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ADHD Treatment Options for Adults: What Actually Works

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is often undiagnosed for years. While symptoms begin in childhood, they can go overlooked. Many people feel a great sense of relief when they’re diagnosed in adulthood. Things start to make sense. It also opens the door to treatment. But, what does a typical ADHD treatment plan in adults look like? 

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Adult ADHD treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle. Still, no two people are exactly alike. What works for one person might not necessarily work for another. Knowing about your options and having a provider you can collaborate with matters. 

Sanford Behavioral Health is proud to provide effective ADHD treatment for adults in Michigan. We’re going to give you a comprehensive overview of ADHD treatment options for adults and when to seek professional support.

Is ADHD in Adults Treatable?

Yes. There are evidence-based treatments for ADHD in adults. While there’s no “cure” for ADHD, symptoms can be managed significantly with the right combination. Stimulant medication works for 70-80% of adults with ADHD. Other treatment options include non-stimulant medications, therapy, and lifestyle strategies.

Typically, medication and behavioral interventions used together yield the best long-term outcomes. Both treatments have specific benefits that support each other.

Infographic highlighting three core approaches to adult ADHD treatment: medication, therapy and coaching, and lifestyle strategies, including sleep, exercise, nutrition, and routines.

Medication Options

Medications are the fastest, most consistently proven treatment for ADHD symptoms. Stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD, meaning that they are a highly effective treatment many providers will try first. They work by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which helps to manage difficulties with executive function.

There are many misconceptions about stimulant medication for ADHD. Many people are surprised to learn, for example, that stimulant medication can actually reduce the risk of substance use disorders in people with ADHD. However, every medication comes with possible side effects and risks. 

Non-stimulant alternatives are available for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or for those who have a substance use history and either need or prefer not to take stimulants. All decisions about ADHD medication should be made with a psychiatrist who can help you weigh the risks vs. benefits and find the right option for you.

Therapy Options

ADHD therapy for adults can take different forms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most recommended therapies for adults with ADHD. It helps people build organization and time management skills. Often, a CBT therapist can also provide helpful strategies for emotion regulation and communication. 

ADHD coaching is practical and goal-focused. It focuses on completing everyday tasks, building executive function skills, and creating “action plans” that help you meet your goals. It provides accountability and gives you someone to talk to when you need to problem-solve and find solutions to everyday challenges caused by ADHD symptoms. 

Many people who get diagnosed in adulthood feel alone and grieve lost time. Group therapy for adult ADHD reduces isolation while teaching helpful strategies. Depending on the type of therapy used (and the specific group you’re in), an adult ADHD therapy group may focus on areas like time management, task initiation, organization, and reframing negative self-talk.

Sometimes, family therapy and couples therapy are helpful for people with ADHD. This can be particularly true for those who need help with ADHD and relationships. These sessions may focus on things like helping loved ones understand ADHD and helping you build effective communication strategies as a unit.

Lifestyle Strategies

Lifestyle strategies support treatment for ADHD in adults. They do not replace clinical care. They’re adjunct (add-on) treatments that can help life run much more smoothly. Generally, these include: 

  • Sleep hygiene. Getting enough sleep is vital for overall health, executive function, and emotion regulation. Examples of sleep hygiene practices include avoiding technology before bed, waking up and going to bed around the same time each night, sleeping in a cool, dark room, and using the bed only for sleep and sex.
  • Exercise. Many adults with ADHD find that a regular exercise routine supports their treatment tremendously. It helps regulate dopamine, provides an outlet, and often supports mood and confidence. 
  • Nutrition. Eating regular meals and snacks promotes stable blood sugar, supports cognitive function, and can help balance neurotransmitters. 
  • Routines. Routines help adults with ADHD manage time, complete tasks, and make healthy habits a typical part of daily life. They can help with challenges like forgetfulness by providing structure. 

Accommodations at work or your college and tools like planners or calendars (which you can work on using properly in therapy or ADHD coaching) are also helpful for many people.

Can You Treat ADHD Without Medication?

