Scientific data is very clear on the connection between having ADHD and being in the high-risk group for substance abuse and various forms of addiction. Here are some of the conclusions:

1. Kids and adolescents with ADHD are between two to three times more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder than the general population (1)

2. Adults with ADHD have a 15,2% of developing a substance abuse disorder compared to the 5,6% of those without ADHD (2)

3. Meta-analysis of multiple studies with thousands of participants in total ruled out any other factors and conclusively stated that ADHD is strongly correlated with higher substance abuse and addiction rates (3)

Impulsivity, time blindness, boredom, understimulation, and emotional dysregulation all create a ticking bomb that puts you in the high-risk group for substance abuse and addiction if you have ADHD. Very often, the combination of those symptoms turns people with ADHD toward substances in an attempt to self-medicate. 

This is supported by the empirical data as studies by Timothy Wilens, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, show how only 30% of neurodivergent use drugs to get high, while the rest try to self-medicate with them (4)

To explain this dangerous connection further, this article will propose some theories on why ADHD increases the chance of substance abuse disorder and addiction. 

How ADHD Leads To Substance Abuse & Addiction 

We’ve already established the strong correlation between having ADHD and being at risk of developing various kinds of addiction disorders.

The rates may be even higher for people with undiagnosed ADHD since they lack medical assistance, support networks, and clarity on how the condition affects them, reducing the options they have for the treatment of the symptoms and prevention of addiction. 

While the percentage matters, it may be even more important to understand how ADHD leads to addiction and substance abuse disorders so you can act preventatively to manage the triggers. Below we will explore two of the major theories trying to make sense of the connection.

Addiction Due to Impulsivity

The first major theory focuses on the lack of impulse control. If ADHD comes with issues related to self-control and impulse regulation, then it's more likely for a person to try various substances in the first place. 

According to this theory, you are more likely to give a substance a few tries due to a personal impulse or by spontaneously accepting social pressure from peers. Since many substances create physical dependence after a few tries or produce a very powerful high effect in the beginning, it may be enough to get you hooked for more. 

Impulsive decisions are especially likely if the person craves new and exciting experiences or bends down to peer pressure. Conforming to social pressure is common in people with self-esteem issues, and the pursuit of excitement and novelty is regularly seen if you have a higher need for stimulation. These two requirements are closely tied to the typical profile of a person with ADHD.

Still, the theory can explain the most dangerous forms of substance abuse with highly addictive substances. However, the second theory may be more relevant for the majority of long-term cases where addiction begins as an innocent coping mechanism but gradually becomes a problem. 

Addiction As a Coping Mechanism 

According to the second theory, the cognitive and emotional effects of many substances and behavioral habits serve as a coping mechanism to briefly make symptoms of ADHD less severe over the short term. 

For example, the use of use of dangerous substances, like amphetamine and other hard drugs, is done to stimulate the brain. The ADHD brain struggles to concentrate, stay alert, and function productively due to insufficient neurotransmitter activity. Therefore, the drugs can get the brain into the optimal zone, even if it's only a temporary solution that's not healthy or sustainable. 

It doesn't even have to be in the pursuit of optimal cognitive function.

The exhilarating and intoxicating buzz that many substances offer is something the ADHD brain deeply craves because it is chronically under-stimulated. If you are lost in the desert, you are very likely to desperately sip from the first oasis you see, even if it is poisoned. 

Still, being addicted to the short-term burst of dopamine doesn't automatically mean a person with ADHD is abusing hard drugs.

There are many addictions, like excessively drinking coffee, browsing social media for hours, binge eating, video games, pornography, gambling, and many others, that can also be very destructive. They can wreak havoc on your finances, destroy connections with your closest people, and make you feel even more burned out, exhausted, and empty in the end. 

Маny substances are also taken to reduce emotional pain related to the everyday ADHD experience. Feeling an intense sense of euphoria drowns out the voices of self-loathing in your mind. Furthermore, depressants, like alcohol, can help you to slow down, relax, and feel comfortably numb, which stops the hyperactive ADHD brain from endlessly spinning.  

In many situations, it is an improvised attempt at self-medication if you lack a diagnosis or access to adequate treatment.

Self-medication is even more common in people who remain undiagnosed. When you are chronically inattentive or struggle to get excited and motivated for anything, "just trying harder" isn't helpful enough advice, so you may grow more desperate for a temporary solution. 

The Higher Danger of Relapse Due To ADHD

Every person who's struggled with addiction knows that even after recovery, there is always a chance for relapse because, in times of turmoil, the mind starts thinking back about the potential for the relief it used to receive in the past. The average relapse rate is between 40% and 60%, and relapse is likely to be higher for those with ADHD (10)

Time blindness, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation are a dangerous combination of symptoms that can significantly increase the chance of relapse.

Imagine you are dealing with a family crisis, unhappiness in your relationship, excessive stress at work, or any other unpleasant situation that tanks your mental health.

If you are more prone to act on impulse, struggle to think about the long-term consequences of your actions, crave stimulation even if it’s dangerous, and struggle to reduce and regulate the anxiety and painful emotions you are experiencing, then the chance of relapse becomes much higher.   

Conclusion 

A desire to experience normalcy for a brief time, no matter the long-term risks and damage, is very often the primary drive for people with ADHD to self-medicate and unintentionally get addicted. 

The creation of this toxic co-dependency to a substance or behavioral habit is especially likely if you chronically feel overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, highly anxious, and full of painful emotions, such as self-loathing, shame, and disappointment in yourself. 

Such cases are especially likely moments of great stress, mental exhaustion, and overwhelming negative emotions. The risk is even higher for people who remain undiagnosed or lack the necessary support networks, clinical assistance, and healthy coping mechanisms necessary to prevent or treat addiction.