Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsADHD and AddictionComplicationsDiagnosisTreatmentCoping

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Table of Contents

ADHD and Addiction

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Coping

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In this article, we explore the connection between ADHD and addiction, how ADHD contributes to an individual’s risk for addiction, and how ADHD impacts treatment for substance use disorders.

The Connection Between ADHD and Addiction

According to the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse, approximately one out of six adults with a substance use disorder has ADHD.While there is not one exact reason why people with ADHD are at higher risk for substance use disorders compared to those who do not have ADHD, a few different variables are thought to contribute to this connection:

Complications of ADHD and Addiction

Individuals who have ADHD are at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder in their lifetime, and ADHD can complicate recovery from a substance use disorder. Impulse control issues and dopamine seeking can make quitting especially difficult for someone with ADHD. Regarding her experience with cigarettes, Maya shared, “Nicotinesatisfied my constant ADHD need for stimulation.”

Of course, those with ADHD can still overcome their addictions! They may just need specialized treatment and care from providers who understand the unique intersection of their symptoms.

Diagnosing ADHD and Addiction

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis, meaning that it develops early in life. Although many people are not diagnosed until adulthood, symptoms typically begin in early childhood. A qualified evaluator will use various psychological assessments to determine whether or not someone meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

Asubstance use disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, occurs when an individual engages in “a pathological pattern of behaviors related to use of the substance” and continues using the substance despite “significant substance-related problems,” such as losing jobs or harming relationships as a direct result of the substance use.

If an individual finds that they cannot regulate or control theirsubstance use, experiences cravings when they are unable to use, develops tolerance to the substance, experiences withdrawal when not using the substance, or continues use despite negative consequences, they might be experiencing a substance use disorder.

If you feel like you are struggling with your substance use, talk to a qualified provider about help and support. You can also contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationfor resources and support. Their hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-622-HELP.

Treatment for ADHD and Addiction

It is vital to remember that no study has shown a link between stimulant treatment for ADHD and increased risk for substance dependence orstimulant use disorder. In fact, appropriate treatment for ADHD can regulate impulsive behaviors and mitigate self-medicating, effectively reducing the risk for substance dependence.

Some people with ADHD prefer not to use medication in their treatment, or to use non-stimulant medication. Some find that their stimulant prescription helps them greatly. Both choices are valid and between the individual and their treatment team.

Each individual must determine the treatment options and plan that is right for them, and what works best for one person may not be the best option for someone else. Current research suggests that the most effective treatment for ADHD with comorbid substance use disorder is a combination of either stimulant or non-stimulant medication and outpatient therapy such asCognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Maya shared that CBT was helpful to her in overcoming her addiction, as well as learning about the underlying reasons behind her substance use. She said, “It took me years to learn this but ultimately I gained the knowledge and insights and could stop.”

Coping With ADHD and Addiction

Communitysupportcan be huge for addiction treatment, especially for those with ADHD. Daisy shared that she joined a discord server for people struggling with similar issues. She said, “Being able to talk to people going through the same thing is a godsend.” Maya has also found support from online groups and connecting with others going through similar challenges.

It can be challenging to overcome addiction, which is particularly true for people with ADHD. However, treatment and support are available. It is okay to ask for and receive help. If you struggle with addiction and have ADHD, remember that addiction is not a moral failing but something that you can overcome with appropriate treatment and support.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hernandez M, Dambreville N, Levin FR.ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders.In: Akerele E, ed.Substance and Non-Substance Related Addictions. Springer International Publishing; 2022:19-37.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on adhd and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.Wimberley T, Agerbo E, Horsdal HT, et al.Genetic liability to ADHD and substance use disorders in individuals with ADHD.Addiction. 2020;115(7):1368-1377.Yufei X.Research on the alternate neurobiological models of adhd.In:2020 International Conference on Public Health and Data Science (ICPHDS). IEEE; 2020:355-359.American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Johnson J, Morris S, George S.Managing comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults with substance use disorder (Sud): what the addiction specialist needs to know.Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment. 2021;20(3):181-188.Taubin D, Wilson JC, Wilens TE.Adhd and substance use disorders in young people.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2022;31(3):515-530.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hernandez M, Dambreville N, Levin FR.ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders.In: Akerele E, ed.Substance and Non-Substance Related Addictions. Springer International Publishing; 2022:19-37.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on adhd and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.Wimberley T, Agerbo E, Horsdal HT, et al.Genetic liability to ADHD and substance use disorders in individuals with ADHD.Addiction. 2020;115(7):1368-1377.Yufei X.Research on the alternate neurobiological models of adhd.In:2020 International Conference on Public Health and Data Science (ICPHDS). IEEE; 2020:355-359.American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Johnson J, Morris S, George S.Managing comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults with substance use disorder (Sud): what the addiction specialist needs to know.Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment. 2021;20(3):181-188.Taubin D, Wilson JC, Wilens TE.Adhd and substance use disorders in young people.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2022;31(3):515-530.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Hernandez M, Dambreville N, Levin FR.ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders.In: Akerele E, ed.Substance and Non-Substance Related Addictions. Springer International Publishing; 2022:19-37.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on adhd and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.Wimberley T, Agerbo E, Horsdal HT, et al.Genetic liability to ADHD and substance use disorders in individuals with ADHD.Addiction. 2020;115(7):1368-1377.Yufei X.Research on the alternate neurobiological models of adhd.In:2020 International Conference on Public Health and Data Science (ICPHDS). IEEE; 2020:355-359.American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Johnson J, Morris S, George S.Managing comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults with substance use disorder (Sud): what the addiction specialist needs to know.Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment. 2021;20(3):181-188.Taubin D, Wilson JC, Wilens TE.Adhd and substance use disorders in young people.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2022;31(3):515-530.

Hernandez M, Dambreville N, Levin FR.ADHD and co-occurring substance use disorders.In: Akerele E, ed.Substance and Non-Substance Related Addictions. Springer International Publishing; 2022:19-37.

Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on adhd and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.

Wimberley T, Agerbo E, Horsdal HT, et al.Genetic liability to ADHD and substance use disorders in individuals with ADHD.Addiction. 2020;115(7):1368-1377.

Yufei X.Research on the alternate neurobiological models of adhd.In:2020 International Conference on Public Health and Data Science (ICPHDS). IEEE; 2020:355-359.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Johnson J, Morris S, George S.Managing comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults with substance use disorder (Sud): what the addiction specialist needs to know.Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment. 2021;20(3):181-188.

Taubin D, Wilson JC, Wilens TE.Adhd and substance use disorders in young people.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2022;31(3):515-530.

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