Author: In Balance Counseling

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause many symptoms that have a detrimental on your daily life. From an inability to focus and a need to remain in near-constant motion to talkativeness and memory issues, the range of symptoms caused by the neurodevelopmental disorder can make it challenging to cope.

Developing new symptoms, like brain fog, can add to the difficulty of understanding your condition. Many people ask, “Can ADHD cause brain fog?” and the short answer is, yes, it can. At In Balance Counseling, an intensive outpatient program in Tucson, we work with many adults trying to manage their ADHD and brain fog. Learn more about the connection here, and call us at (520) 722-9631 to make an appointment. 

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a common term for mental sluggishness; many people describe it as feeling as though they are lost in a fog, unable to concentrate, think clearly, or make sense of what’s happening around them. It can be a frustrating and often debilitating condition, as it keeps you from managing even the most basic daily living activities and being productive. It’s more than just mental tiredness or a lack of mental clarity: Brain fog is a series of connected cognitive impairments that don’t improve with physical changes only, such as getting more sleep. 

The Symptoms of Brain Fog 

Many of the symptoms and effects of brain fog overlap with ADHD symptoms. Some of the most common include:

• Concentration difficulties 
• Difficulty communicating (trouble finding words, mixing up words, etc.)
• Slow thinking, including trouble organizing thoughts and mental exhaustion
• Memory issues, including forgetfulness and memory lapses 
• Difficulty with executive functioning, like making decisions about what to eat or which task to complete first
• Careless mistakes, like misplacing items   

The Relationship Between Brain Fog and ADHD 

Although brain fog can result from illness, diet, sleep problems, and medication, can ADHD cause brain fog? 

ADHD can cause brain fog because of the cognitive challenges that come with ADHD. Problems with executive functioning are a hallmark of ADHD and can contribute to additional disorders like anxiety and learning disabilities. 

There are also some physical connections between ADHD and brain fog. ADHD often causes sleep disorders, and a lack of adequate sleep is a major factor in brain fog. People with ADHD also often have more cytokines in their brains, which are molecules that cause inflammation, which in turn can affect mental clarity and brain function.

There may also be a connection between dopamine levels and brain fog. ADHD can lower levels of this neurotransmitter, which can reduce motivation and focus. 

Get Help with Your Brain Fog 

If you’re having trouble concentrating and want to know, “Can ADHD cause brain fog?” the compassionate counselors at In Balance Counseling in Tucson, Arizona, can help. Make an appointment by calling (520) 722-9631. The team can also help you with other issues, like how to get someone to go to therapy, managing substance abuse, and other mental health concerns. 

Several studies have documented the link between trauma and substance use disorders. People who experience traumatic events are more likely to develop substance dependency when compared to those who have not experienced trauma. Understanding the connection between PTSD and addiction is critical for proper addiction treatment and counseling. Discover more about PTSD and substance abuse and how to deal with them.

Contact In Balance Counseling today to discuss our intensive outpatient program in Tucson.

Understanding PTSD-Related Substance Dependency

People can develop post-traumatic stress disorder from experiencing adverse events, such as:

• Physical or emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Violence against person
• Loss of a loved one
• Repeated exposure to adverse events

PTSD can produce recurring bouts of disturbance and anxiety, which can contribute to further mental illnesses such as depression.  

According to one 2010 study in the psychiatry journal Depression and Anxiety, nearly 60% of individuals with PTSD develop some kind of substance use disorder. Many who suffer from PTSD use substances to combat negative moods and thoughts from trauma. In that sense, substance use in trauma victims can often be seen as a type of self-medication. 

Signs of Substance Use Disorder From Trauma

Everyone processes trauma differently, so substance use disorders from trauma can present in a myriad of ways. However, common behaviors might include:

• Expressing cravings or urgings for a substance
• Taking larger and larger doses of a substance
• Shirking social responsibility and engagement because of substance abuse
• Risky behavior
• Significant time spent acquiring substances
• Increase substance tolerance
• Changes in mood or executive functioning
• Significant mood swings
• Physical withdrawal symptoms after periods of non-use

Trauma victims may be more likely to use substances after experiencing external triggers that remind them about their traumatic experience(s).

