You know the dangers. You know smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other health problems. But you can’t seem to quit. If you have ADHD your chances of smoking are increased. Numerous studies have shown that the rates for smoking are around twice as high for adults with ADHD than for their non-ADHD counterparts.

There are a number of theories as to why the rate of cigarette smoking is so high in those with ADHD:

It’s in Your Genes

Your genetics might play a role (however this isn’t an excuse to continue smoking). Scientists have discovered that some of the genes responsible for ADHD are also associated with smoking. These genes might put you at a higher risk for using tobacco. Although researchers don’t fully understand the relationship between these genes, the symptoms of ADHD might interfere with genes to increase your smoking risk.

Smoking tends to run in families. If your parents smoked, there is a higher chance that you will too. And since ADHD also runs in families, there is a high chance that at least one of your parents has ADHD, even if never diagnosed. That means they are also at increased risk for smoking. Research has also shown that exposure to cigarette smoke in utero increases your chance of developing ADHD.

Self-Medicating

Nicotine is a stimulant. It works in much the same way as stimulant medications do. Studies have shown that nicotine can increase attention, memory and impulse control. For some people with ADHD, nicotine is an easily accessible way to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Scientists believe this might be because the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are low in those with ADHD. Nicotine increases these chemicals, therefore reducing the symptoms.

Trouble with Quitting

Besides having a higher rate of smoking, adults with ADHD seem to find quitting smoking more difficult. Although little research has been done in this area, one study of people who were lifetime smokers found that adults without ADHD were twice as likely to report being an “ex-smoker” as those with ADHD. The reasons for the increased rate of smoking are considered possible causes of the difficulty in quitting.

Stimulant Medications and Quitting Smoking

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed promise that treating ADHD symptoms can help prevent smoking in teens. The study looked at teens with ADHD and found that those who were treated with stimulant medications had a lower rate of smoking than those who were not treated. Although this study shows promise, it doesn’t provide information on how to help those who do smoke stop.

ADHD: When Cabin Fever Strikes

For people with ADHD, cabin fever — that time when the weather keeps you indoors for extended periods  — can be torture. You feel restless and fidgety. You are bored and antsy. You become irritable and find it difficult to cope. If this sounds like you, here are some strategies to help manage cabin fever.

Go outside, anyway. It’s cold, snowy, rainy, or just plain dreary and you don’t want to go outside. Go anyway. Bundle up, grab the umbrella or a pair of gloves and a scarf and go for a walk for 15 minutes. Being outside in the fresh air, no matter what the weather, is probably going to make you feel better.

Talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements. Many people in cold weather areas have low levels of vitamin D during the winter months. A vitamin D deficiency can cause tiredness and general aches and pains, according to the Vitamin D Council. Your doctor can check your vitamin D levels and recommend supplements if necessary.

Set aside time for family. With all the electronics around, it’s easy for everyone in a family to retreat to their corner and spend time online. Use being stuck in the house as an opportunity for family time. Set aside one or two hours a day to put away the electronics and spend time together.

Get up and do something. Sitting is only going to add to your feelings of restlessness. Get up and move, vacuum the house, walk up and down the stairs, clean out a closet, go to the mall and walk around. Moving your body will help decrease the antsy feeling.

Avoid taking naps. It might be tempting to sleep the day away or take a nap to pass the time, but in the long-term this rarely helps. You might end up not sleeping at night and being awake alone during the night can bring on a sense of loneliness.

Take up an indoor hobby. Consider a creative pursuit such as painting or drawing. People with ADHD are often creative and need this type of outlet to keep their minds active

Start a journal. Keep track of how you are feeling, write about your worries or, even better, start a “gratitude journal” that helps you focus on what is good in your life. Being grateful has been shown to improve happiness.

Create a cabin fever box. Before the cold, snowy weather strikes, fill a box with craft supplies, games, playing card, and other things to keep you and your family occupied. Save the box for days when you feel boxed in.

Learn something new. The restless feeling of cabin fever sometimes makes you feel that you need something new in your life. You might decide you want a new job or a new home. Instead of making a major change, try a smaller task — learn a new skill, take lessons for a new language, rearrange the furniture in your living room. Reduce your urge to make major changes because of temporary restlessness.

Reach out and help others. Look for places to volunteer, such as a food bank or shelter. Help your neighbors shovel their driveway. Reach out to elderly neighbors. When you focus on other people, your own problems fade into the background.

Talk to your doctor about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you just can’t seem to shake the depressive feeling, it might be SAD. People with ADHD have a high incidence rate of depression and might be more apt to develop SAD. Talk to your doctor about strategies to combat it.