ADHD And Alcohol: How Alcohol Use Affects ADHD

ADHD and substance abuse are often related. However, some people with ADHD who use alcohol excessively may not realize the two can be connected and, as a result, may not seek treatment until symptoms are severe. 

One way to avoid developing an unhealthy relationship with substances like alcohol is to understand what risks to consider. It can be helpful to examine the links between ADHD and alcohol, including details about treatment, the detrimental effects of alcohol on ADHD symptoms, and why the two often overlap.

What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

According to the National Institute of Health, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and form of neurodivergence that affects an estimated 5% of the adult population. Around 20% of adults with ADHD seek treatment, and about 40% of all cases of ADHD in adults are considered severe. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women, particularly in early adulthood.

ADHD can cause symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these. People with this condition may avoid activities that require sustained mental effort. Because people with ADHD tend to be impulsive and hyperactive, it is a risk factor for substance abuse. Substance use concerns may arise more frequently than for neurotypical individuals. Teens and adults who are not diagnosed or treated for ADHD but have the condition may be ten times more likely to misuse substances like alcohol than those without the disorder.

What is excessive alcohol use?

Misuse of alcohol is often about more than consumption. Its consequences are also significant, many of which can be more severe for those with ADHD. Individuals who find it difficult or impossible to moderate heavy drinking when alcohol negatively impacts their health, relationships, and personal life may be experiencing a substance use disorder.

How common is ADHD and alcohol use disorder?

ADHD and alcohol use disorder are common. A third of children diagnosed with ADHD find that their symptoms persist into adulthood. In addition, ADHD and alcohol research studies estimate that 20% to 50% of adults with ADHD are living with alcohol use disorder. 

Children with ADHD may be more likely to use alcohol in their teen years, and they may also be more likely to continue to use alcohol as adults. About 40% of children with ADHD go on to consume alcohol by the age of 14, compared to 22% of children without an ADHD diagnosis. 

Why can ADHD and alcohol use be linked?

According to Dr. Carl Sherman from the ADHD publication, ADDitude, ADHD and alcohol abuse and drug abuse may be linked because many people with ADHD self-medicate. The driving force behind substance use for many with ADHD is to find relief from racing thoughts, challenging emotions, and other symptoms. 

ADDitude reports that 30% of young adults with ADHD and alcohol use disorder said they drank or used drugs to get high. 70% said that they use alcohol and drugs, including tobacco smoking, to counteract symptoms such as insomnia, hyperactivity, and social awkwardness.

There may also be a biological link between ADHD and alcohol use. The same genes that are associated with increased risk-taking and impulsive behavior are also the same genes associated with ADHD. People with parents or close relatives with alcohol use disorders, ADHD, or both are likelier to have both disorders.

How alcohol use and ADHD symptoms are related

Some people with ADHD use alcohol and other substances to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms. Alcohol is a depressant, which can slow down the brain considerably, though it initially simulates the dopamine system in the brain, which can have a profound effect on someone with ADHD.

Some adults with hyperactivity and impulsivity-type ADHD (ADHD-HI) or combined ADHD lose physical hyperactivity as they may have experienced as children, but their thoughts may continue these patterns, and they may have academic problems in higher education. Their thoughts may race so fast that they struggle to be productive, which can lead to professional and academic difficulties. Alcohol might seem to slow these thoughts down, boosting feelings of calmness and comfort. 

Though it may seem to help, alcohol use can cause more harm to the brain of an individual with ADHD than a positive impact. Alcohol's effects on a healthy individual without ADHD are often the same as the effects of ADHD itself. Both ADHD and alcohol overuse can affect the frontal lobe of the brain, which dampens a person's ability to think clearly. Although thoughts may stop racing, concentration and focus can still be lacking in individuals who use alcohol to treat their ADHD symptoms.

Another difficulty related to self-medicating is the tendency to binge drink or consume more than four to five drinks in a single sitting. Some people who use alcohol regularly to manage symptoms may believe they are trapped in a cycle of drinking to feel better, feeling worse because of the alcohol, and repeating the first step to cope with the symptoms. The cycle can be challenging to break, and alcohol use can make ADHD symptoms worse.

Treating ADHD and alcohol use disorder 

If you experience co occurring ADHD and alcohol use disorder, it may be beneficial to treat both conditions individually. Adults who seek treatment for alcohol use disorder but have undiagnosed or untreated ADHD with impulse control problems may be more likely to experience relapse. It can be challenging to create lasting change without addressing the root of the behavior problems. 

Treatment for ADHD may involve behavioral therapy and, as necessary, prescription stimulant treatment. Options for alcohol use disorder can vary depending on the severity of the situation. Speak with your doctor for guidance. If you've never received an official diagnosis or suspect you might be experiencing symptoms of either disorder, reach out to a healthcare professional for further guidance. 

How to support your mental health 

There are several steps you can take in the present to manage the symptoms of ADHD and alcohol use disorder. First, if you abuse alcohol, consider limiting or halting alcohol intake. Some individuals who drink excessively for extended periods may require medical supervision when weaning off alcohol, so consult your doctor before changing your routine.

Second, reach out to your support system. Even if you struggle to stop using alcohol on your own, support resources like 12-step programs, group therapy, and individual therapy can be beneficial. Talking to friends and loved ones about what you're experiencing may also offer you guidance. 

As you navigate what treatment might look like for you, keep the benefits of working with a mental health professional in mind. Talking to a licensed therapist can assist you in seeing patterns in your behavior and identifying which solutions might help you improve your habits.

Alternative support options 

Some individuals with ADHD may struggle to connect with an in-person therapist due to barriers like commuting to appointments, interrupting one's schedule for therapy, and financial insecurity. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be beneficial. 

With online therapy, you can start therapy at your own pace and at the times and days that are convenient for you rather than relying on transportation or scheduling at a brick-and-mortar therapist. In addition, you can reach out to your provider throughout the week outside of regular sessions and receive responses when they are available. 

In addition to being convenient, online therapy may also be effective. One study conducted in 2022 found that online behavioral intervention improved ADHD symptoms related to inattention and social functioning for adults and children, suggesting that treatments like these may produce real change in the lives of those who seek them.