- Poor executive functioning is common among those with ADHD, so they may lack the self-control needed to not use substances heavily
- Numerous studies indicate that the reward system is impaired in those who have ADHD, leading them to use substances such as cocaine and nicotine to activate the system
- Alcohol and marijuana may be used by those with ADHD in an attempt to assuage feelings associated with ADHD.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been shown to have a high psychiatric comorbidity.  Substance abuse disorders are medical conditions that are characterized by problematic use of substances.  This abnormal substance use can have numerous negative effects, such as impaired control, interpersonal problems, as well as physical and psychological problems. 

It is said that the link between ADHD and SUDs exists due to an impairment of the reward system in the brains of those who have ADHD.

ADHD and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

- Katzman, M. A., Bilkey, T. S., Chokka, P. R., Fallu, A., & Klassen, L. J. (2017). Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC psychiatry, 17(1), 302. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
- Riglin, L., Leppert, B., Dardani, C., Thapar, A. K., Rice, F., O'Donovan, M. C., ... & Thapar, A. (2021). ADHD and depression: investigating a causal explanation. Psychological Medicine, 51(11), 1890-1897.
- Wilens, T. E., & Upadhyaya, H. P. (2007). Impact of substance use disorder on ADHD and its treatment. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(8), 27720.
- Zulauf, C. A., Sprich, S. E., Safren, S. A., & Wilens, T. E. (2014). The complicated relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorders. Current psychiatry reports, 16, 1-11.

References: ADHD: Common Psychiatric Comorbidities

Potential Reasons Behind the Relationship Between ADHD and SUDs

Longitudinal studies indicate that children diagnosed with ADHD face a heightened risk of developing substance abuse problems in the future. Research has specifically linked childhood ADHD to later issues with alcohol, daily smoking, and the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs.

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