Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsADHD and AlcoholADHD MedicationComplicationsWhere to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ADHD and Alcohol
ADHD Medication
Complications
Where to Get Help
Research shows that there may be a connection betweenattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and alcohol use disorder. Studies have linked ADHD, with its traits of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty paying attention, with an increased risk foralcohol use disorder(AUD) and drinking at an earlier age.
Adults with ADHD may occasionally enjoy an alcoholic beverage, butADHD traitsof inattentiveness and impulsiveness may increase. There also is an increased risk of harm due to interactions between ADHD medications and alcohol use.
This article will cover the risks of alcohol use for people with ADHD, including alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders, and increased symptoms of ADHD. It discusses complications includingdepressionand offers tips on seeking help for alcohol use andalcohol addiction.
How Alcohol Affects ADHD
Alcoholis a known depressant. For individuals who have ADHD, it can have the opposite effect. Since alcohol is a depressant, some may use this substance to decrease symptoms, but alcohol is known to have an adverse effect and enhance the symptoms of ADHD.
When a person drinks alcohol, it affects the brain’s frontal lobe. This is the area that is responsible for clear thinking and decision-making. When a person has both ADHD traits and alcohol in their system, the ADHD symptoms can increase.
Alcohol Use at an Early Age
People diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to use alcohol and other substances at an early age, when compared with the general population.The reasons for why are still unclear but some researchers believe that alcohol and substance use are linked with an effort to self-medicate.
There may be other reasons, too, including:
By age 25, there’s a large difference in alcohol use patterns, as well as other substance use.
By some estimates, the lifetime risk of ADHD affects approximately 8.1% of adults ages 18 to 44, with ADHD persisting into adulthood in about one-third of kids who are diagnosed.Young people diagnosed with ADHD are at higher risk of early alcohol and substance use.
Enhanced ADHD Symptoms
Alcohol use is known to increase the intensity of some ADHD traits, including impulsivity, proper decision-making, and lack of attention.
Some studies suggest that hyperactivity and poor impulse control are elevated when people are diagnosed with both ADHD and a conduct disorder oroppositional defiant disorder(ODD). These disorders often co-occur with ADHD and contribute, in part, to the risk of alcohol use as the symptoms extend into adolescence.
ADHD and Substance Use DisorderThere’s some evidence that the use of other substances (cannabis and amphetamines, in particular) leads to higher levels of ADHD traits, as well as anger and otheremotion-control issues, more than alcohol use does, possibly due to genetic factors.
ADHD and Substance Use Disorder
There’s some evidence that the use of other substances (cannabis and amphetamines, in particular) leads to higher levels of ADHD traits, as well as anger and otheremotion-control issues, more than alcohol use does, possibly due to genetic factors.
Binge Drinking
An ADHD diagnosis may play a role in how much and how often people use alcohol, including their binge drinking (episodes of heavy drinking).
Some research models find that kids with ADHD ramp up their drinking patterns faster than those without ADHD. This is consistent with elevated levels of risk-taking behaviors and impulsivity.However, other factors (such as alcoholism in parents) also play a role, and it’s not clear how ADHD affects binge drinking into adulthood.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD are known to have a higher risk ofalcohol use disorder.In AUD, a person’s drinking behavior consumes them and impacts their life.
One of the symptoms of ADHD is impulsivity, and this trait makes people with ADHD more susceptible to alcohol use. Up to 43% of individuals with ADHD develop alcohol use disorder.Some studies report up to 62%.
If the alcohol use is long term, it is known to make other symptoms of ADHD worse and impair memory, speech, cognitive ability (thinking and memory), and proper decision-making.It is important to seek care for both conditions. Your healthcare provider can help.
About one in five people with a substance use disorder also have an ADHD diagnosis.Alcohol use disorder rates are higher than in the general population, but the rates are higher for cocaine and other substances, too.
What Are the Causes of ADHD?
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia occurs when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Studies show there is a link toinsomniain people with ADHD, with the risk of insomnia up to five times higher than in those who don’t have ADHD.Drinking alcohol can make insomnia worse, and a 2020 study found higher rates of alcohol intake in people with ADHD and insomnia than their non-diagnosed peers.
In addition, some people who have ADHD also havesleep apnea(breathing stops and starts throughout the night) orrestless legs syndrome(a condition causing an extreme urge to move your legs).
However, sleep disorders can be due to other factors that affect the general population too. They include medication, stress, lack of time management and organization skills, and their inability to rest and focus when it is time to go to sleep.
If you have ADHD and difficulty sleeping, contact your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns. They can help you create a plan to improve your sleep. It is important to get adequate amounts of sleep for your overall health.
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks, are stimulants and can affect sleep. This can potentially worsen ADHD symptoms.However, there may be beneficial effects of caffeine on ADHD, so this is an area of debate and research.
Medication for ADHD and Alcohol
Treatments for ADHD include medication that’s considered safe and effective. The World Federation of ADHD notes that medication reduces outcomes commonly associated with risk-taking and other ADHD-related behaviors, including substance abuse.
The purpose of the medications is to increase focus and have better outcomes in school and/or at work. However, when ADHD drugs are taken with alcohol, it can present risks.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medications are stimulants that typically last for four to 12 hours. They include:
When taken with alcohol, these medications can cause:
Non-Stimulants
Some non-stimulant medications are prescribed for ADHD, such asStrattera(atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). They, too, can lead to drug interactions when taken with alcohol.
It’s not clear what effects occur when people taking ADHD medication also are treated with drugs like disulfiram, and researchers have called for more study.
Why Aren’t More People Taking Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Complications from ADHD and Alcohol Use
Certain complications are common with ADHD and alcohol use, including:
How to Get Help
If you have an issue with alcohol, know that you are not alone and there is help. There are support groups in your area, community centers that offer support, and therapy. Speak to your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can refer you to the proper resources to help you with your condition, which can include:
Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to other health conditions. It is best to get help as early as possible, even if you think your drinking hasn’t yet become problematic or your family has a history of addiction.
Signs You May Need Help With Alcohol Use
If you find you’re consuming more alcohol than usual, or you’re making efforts to stop that aren’t working on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. Other signs include:
4 Types of Adult ADHD Therapy
Summary
When an individual has ADHD, it is important to understand the effects of alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and impaired decision-making.
People with ADHD are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol and ADHD medications can produce side effects.
Speak with your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol and ask about the risks and side effects, whether you are on medication for ADHD or not. If you think that your alcohol consumption may create a problem, there are ways to get help.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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