ADHD and Substance Abuse in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Comorbidity of Substance Use disorders (SUDs) and ADHD is high. Children with ADHD have been found to be at increased risk of developing SUDs. Substance use disorders are also common in adolescents and adults with ADHD. This chapter provides a description of the link between ADHD and SUDs. Some of the tools and approaches that health professionals can use to screen for and diagnose substance use in adolescents are listed in this chapter. Clinicians are encouraged to review the management considerations when using ADHD medications in adolescents with ADHD and addictions. Some of the important principals of treatment for substance abusing adolescents with ADHD are discussed in this chapter.