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ADHD and addiction

Definition of ADHD

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is a neurobiological developmental disorder characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms occur individually or together in varying degrees and can affect the everyday lives of those affected.

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ADHD and addiction

People with ADHD are three to five times more likely to develop an addiction than people without ADHD. Conversely, 20-25% of people with an addiction suffer from ADHD. Statistically speaking, people with ADHD not only use drugs more frequently, but also start using them at an earlier age. The prognosis for successfully treating substance dependence is less favorable than for people without ADHD.

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Risk factors for developing an addiction in individuals with ADHD

  • Neurological factors:A deficiency of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain can lead to problems with concentration and motivation. Emotion regulation is impaired.
  • Reward system:The reward system in the brain often responds much less strongly to natural stimuli in people with ADHD.
  • Sensation seeking: The tendency toward sensation seeking (searching for strong stimuli), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and risk-taking, which is common in ADHD, is also a risk factor for substance abuse. 

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Many psychoactive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, or cannabis have a similar effect on the brain as dopamine, giving the impression that they have a positive influence on ADHD symptoms. Symptoms such as concentration and attention disorders as well as inner restlessness are reduced or disappear completely. The experience that consuming psychoactive substances reduces ADHD symptoms is seen as beneficial and encourages repeated or regular consumption. Ultimately, this leads to addiction alongside the ADHD diagnosis. The regulation of ADHD symptoms with substances is described in technical terminology as "misguided self-medication." For more information, see the glossary entry "Self-medication."

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Treatment of ADHD and addiction

The treatment of ADHD and concurrent addiction is challenging and requires therapy that ideally takes both diagnoses into account. Treatment usually includes physical withdrawal, psychotherapy, and, if necessary, medication to treat ADHD symptoms, with attention paid to the addictive potential of the drugs.

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