Yes, but not always. For people with mild-to-moderate ADHD, ADHD treatment without medication is often possible. In this case, effective treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, coaching, and lifestyle interventions. However, a non-medication approach is not recommended as a first-line treatment for severe ADHD. 

If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms despite therapy, coaching, and lifestyle interventions, medication may be highly beneficial or necessary, even if your symptoms don’t necessarily fall into the severe category.

When to Seek Professional Support

How do you know when it’s time to seek help for diagnosed or suspected ADHD? It is important to seek professional support if ADHD symptoms affect your work, interpersonal relationships, or finances. If you suspect that you have ADHD but do not have a diagnosis, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation will likely be your first step. 

You do not need a diagnosis to start therapy or to start exploring tools or coping strategies that work for things like difficulty with time management, forgetfulness, or impulsivity. Many people start therapy while they wait for an evaluation. A diagnosis is crucial for those who need workplace accommodations or medication. It can also provide clarity. 

Notably, many adults with ADHD have one or more co-occurring concerns. This is another reason to seek help. Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or substance use requires integrated care (treatment that addresses both or all diagnoses). Treating co-occurring concerns supports whole-person well-being and comprehensive symptom management. 

We offer in-person and virtual mental health programs for adults with ADHD and other conditions. You can get treatment with us whether you need help with ADHD only or have one or more co-occurring concerns.

How Sanford Approaches ADHD Treatment

Sanford Behavioral Health provides diagnostic services, therapy, medication management, and a full continuum of care for ADHD and related concerns. The process will start with a psychiatrist-led assessment. This will help guide treatment recommendations. At this time, you’ll be asked questions about things like your personal history and symptoms. 

Even if two people have ADHD, they may not respond to certain treatments the same way. It may take some trial and error. That is why ADHD treatment at Sanford is person-centered and highly individualized. Our local team will work with you closely throughout the process and help you find the treatment plan that works. 

Sanford also treats anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and other concerns frequently affecting people with ADHD. We use an integrated approach for people with ADHD and co-occurring conditions. Especially for those who go undiagnosed for a long time, unhealthy coping mechanisms can manifest, but they can also be overcome. 

We’re here to help you find ADHD treatment that fits your needs and schedule. Our full continuum of care includes residential, inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care. Detox is available at Sanford Behavioral Health for people seeking help for adult ADHD and co-occurring substance abuse.

Contact Sanford for Individualized Adult ADHD Treatment in Michigan

Sanford Behavioral Health provides individualized adult ADHD treatment in Michigan. Our multidisciplinary team offers individual, group, and family therapy, medication management, executive functioning skill development, supportive holistic treatments, and ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments. We are in-network with most insurance plans. 

We work with each unique person who walks through our doors to create a personalized care plan. Comprehensive assessments help us understand your needs and how best to support you. When possible, we involve loved ones in the treatment process and provide psychoeducation to help people and those close to them understand ADHD and treatment.

Ready to learn more about adult ADHD treatment at Sanford Behavioral Health? Schedule a free assessment today. Call 616.202.3326 or contact us online to get started. You’re welcome to get in touch 24/7/365.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ADHD be treated without medication in adults?

In some cases, yes. Some people with mild to moderate symptoms do not take medication. However, there’s nothing wrong with taking medication if you need it. People with moderate to severe ADHD symptoms often respond best to a combination of medication and other treatments or tools (e.g., CBT, coaching, lifestyle).

Yes. Therapy for adult ADHD helps people learn strategies and skills for managing daily life challenges, such as those related to executive functioning and emotion regulation. It is also frequently used to help address co-occurring concerns, like anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or alongside medication.

In many cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medication is generally considered the first-line and most effective pharmacological treatment for ADHD in adults. Pairing it with other ADHD treatment options (therapy, lifestyle) promotes the best outcomes and whole-person health.

Often, ADHD treatment is lifelong. However, what it looks like may change with time. Group therapy, CBT for ADHD, and coaching typically don’t last forever. While some may benefit from longer-term therapy for a range of reasons, people often see significant improvements from approaches like individual CBT or group therapy within months.

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