Many individuals in Washington, DC, turn to everyday substances like coffee, stimulant medications, and THC to manage their ADHD symptoms. While these options may seem convenient, they impact brainwaves in distinct ways, often improving some symptoms while complicating others.
Understanding how these substances affect the brain and ADHD is key to making informed decisions about managing your mental health.
In this blog, we’ll explore how coffee, stimulant medications, and THC affect brainwave activity. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of self-medicating for ADHD, and the importance of seeking professional help. We’ll introduce neurofeedback (NFB), a scientifically backed treatment option offered at the Washington, DC Center for Neurocognitive Excellence (DCNE), led by our director, Schuyler Cunningham, who is Board Certified in Neurofeedback.
Understanding Brainwave Activity
Understanding brainwave activity is vital for recognizing how substances and treatments affect individuals with ADHD. As we look at the effects of coffee, stimulant medications, and THC, it’s important to see how these substances influence brainwave patterns.
Understanding Beta Waves: Beta waves are fast brainwaves that dominate when you’re alert, focused, and engaged in problem-solving. They are essential for cognitive tasks, aiding attention, logical thinking, and processing speed. People with ADHD often have lower beta wave activity, which can lead to difficulties with focus, impulse control, and task completion.
Understanding Alpha Waves: Alpha waves bridge conscious thinking and deep relaxation, typically present when you’re calm but alert, like during meditation or light daydreaming. Individuals with ADHD often have lower alpha wave activity, making it challenging to relax and focus. Neurofeedback treatments may aim to raise alpha wave activity, which can help reduce anxiety and improve attention.
Understanding Theta Waves: Theta waves are associated with relaxation and creativity but can be problematic for individuals with ADHD, leading to lapses in attention. High theta activity, especially in the frontal regions, is linked to distractibility and daydreaming, making it difficult to stay on task.
Coffee: The Everyday Solution for Self-Medicating ADHD
Coffee is a popular choice for self-medicating ADHD due to its stimulating effects. Depending on the method of preparation, caffeine levels can vary significantly, influencing its impact on ADHD symptoms. For example:
- Drip coffee can have moderate levels of caffeine, while cold brew contains higher concentrations. This variation alone is intriguing for those self-medicating for ADHD in Washington, DC.
Brainwave Impact: Research published in the National Library of Medicine confirms that caffeine significantly increases beta wave activity, which enhances cognitive performance and focus. However, it has little to no effect on alpha waves, which are typically associated with relaxation and calmness. This increase in beta waves may improve processing speed but doesn’t necessarily enhance attention, particularly in individuals with ADHD.
Additionally, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety. Another study published in ScienceDirect suggests that, in people with ADHD—who often have suppressed alpha wave activity at baseline—caffeine may further lower alpha waves while boosting beta waves. A study presented at the University of South Florida found that caffeine consumption results in a notable increase in beta waves but suppresses alpha waves, contributing to heightened alertness yet also increasing anxiety. This is particularly interesting since neurofeedback therapy, which is often used to treat ADHD, focuses on raising alpha waves to promote relaxation, while caffeine seems to do the opposite.
At DCNE, we focus on treating ADHD in ways that naturally optimize brainwave activity without the negative side effects of anxiety or jitteriness. One of the most effective treatments we offer is neurofeedback for ADHD.
Research shows that neurofeedback can be particularly effective for ADHD, helping to enhance attention, reduce impulsivity, and improve overall emotional regulation. You can learn more about neurofeedback by reading Schuyler’s book ADHD and Neurofeedback Explained.
Stimulant Medications vs. Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin are a common medical treatments for ADHD. Much like caffeine, they increase beta wave activity, helping with focus and task completion. However, stimulant medications are more targeted and often suppress theta waves, which are linked to daydreaming and inattentiveness .
ADHD Medication Side Effects: While stimulant medications can be effective, they also come with potential side effects, including increased anxiety, insomnia, and reduced appetite. A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders highlights the variability in how individuals with ADHD respond to these medications, noting that some may experience adverse effects such as irritability and sleep disturbances, which can prompt them to seek alternative treatments. For more detailed insights on ADHD medication side effects, you can explore this resource.
For those considering medication, it’s essential to balance the pros and cons. We offer personalized ADHD treatment plans, ensuring that therapy and neurofeedback are tailored to your specific brainwave patterns, addressing the root causes rather than relying solely on stimulant medication.
THC: Relaxing but Risky for ADHD
THC, a component of marijuana, is often used to self-medicate ADHD due to its relaxing properties. It increases alpha wave activity in the frontal lobe, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. However, it also decreases beta wave activity, slowing down cognitive processing and function. This means that while you may feel calmer, your ability to focus and complete tasks could suffer.
The Difference Between THC and CBD: It’s also essential to distinguish between THC and CBD (cannabidiol). Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects that make you feel “high”. Additionally, it has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits. Such as reducing anxiety and improving mood without impairing cognitive function.
A study published in Neurotherapeutics highlights that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Unlike THC, it does not cause cognitive impairment, making it a promising treatment for anxiety disorders. You can learn more about the use of CBD for anxiety in our blog post here.
Director, Schuyler Cunningham, brings specialized expertise in neurofeedback to help individuals in Washington, DC, struggling with self-medicating ADHD using THC. As a Board Certified neurofeedback provider, Mr. Cunningham utilizes this advanced therapy to promote a balanced brainwave state, increasing alpha waves without the cognitive slowdown associated with THC.
For individuals in Washington, DC, struggling with self-medicating ADHD using THC, this trade-off between relaxation and executive function is significant. Our neurofeedback therapy for ADHD helps achieve a balanced state, increasing alpha waves without the drop in cognitive efficiency associated with THC.
The Importance of Professional Help: Better Alternatives to Self Medicating for ADHD in Washington, DC
The brainwave activity influenced by caffeine, stimulant medications, and THC highlights the importance of understanding how these substances affect ADHD symptoms. While self-medicating might offer temporary relief, it’s not a long-term solution.
Choosing to seek professional help means you’re not just managing symptoms but addressing the root causes of ADHD. By understanding the intricacies of brainwave activity, you can make informed decisions about your treatment options.
Neurofeedback and other evidence-based therapies can enhance brain function without the unpredictable side effects. If you’re seeking lasting ADHD solutions, explore our services. Discover the benefits of a professional treatment plan.
Are you self medicating for ADHD in Washington, DC?
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to connect with one of our trained professionals.
At the DCNE, we specialize in ADHD therapy, neurofeedback and therapy for anxiety and depression. We provide safe, effective ways to manage symptoms without relying on self-medication. Our approach is scientifically backed to promote lasting brain function changes. It helps improve focus, emotional regulation, and well-being.
Book your free consultation today and let us assist you in taking the initial step toward assembling a professional support team. You can reach us by calling or texting at 202-998-ADHD (2343), or emailing [email protected].
Services at DCNE in Washington, DC
Additionally, we provide EMDR therapy for individuals coping with overwhelming anxiety or trauma. For those seeking alternatives to traditional talk therapy or medication’s adverse effects, we offer cutting-edge neurofeedback—an innovative and effective approach to mental health treatment.
We also offer comprehensive mental health assessments for individuals in need of diagnosis or those who may not be ready to commence counseling.
We look forward to helping you take that next step. Contact us today!