This paper will explore the neurological properties behind attention and alcohol abuse in relation to deficiencies in cognitive functioning; specifically that of working memory and attentional processing. Such deficiencies are validated by decreased amplitude at positive 300 ms (P3). in the measurement of event-related potential for certain cognitive tasks. These shared properties, along with other psychological evidence, show a possible correlation between ADHD and alcohol abuse, and consequently reveal many implications involving diagnoses and treatment of such disorders.

The physiological connection thus demonstrated corresponds to psychological studies linking ADHD to alcoholism and drug abuse. Such studies have found elevated rates of alcoholism in the parents of children with ADHD, lower attention spans, increased impulsivity, and increased aggression in children of alcoholics. Also, alcohol and drug addiction supposedly progresses earlier and more quickly in people who are also suffering from ADHD. A staggering 15-25% of adults with alcohol or drug use disorders also have ADHD, and 50% of adults with ADHD also have an alcohol or drug abuse disorder. This overlapping group, if treated, is less likely to stay in treatment and more likely to relapse at some point in their lives.

There are several other experiments that I think would be useful for further research of this subject. First of all, I believe that it is essential to somehow replicate the meta-analysis conducted of male subjects instead with female subjects. Though there may not be as much of a correlation between family history and alcoholism risk in women as there is in men, it is still an issue and should be explored in the context of ADHD and learning disabilities, as well. I also would like to see more research in the area of drug therapy for ADHD that actually raises wave amplitude at P300. Currently, the psycho-stimulants used to treat ADHD and other learning disabilities only affect the latency of the waveforms, not their actual amplitude, and this simply speeds up motor functioning. If a drug was developed that could affect the amplitude of the waveforms, than people with ADHD could possibly experience and increase in selective attentional processing that could be incredibly beneficial to their lives. Also, an increase in P3 amplitude would likely help in treated those with alcohol and drug abuse disorders, as well.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Bloom P3, P3 ERP, P300 Amplitude, P300 Currently, P300 ERP, family history, p3 amplitude, history alcoholism, family history alcoholism, learning disabilities, risk alcoholism, drug abuse, alcohol drug, Risk Alcoholism, adhd learning, p3 erp, selective attention, adhd learning disabilities, P3 ERP-, low p3 erp, alcohol drug abuse, drug abuse disorders, Meta-Analysis P300, Amplitude Males, Males Risk,
Approximate Word count = 2031
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)