were playing. It was like that episode of WKRP where Dr. Johnny Fever's reaction gets better the more he drinks.

B's focus is an interesting thing. When its on, its ON -- or he's all over the room.

B's focus is an interesting thing. When its on, its ON -- or he's all over the room.

People with ADD can hyperfocus, which can sometimes be a good thing (::cough::sex::cough::) and sometimes be a bad thing (::cough::sex::cough::).

People with ADD can hyperfocus

AHAHAHA YES. Also known as "if work was more like a video game I'd be queen of the fucking universe".

Seriously. There must be some practical application for video game skills, mustn't there?

I am sitting in the Box Office. I am hungry, since I did not microwave my lunch before we opened because I was just supposed to be here long enough to get the volunteer started. But apparently, this is the week where (as my boss made vague noises about), she's working Friday instead of Wednesday. I think I may take the phone off the hook for a couple minutes and be not hungry.

I'm torn between "It's already Wednesday?!" and "It's only Wednesday?!"

Listening to the addictive/hyperfocus talk and just nodding. Would have been useful to know when I was a child. Or to know more when my kids were small.

I didn't realize it until much later, but my hyperfocus can be very scary and offputting to people who are not me. For me? It's one of the few ways I can actually get anything done.

Apparently clinical studies (as opposed to anecdata) have shown fairly conclusively that people with ADD/ADHD are *vastly* more likely to develop addictions than are people without ADD/ADHD.

Self-medication. See also, massive use of caffeine.

I saw a friend of mine who I assume has ADD take a hit off a joint and then get quicker at the game we were playing.

Hello, ADD/ADHD paradoxical effect. It can be interesting. Sometimes it can be fun. It's also hilarious when the pharmacist didn't get it, and openly expressed concerns that a stimulant might be too stimulating for me. Although, honestly, it WAS an off-label use.

Apparently clinical studies (as opposed to anecdata) have shown fairly conclusively that people with ADD/ADHD are *vastly* more likely to develop addictions than are people without ADD/ADHD.

That's fascinating - I'd love to understand more about the neurochemistry behind this. (In my family it's either/or, but it makes total sense that there are related underlying mechanisms.)

Apparently clinical studies (as opposed to anecdata) have shown fairly conclusively that people with ADD/ADHD are *vastly* more likely to develop addictions than are people without ADD/ADHD.

I've also seen studies that relate this to the high percentage of people with ADD in prison.

There must be some practical application for video game skills, mustn't there?

And we can't all be fighter pilots.

I get a couple hours of Laura time today! And I have ten more minutes of online before I have to leave. Um, if I'm late, Laura, there was traffic. Yes, traffic. Not that I got eated by internets, not that. Totally the traffic thing.