Each October, ADHD Awareness Month shines a light on a condition that is often misunderstood, and deeply connected to other conditions including anxiety, depression and even addiction.
For many people entering detox or rehab, ADHD is not simply just another condition that exists in the background. Rather, it is often a driving force behind the addiction in the first place.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of experts are on hand to support people facing both ADHD and addiction diagnoses.
Understanding the link between the two conditions is essential for effective detox, long-term rehab and sustained recovery from an addiction. Likewise, it also allows people to better manage their ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual’s ability to focus, their impulse control and their emotional regulation. It can present as being hyperactive and impulsive at times [1].
Whilst ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD frequently continues into adulthood.
In many cases for lots of people up and down the country, it goes undiagnosed for years, leaving individuals to struggle with their condition and the way that they behave.
There are some common symptoms associated with ADHD, including difficulty in concentrating, impulse actions, risk taking behaviour, a lack of organisation, frequent emotional dysregulation and a feeling of restlessness on a regular basis.
These symptoms can significantly impact relationships, work, and mental health. Likewise, they also increase an individual’s vulnerability to addiction and substance abuse.
In recent years, the UK has seen a sharp increase in ADHD diagnoses, particularly when it comes to young adults [2].
In fact, according to NHS data, the number of referrals for ADHD assessments has risen significantly, with some areas across the UK now reporting waiting lists of several years.
This rise is not necessarily due to ADHD becoming more common. Instead, it reflects improved understanding surrounding ADHD, reduced stigma and greater understanding of the signs and symptoms [2].
However, this has also led to long waiting times that can leave individuals without support, increasing the risk of poor mental health, unemployment, and substance misuse.
The short answer is that yes, there is a link between ADHD and addiction.
In fact, the research consistently shows a strong connection between the two conditions, stating that individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders than those without the condition.
Across the UK, recent findings suggest that around one in four people in addiction treatment also have ADHD.
Likewise, other studies highlight that between 21% and 45% of people in treatment for an addiction issue also meet the criteria for ADHD, compared to a much smaller percentage in the general population who are not in treatment for an addiction issue.
This overlap is known as a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is when a mental health condition and addiction exist together. Without addressing and understanding both conditions, recovery becomes very difficult.
As discussed, people with ADHD are more prone to experiencing addiction issues, and this is for a number of different reasons discussed below [3].
One of the most common reasons people with ADHD develop addiction is self-medication. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD symptoms, including restlessness, anxiety, or poor focus can feel overwhelming for lots of people.
This is why a lot of people with ADHD symptoms turn to drugs or alcohol.
Drugs or alcohol may provide temporary relief, helping individuals to feel calmer, more focused, or more in control of their feelings and their behaviour.
However, it is important to understand that this quickly leads to addiction issues as over time, what begins as coping becomes an addiction that is hard to stop and overcome without professional help.
It is also important to understand that ADHD is closely linked to lower levels of dopamine. Dopamine is known as the brain’s reward chemical.
Addictive substances such as alcohol, cocaine and cannabis artificially increase an individual’s dopamine levels. For someone with ADHD, this can feel great and particularly rewarding, making addiction far more likely.
Unfortunately, this link helps to explain why an addiction issue can develop rapidly and become difficult to break without the help of a structured detox and professional rehab support.
Likewise, those with ADHD are naturally impulsive and risk takers. This leads a lot of people to experiment with addictive substances, only for them to find it hard to control their use and their behaviour.
Likewise, they are also more likely to engage in risky behaviour whilst under the influence of addictive substances, which could lead to things such as illegal activity and unemployment.
These only fuel addiction issues even more.
Many people with ADHD experience intense emotions and therefore find it difficult to manage stress. A lot of people turn to addictive substances when they feel stressed, as well as anxious, depressed and frustrated.
While addiction can take many different forms, certain substances are more commonly associated with ADHD. For example, alcohol is frequently abused by people with ADHD to help to calm them down.
However, it actually only ever worsens symptoms.
Likewise, ADHD is also linked to other addictive stimulants such as cocaine and other depressants such as cannabis or opioids. These types of addictive substances are often abused by people with ADHD to help to regulate their mood and to help them to focus.
Finally, people with ADHD commonly become addicted to prescription medication. Some individuals misuse prescribed ADHD medication or other medication, especially if their condition is untreated or poorly managed by doctors and other trained professionals.
Recognising the common signs of ADHD and addiction is key when it comes to getting the right support for you or for your loved one. Below are some common signs and symptoms of people with both addiction issues and ADHD.
When these conditions overlap, it is also important to understand that symptoms can intensify, making detox and rehab more complex, but also more necessary and important.
As you can see, there is frequent overlap between ADHD and addiction issues. This makes recovery, including a detox and therapy more complicated.
When it comes to a withdrawal and detox, those with ADHD will likely experience more intense withdrawal symptoms, more emotional instability and more intense cravings.
This will make the withdrawal and detox process more intense and complex, meaning that it is incredibly important to detox in a professional setting.
When it comes to therapy, you will undergo a number of therapy techniques including cognitive behavioural therapy.
This will likely be alongside ADHD assessment and therapy sessions, including relapse prevention skills. Without addressing the ADHD diagnosis first, addiction treatment alone may not be enough or easy.
It is important to understand that if you suffer from both conditions, then you will likely be treated for each condition alongside the other.
This might include therapy to address both behavioural patterns, education surrounding ADHD, coping strategies for impulsivity and stress and even access to different support groups.
You will also be medicated for your ADHD alongside your withdrawal medication. There is often concern about prescribing medication for ADHD in individuals with addiction.
However, evidence now suggests that appropriate treatment of ADHD can actually reduce the risk of substance abuse, rather than increase it.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, an addiction issue or both conditions, then seeking help early on can make a huge difference when it comes to your recovery.
There are a number of signs that you might need professional support for each condition, including those listed below for you.
If you recognise any of the above symptoms in either yourself or in someone else, then detox and rehab treatment will provide them with a safe and structured environment to begin recovery.
As discussed above, ADHD and addiction are both closely linked conditions. However, recovery is possible with the right help and support.
Understanding how ADHD influences an individual’s behaviour, their decision-making skills and substance abuse is key when it comes to breaking the cycle of addiction.
With proper help, including a detox, structured rehab, and ongoing care, individuals can regain control and build a healthier future for themselves.
If you are concerned about ADHD and addiction, then reaching out for professional help is the first step towards lasting recovery.
You can start by calling our team at Rehab 4 Addiction for free by calling us on 0800 140 4690. Our team of specialist advisers will be able to provide you with free and confidential help and support for both your ADHD diagnosis and your addiction issue.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
[2] https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/significant-rise-adhd-diagnoses-uk
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4403287/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an advisor with more than 20 years in the field. His knowledge covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an advisor and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
October 1, 2026
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