Neurodiversity and Addiction:

Who is at risk?

Those with neurodiversity such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD are more likely to suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD).  In fact, those individuals with ASD are four times more likely to develop a SUD.

Here are some reasons why:

Self-medicating:

We may use substance’s, gaming, or even shopping as ways to cope with symptoms and challenges associated with the various diagnosis. For example and autistic person may use a substance in order to manage sensory issues or social difficulties.

Co-Occurring Conditions:

Many neurodivergent individuals also have co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety, which can increase their risk of addiction.

Executive Functioning:

Difficulties with executive functions, such as impulse control and planning, can make it harder for neurodivergent individuals to resist engaging in addictive behaviors.

Sensory Sensitivities:

Some individuals with ASD may seek out heightened sensory experiences, leading them to use substances or engage in behavior that provide stimulation.

Social Isolation:

Neurodivergent individuals may experience social isolation and rejection, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and worthlessness, leading to the likeliness of using substances to cope with these emotions.

Neurological Differences:

It is important to note that research suggests that neurodivergent individuals may have differences in brain structure and function that make them more vulnerable to addiction.

While researching for this piece I couldn’t help but thinking check, check, check, as I check all these boxes. It is important to note that not all those individuals who are neurodivergent will indeed develop SUD and that the reason for the connections are still unknow but they are still prevalent.

As an AuDHD woman who is also diagnosed Bipolar II I can tell you that I began my self medicating game at a very early age. To be honest many of these categories overlap for me as they seem to be in the same in my life, what I mean is this: I self medicated when I was over stimulated, lonely, isolated and because I have poor executive functioning, they are not separate. In fact in my particular case I had been sober for a year before I began to deal with my mental health in a meaningful way and it wasn’t until then that the program began to make since for me and I was able to get some sort of peace. That is not to say that I do not struggle, as I still do, but with the help of a strong sponsor, good therapy, the Big Book, AND medication I can deal with me today and with life on life terms.