What are the risks of substance abuse in individuals with ADHD Combined Type?

PostedJuly 25, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 17, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Individuals with ADHD Combined Type face a heightened risk of substance abuse, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood. The core ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, emotional volatility, and restlessness can lead individuals to self-medicate with alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants to cope or feel “normal.” Without structured ADHD therapy, many individuals turn to unhealthy coping strategies to manage feelings of stress or mental restlessness. Substance use may temporarily mute discomfort but often worsens symptoms long term, leading to spirals of dependency and underachievement.

Why Substance Use Risk Is Higher

Understanding the pathways to substance misuse is crucial for prevention and early intervention. Here is what drives the risk in people with ADHD Combined Type:

Impulsivity and emotional regulation

Difficulty controlling urges or handling emotional swings increases the chance of experimenting with substances, especially in unstructured or peer-influenced settings.

Stress and poor coping mechanisms

Without proper stress management, some individuals may rely on substances to calm feelings of anxiety or emotional discomfort. Early emotional education and access to family therapy can help redirect this impulse.

Misuse of prescribed stimulants

Misunderstanding or mismanagement of medication effects can lead to incorrect use or recreational abuse, especially in unsupervised contexts.

Preventing substance misuse starts with understanding the deeper vulnerabilities behind it. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and therapy pathways focused on healthy long-term outcomes.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Combined ADHD.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.