Treatment for Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Abuse 

There is no one singular solution for addiction, and clinics use several recovery strategies for PTSD and substance use counseling and treatment. Studies have found that intervention soon after the traumatic event can lower the chance that the individual develops trauma symptoms and develops a substance addiction.

Other research indicates that having a supportive social structure can reduce the risk of trauma-related substance use. This is one reason why peer counseling and group therapy are widely used options for managing PTSD with substance use.  

One of the biggest obstacles to treating the dual diagnosis of PTSD and substance abuse disorders is a lack of information and knowledge about treatment options. Trauma victims may be hesitant to seek counseling, and those with substance use problems may avoid treatment due to societal stigmas surrounding drug use. 

Substance Use Counseling in Tucson

Recovering from substance abuse is difficult, but you are not alone. Countless others have managed to heal and take back control of their lives. If you need some encouragement, read our blog to learn more about exercises for recovering from addiction. 

In Balance Counseling has been providing intensive in-patient counseling in Arizona for over 25 years. Contact us online or call (520) 722-9631 today to learn more about our counseling and inpatient options for PTSD and substance abuse. 

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders? If you’ve ever felt like your nerves are a highwire act, teetering between calm and chaos, you’re not alone. 

As the go-to provider of counseling services in Tucson, we at In Balance Counseling have seen several people grapple with mental challenges. The first step toward conquering them is through an accurate diagnosis. Call us at 520-722-9631 to learn more about our counseling services.

What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety, in its simplest form, is a normal response to stress or danger. It’s that edge-of-your-seat sensation when you’re about to give a speech or take a big test.

An anxiety disorder is a whole different ball game. Anxiety disorder is when the feeling becomes a constant, uninvited guest in your life, showing up unannounced and overstaying its welcome.

Anxiety’s Many Faces

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders? If any of these seem familiar, you might need to consider getting a proper evaluation:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Do everyday problems seem like insurmountable mountains to you? Aside from excessive worry, GAD can also induce:

• Irritability
• Poor sleep quality
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle tension
• General fatigue

You don’t have to sweep your difficulties under the rug and chalk them up as “day-to-day stress.” Persistent symptoms that last for over a year should catch your attention.

2. Panic Disorder

This disorder describes recurrent periods of psychological and physical distress. Common symptoms of a panic attack include rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, light-headedness, and nausea.

You’re more likely to experience this if your family has a history of the ailment, but it can also manifest following traumatic experiences.

3. Phobia-Related Disorders

Any persistent fear or discomfort from specific objects or situations falls under this umbrella. Even normally innocuous things like spiders, elevators, or heights can provoke an intense, irrational fear. 

4. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Excessive fear or worry at the thought of being away from home or loved ones is characteristic of separation anxiety disorder. If it lasts a long time and becomes obstructive to your daily life, it could be more than just missing someone. 

5. Social Anxiety Disorder

Previously called social phobia, this disorder is about fearing social interactions. If you dread stepping on the party dance floor or speaking up in meetings, you might have it. The fear of being judged or humiliated in public can become so intense that it can cause blushing, sweating, or feeling sick.

6. Agoraphobia

Do crowded or new environments make your pulse race and your palms go clammy? Do you avoid public transportation or open areas? Agoraphobia is an intense fear of leaving your safe space.

Start Your Journey Towards Recovery

What are the 6 types of anxiety disorders, and which ones do you think affect you? People experience anxiety in different ways, so it makes sense that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In Balance Counseling has you covered.

From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to motivational interviewing, we provide various routes to self-discovery and healing.Dial 520-722-9631 or explore our blog and discover the right therapy for anxiety disorder.