ADHD and Substance Use

Plain-language summary

Research suggests a connection between ADHD and substance use, particularly cannabis use disorder. While some studies explore the genetic factors involved, others examine if ADHD medication influences the risk of substance use. Evidence is still developing, and further research is needed to fully understand these complex relationships.

Key findings

• Genetic factors may play a role in an individual's susceptibility to cannabis use disorder, and this might sometimes overlap with genetic predispositions for ADHD.
• There is ongoing research about whether treating ADHD with stimulant medications impacts the likelihood of developing substance use issues as individuals grow from adolescence into early adulthood.
• Understanding the benefits and risks of prescribing controlled substances is an important part of managing conditions like ADHD, especially when considering potential links to substance use.

Studies cited (2)

1. Association Between Stimulant Treatment and Substance Use Through Adolescence Into Early Adulthood — Molina BSG, Kennedy TM, Howard AL (2023, JAMA psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2157 PMCID: PMC10323757

2. Drug Treatments for ADHD Reduce Risk of Substance Use Disorders — Asherson P (2017, The American journal of psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17070733