At Flatirons Recovery, we offer ADHD treatment in Boulder, Colorado, that goes beyond symptom management. Our integrated, evidence-based approach helps individuals understand the root of their struggles and build lasting coping strategies.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting both children and adults. We understand how deeply ADHD can impact daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with symptoms for years, getting the right support can make a meaningful difference.
About ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus, stay organized, control impulses, and regulate energy levels. People with ADHD may seem distracted, overly active, or impulsive in ways that interfere with school, work, relationships, and daily life.
There are three main types of ADHD:
Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is often less visible, but just as impactful. People with inattentive ADHD may appear spaced out, forget instructions, miss deadlines, or struggle to complete tasks, even if they’re trying hard. They may lose track of conversations, misplace items, or have trouble staying organized. Because it doesn’t always involve hyperactivity, this type can go unnoticed, especially in girls and adults.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type is marked by physical restlessness, nonstop talking, and acting without thinking. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may feel like they’re driven by a motor, blurting out thoughts or interrupting others. It’s most often recognized in children who can’t sit still, but it affects adults too, often as internal restlessness or a need to always be doing something.
Combined Type
The most common form of ADHD, the combined type, involves symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations. A person may have trouble focusing, forget things easily, and also feel restless, impatient, or prone to impulsive decisions. Managing both sets of symptoms can make daily life especially challenging without support or a structured ADHD treatment in Boulder, Colorado.
ADHD is not a matter of laziness or lack of willpower. It’s a brain-based condition with real effects, and it is more common than many people realize.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood, but research points to a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. It often runs in families, suggesting a strong hereditary component. Brain imaging studies also show that individuals with ADHD may have structural differences in areas of the brain that manage attention and impulse control.
Other potential contributing factors include premature birth or low birth weight, exposure to lead or other environmental toxins, maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, and early childhood trauma or stress.
It’s important to note that parenting style, sugar intake, and too much screen time do not cause ADHD. These can sometimes worsen symptoms, but they are not the root cause.
Common Signs of ADHD
ADHD can significantly disrupt daily life, especially in adults. The symptoms go beyond occasional forgetfulness or distraction; they’re persistent, happen across different settings, and often impact work, relationships, and overall well-being. That’s why many individuals seek out ADHD treatment in Boulder, Colorado, to find clarity and regain control in their daily routines.
Common challenges associated with ADHD include:
- Getting easily distracted or struggling to stay focused
- Chronic disorganization and putting off tasks
- Difficulty managing time, making plans, or staying organized
- Forgetting everyday responsibilities or appointments
- Misplacing items regularly or being forgetful during daily routines
- Interrupting others in conversation or talking excessively
- Having a hard time concentrating on big projects or juggling multiple tasks
- Struggling to follow through on instructions or complete assignments
- Feeling restless, fidgeting, or finding it difficult to stay still for long
- Always needing movement or stimulation to feel engaged
- Prioritizing instant gratification over long-term goals or consequences
While many people may experience some of these issues occasionally, adults with ADHD face them much more frequently and intensely. These symptoms usually persist for at least six months and show up in different areas of life, from work to home and beyond.
ADHD is also often found alongside other mental health conditions, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. One of the most common challenges? Sleep issues. Up to 70% of adults with ADHD report having trouble falling or staying asleep. This can further impact mood, focus, and overall health, creating a cycle that’s tough to break without support.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children and Adults
ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, but the path to diagnosis differs between children and adults. In kids, parents and teachers often notice early signs: difficulty staying on task, acting without thinking, or trouble sitting still in class.
For adult ADHD, the process is more complex. Symptoms must have been present before age 12, even if they were never formally recognized at the time. This means adults are often asked to reflect on their childhood behaviors or provide school reports, when available.
The number of symptoms required for diagnosis also varies by age. Children need to show at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity, while adults and teens 17 or older only need to show five. This change reflects how symptoms often become more subtle over time.
How ADHD and Addiction Are Connected
ADHD doesn’t just impact attention; it can also raise the risk of substance use. Many people with ADHD turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with restlessness, racing thoughts, or difficulty focusing. This is especially true for those who go undiagnosed or untreated for years.
The link between ADHD and substance abuse is strong. Research shows that individuals with ADHD are more likely to develop issues with alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or stimulants. This can quickly spiral into addiction, especially if underlying ADHD symptoms are left unmanaged.
At Flatirons Recovery, we specialize in treating both. Through dual-diagnosis care, we help clients address both conditions at once, not in isolation.
ADHD Treatment
Our approach to ADHD treatment in Boulder, Colorado, blends evidence-based therapy with holistic healing. Whether you’re dealing with adult ADHD, co-occurring depression or anxiety, or struggling with ADHD and substance abuse, we offer personalized care that fits your life.
Here’s how we can support your journey through our ADHD treatment for adults:
Individual Therapy & ADHD Counseling
Through one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists, clients learn how ADHD affects their thinking, behavior, and relationships. Therapy sessions provide practical skills for managing time, handling emotions, and improving focus.
We offer ADHD counseling in Boulder using approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which helps challenge negative thought patterns and improve executive functioning, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which offers tools to manage emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviors, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) that encourages acceptance of symptoms while building a meaningful life.
Holistic Therapies
Our holistic offerings support mind-body healing. This includes yoga, meditation, nutrition support, and nature-based therapies, tools that can help calm the nervous system and improve focus naturally.
ADHD and Substance Use Recovery
If you or your loved one is navigating ADHD and addiction, we offer integrated care through our PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program), IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), and Evening IOP. These programs allow for in-depth treatment while balancing real-life responsibilities.
We also provide relapse prevention strategies, aftercare planning, and access to sober living options for long-term support.
ADHD Therapy in Boulder: Beyond Medication
While medication can be part of ADHD treatment, it is not the whole picture. Many people benefit from non-medication strategies or use both together for the best results.
At Flatirons Recovery, our ADHD therapy in Boulder focuses on building life skills, fostering self-awareness, and reducing shame. We meet each client where they are, helping them understand their strengths and navigate challenges with new tools.
Addressing Stigma and Misunderstanding Around ADHD
There are still many myths about ADHD, such as that it is just a kid’s problem, that it is overdiagnosed, or that people are using it as an excuse. These beliefs can make it harder for individuals, especially adults, to seek help.
In reality, many people struggle quietly for years. They may grow up believing they’re “lazy” or simply “bad at life,” never realizing their brain processes the world differently. At Flatirons Recovery, our ADHD counseling in Boulder is focused on changing that narrative—helping clients feel understood, empowered, and supported rather than ashamed.
Finding Hope and Healing Through ADHD Treatment in Boulder, Colorado
Living with ADHD doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle. With the right support, it’s entirely possible to create a more focused, balanced, and fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking for guidance for a child or teen or exploring ADHD treatment for adults, our team is here to help. We offer compassionate, personalized counseling to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
If you’re searching for ADHD treatment in Boulder, Colorado, reach out to our team today. Together, we can explore what’s possible when support and understanding come together.