Help & resources

Crisis & helplines

• 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  United States

  Call or text 988

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• SAMHSA National Helpline

  United States

  1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7

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• FRANK

  United Kingdom

  0300 123 6600 — drug advice

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• Samaritans

  UK & Ireland

  116 123 — emotional support, 24/7

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• Lifeline

  Australia

  13 11 14

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• Find a Helpline

  Worldwide

  Searchable directory by country

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Organisations

• CHADD

  Children and Adults with ADHD — the largest US ADHD advocacy organisation.

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• ADDA

  Attention Deficit Disorder Association — adult-focused ADHD resources.

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• NIDA

  National Institute on Drug Abuse — research-grade information on substances and addiction.

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• NIMH — ADHD

  National Institute of Mental Health overview of ADHD.

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• ADHD UK

  Information and peer support across the United Kingdom.

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Treatment & Support Options

Please note: these options can support recovery, but none of them replaces an assessment and treatment plan from a qualified clinician. Results differ from person to person, and no option is a guaranteed cure.

• Naltrexone (Incl. Vivitrol)

  Prescription medication

  FDA-approved for alcohol and opioid use disorders. It blunts the rewarding effect of alcohol and can reduce cravings; available as a daily pill or monthly injection. Ask a doctor whether it suits you, since it is not right for everyone (for example, people currently using opioids).

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• SMART Recovery

  Peer support

  A free, skills-based, non-12-step program built on cognitive-behavioral tools, with in-person and online meetings. A good fit for people who prefer a practical approach; 12-step groups such as AA remain another valid choice.

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• Sleep

  Supportive practice

  Poor sleep worsens both ADHD symptoms and cravings. A steady bedtime, limited screens at night and less caffeine late in the day can help; ongoing sleep problems are worth raising with a clinician.

• Stress Care

  Supportive practice

  Stress is a common trigger for relapse. Exercise, mindfulness, breathing practices and talk therapy can lower it. Some people also find hypnotherapy or acupuncture helpful, though the research on these is more limited.

• Nutrition & Routine

  Supportive practice

  Regular meals and daily structure steady energy and mood and make ADHD easier to manage. These habits work best alongside, not instead of, professional care.

Further reading

• SMART Recovery Handbook

  The program's own workbook of practical recovery tools.

• Driven to Distraction — Hallowell & Ratey

  Accessible introduction to adult ADHD.

• Taking Charge of Adult ADHD — Russell Barkley

  Practical guide from a leading ADHD researcher.

• In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts — Gabor Maté

  On the roots of addiction and the role of attention and trauma.