Posted by Alex Molyneux
on
20 Mar 2025
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Call Us: 0330 111 2015
Call Us: 0330 111 2015
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The link between neurodiverse conditions and addiction is a subject of much focus at the moment, and an increasing amount of research is being published to help us better understand this correlation each year.
A study in the National Library of Medicine found that substance-use related issues have been observed in 19-30% cases of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with the research concluding that “the risk of substance use-related problems was the highest among individuals with [both] ASD and ADHD”.
More recently, an article in Psychology Today explored the current available research on this subject, concluding that addiction and ASD are “empirically quite closely related” and that this strong relationship is self-evident when alcohol or illicit drugs are used to manage social anxiety that disproportionately impacts adults with a certain neurodiverse condition, including those with ADHD.
Recent studies have shown how people with ADHD are more at risk of significant physical issues, such as obesity and sleep disorders, and others have highlighted that even life expectancy is lower for men and women diagnosed with ADHD, referencing un-treated mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, playing a huge part in this trend.
Just this week, The Guardian reported on the sharp and consistent rise in the number of ADHD prescriptions being issued in England. Since the pandemic, there has been an 18% rise each year and in every part of the country.
Together, this is a huge health concern for the UK, and we can expect to see the full impacts of this in the years to come.
Next week (March 17 – 23) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to challenge and transform how individuals who are neurodiverse are perceived and supported by organisations and provide education to curate a world that understands different types of minds.
As a way of contributing to this campaign, our blog aims to raise awareness about the link between neurodiversity and addiction, and why holistic treatment will act as a force for good for those suffering.
A study by Amy L Accardo found that rates of anxiety and depression of 12-17 year olds diagnosed with autism and ADHD were ten times higher than the prevalence of adolescents not diagnosed with these conditions.
This correlation between neurodiversity and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression is a major contributing factor to the upweighted percentage of neurodiverse people in addiction treatment and recovery
‘Autistic adults were nearly nine times more likely than non-autistic peers to report using recreational drugs’, according to research by the University of Cambridge.
Often, people turn towards alcohol or substances to quell symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.This can sometimes be substances they have been prescribed by healthcare professionals.
The link between neurodiversity and addiction is not limited to alcohol and substances, as there is a strong link to behavioural addictions too.
A study by Bournemouth University revealed that there is a link between ADHD and technology addiction. There was also a weaker link between ADHD and impulsivity around online shopping addiction.
As society is slowly becoming more tolerant and accepting of the fact that everyone thinks and processes information in different ways, addiction treatment must progress to incorporate this.
Some popular treatment models will focus on stopping addictive behaviour, rather than diving deeper into the triggers. Holistic and individualised treatment models can help to uncover past traumatic experiences and contributing factors to reduce the risk of relapse.
Accepting that addiction recovery is not one size fits all, and tailoring treatment to the individual will help that person to get the most out of their time at rehab.
Rehabilitation clinics must understand the link between neurodiversity and addiction, and adapt treatment to support this.
The Stop, Start, Grow, Bloom treatment model at Delamere was designed to work alongside guests to work together to help them come out of the other side stronger and healthier.
As part of the pre-admission process at Delamere, we identify with each prospective guest their physical and mental health status, including neurodivergence.
We discuss whether there are specific accommodations that are required to ensure each guest can fully participate and engage with the programme at Delamere, specifically with regard to accessing written or verbal information and reducing sensory overload.
In providing a holistic approach, we are viewing each individual as a whole, taking into account all the factors that may influence their substance use and ability to engage in support.
On arrival at Delamere, guests are given time to settle into their new surroundings, the first day especially is used to ensure each guest is familiar with the facility, the schedule and how to request any additional support as required.
A full orientation is provided for each guest, with a soft introduction to the team and fellow guests. The structure of Delamere’s 28-day programme provides varied settings throughout each day, utilising indoor and outside spaces to increase interest and engagement in each topic.
Guests are encouraged to utilise assistive technology that may support their sensory needs, such as headphones, sunglasses etc., as well as providing items that support with self-stimulation “stimming”.
Self-soothing behaviours are understood and encouraged, whilst also providing education to fellow guests of their purpose, to reduce any feelings of shame or self-consciousness.
At Delamere, the welcoming and inclusive environment provides guests with the space to express themselves and to be intuitive with their recovery.
Whilst we will fully support any guest who may come to the clinic, Delamere will not diagnose individuals who have neurodivergent presentations.
If a guest consistently shows signs of ADHD or autism, a test will be scheduled with an external provider following their stay at Delamere.
Alex is the Admissions Manager at Delamere. Alex has organised more admissions into treatment than most. Find out more about Alex on our team page.
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