USPSYCH: Concurrent Treatment Works for ComorbidADHD and Substance Abuse

"We've known about this comorbidity for many, many years," Dr. Kollins said.

In one study, substance abuse prevalence among adults with ADHD was double that of the general population (55% versus 27%).

While comorbid conduct disorder was initially blamed, ADHD by itself in adults makes alcohol, tobacco and other addictions 70% more likely, he said. ADHD patients have also been shown to start smoking earlier, to smoke more, and to have a harder time quitting than individuals without ADHD, he added.

The emerging evidence indicates "medications alone for ADHD do not appear to affect substance abuse disorders, but it doesn't appear to make it worse," he said.