Substances and Addiction
Do You Ever...?
Do you ever wonder why some people your age start trying alcohol, vaping, or other drugs? Or why ADHD and addiction are often mentioned together?
What is it?
Substance use is when someone uses alcohol, nicotine (smoking or vaping), cannabis, or other drugs. Addiction is when the brain starts to depend on a substance and it becomes very hard to stop, even when it causes problems.
Studies show teens with ADHD are more likely to:
- Try substances earlier.
- Develop substance use problems.
- Have trouble stopping once they start.
Why does this happen?
- Dopamine: substances can give huge dopamine surges, and ADHD brains already crave stimulation and reward.
- Impulsivity: “I’ll just try it once” without thinking of long-term effects.
- Self-medication: using substances to cope with boredom, anxiety, sadness, or feeling like they don’t fit in.
This is not about being “bad” or “weak.” It is about how the brain is wired.
What can I do?
Learn your risk.
Know that ADHD makes your brain more vulnerable to addiction. This helps you make safer choices, not feel ashamed.
Get ADHD treatment and support.
Medication, therapy, and coaching can help regulate your brain, which can lower the drive to seek extreme stimulation from substances.
Plan ahead for “offer” situations.
Think through what you might say if someone offers you something. Have a script and a backup person you can message.
Find healthy high-stimulation activities.
Sports, intense games, creative projects, music, and safe social activities can give excitement without the risks substances bring.
Talk to adults you trust.
Parents, school counselors, or doctors can help you stay safe. You deserve support, not judgment.
Fun Fact!
While not exactly a ‘fun’ fact, people with ADHD are approximately three times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than the general population, and they often start using substances at an earlier age.
