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A new study has found that 1 in 5 people who use drugs and alcohol show symptoms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), with rates rising to over one-third among people using benzodiazepines.
The research, launched today in Dublin by the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign, highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in addiction services and calls for urgent changes in care and training.
ADHD and Substance Use: A Growing Concern
The study, led by Professor Catherine Comiskey from Trinity College Dublin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, reviewed data from 32 countries covering nearly 57,000 people between 1997 and 2024. It found that:
21% of people using drugs and alcohol have ADHD symptoms.
Among benzodiazepine users, over 33% show ADHD symptoms.
Women had the highest rates of ADHD among drug and alcohol users.
Professor Comiskey explained that the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of neurodivergence among people accessing addiction services and identify ways to improve treatment.
Challenges for Service Providers
The study also included interviews with addiction service providers, revealing major gaps in knowledge and support for neurodivergent individuals:
Most staff have no formal training in neurodiversity and learn through trial and error.
People with ADHD struggle to find effective treatment, often taking years to access suitable support.
There is no clear referral process for adults in Ireland seeking an ADHD diagnosis, creating barriers to proper care.
Many neurodivergent individuals also have mental health and alcohol problems, making treatment more complex.
Recommendations for Change
To address these challenges, the research team has called for immediate action:
Neurodiversity must be included in addiction treatment – All drug and alcohol services should screen for ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions as part of their assessment process.
Staff training is essential – All levels of service providers, including family members, should receive formal education on neurodiversity.
Educational programs should include neurodiversity training – Future health and social care professionalsmust be trained to recognize and support neurodivergent individuals.
Better coordination between health services and addiction treatment – The Health Service Executive (HSE)should ensure proper ADHD screening, assessment, and intervention for people in addiction services.
Government action is needed – The Department of Health and professional organizations have an ethical responsibility to follow international guidelines for diagnosing and treating substance use in people with ADHD.
A Call for Urgent Support
Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland, praised the study for highlighting how untreated ADHD can have a severe lifelong impact. He commended Citywide for commissioning the research and urged policymakers to act on the findings.
This study reinforces the need for better ADHD awareness and tailored addiction treatments. By educating service providers, improving diagnosis pathways, and integrating ADHD care into addiction services, Ireland can better support neurodivergent individuals and reduce the harm caused by untreated ADHD and substance use disorders.
If you care about alcoholism, please read studies that your age may decide whether alcohol is good or bad for you, and people over 40 need to prevent dangerous alcohol/drug interactions.
For more information about alcohol, please see recent studies about moderate alcohol drinking linked to high blood pressure, and results showing this drug combo shows promise for treating alcoholism.
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