The idea that ADHD individuals may be self-medicating themselves through drug use can be supported by the fact that many of these drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, increase levels of dopamine in the brain, which is essential for focus and quality decision-making.
Looking at the history of drug-seeking behavior in people with ADHD, we can gain insights into how dopamine regulates certain circuits in the brain and how it affects their attention deficit. This can also help in developing treatments for ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD may use substances such as cocaine and amphetamine, as well as coffee and cigarettes, to increase levels of dopamine in the brain and regulate attention and decision-making skills. These substances act on the neural circuits responsible for coordinating task-related and default mode networks in the brain.