Many people who struggle with substance dependency have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for years. We help clients look at both, connected parts of the same picture.
Untreated ADHD can affect impulsivity, emotional regulation, relationships, work, shame, relapse patterns and consistency in recovery. We help clients look at both as connected parts of the same picture.
ADHD and addiction can interact in ways that make recovery more complex. Impulsivity, difficulties with emotional regulation, planning, consistency and maintaining routines can all affect how someone engages with treatment and manages everyday life in recovery.
That does not make relapse a personal failure.
These figures describe large populations and should not be used to predict any one person's experience.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that relapse rates for substance-use disorders are between 40% and 60%, comparable with relapse rates for other chronic health conditions.
A return to use does not mean that recovery is impossible or that previous treatment was wasted. It can indicate that the treatment plan, level of support or recovery environment needs to be reviewed and strengthened.
A meta-analysis of 29 studies estimated that 23.1% of people seeking treatment for a substance-use disorder also had adult ADHD.
The overlap is not always recognised. ADHD-related difficulties may be mistaken for a lack of motivation or commitment, while substance use can make ADHD assessment and treatment more complicated.
More broadly, US national data from 2024 found that 21.2 million adults experienced both a substance-use disorder and a mental illness — slightly less than half of all US adults with a substance-use disorder.
Guidance for people experiencing co-occurring mental-health and substance-use difficulties supports coordinated assessment and care. International ADHD and addiction experts also recommend that ADHD and substance-use disorders are considered together, rather than treating one condition while overlooking the other.
Phoenix Guardians does not replace medical, psychiatric or addiction treatment. Our coaching works alongside clinical care, helping clients turn treatment plans into daily structure, accountability and consistent action.
Recovery rarely depends on one appointment, one programme or one moment of motivation.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that, in general, participation in residential or outpatient treatment for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and that longer treatment is often needed. The appropriate duration and level of care will vary from person to person, but ongoing support and continuity are consistently important.
Phoenix Guardians helps clients maintain momentum after treatment and apply what they have learned in the situations where recovery is tested most: at home, at work, in relationships and in the decisions made each day.
We focus on practical areas that can become difficult during recovery:
Coaching that works alongside clinical care—not around it.
Many clients benefit from both. Here's how to think about the difference.
What we offer at Phoenix Guardians
A different lens, often used alongside coaching
A few sentences by email or the form, whatever feels easiest.
In person in London, or remotely. Always on your terms.
Including what ADHD may or may not be doing in the background.
Coaching, referral, or simply more thinking time. There's no obligation.
A conversation isn't a commitment. It's just a place to start.
