Substance Use & Addiction
About this page
This page explains substance use, addiction, and how they often connect to neurodivergence. We use a harm-reduction approach - not judgment or shame.
If you are in danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger from substance use, call 999. For non-emergency support, call the Frank helpline on 0300 123 6600.
What is substance use and addiction?
Substance use disorder is a recognised medical condition. It is about how the brain responds to substances and stress - not about willpower or moral character.
Substance use exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs develops a problem - but some people do.
A substance use disorder is when someone continues using a substance despite negative consequences. It is not about willpower or moral failing. It is about how our brains work, what we need, and what we reach for when struggling.
This includes:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Prescription medications (used differently than prescribed)
- Caffeine and nicotine
- Behavioural addictions like gaming, gambling, shopping, or social media
Neurodivergence and substance use
Neurodivergent people - especially those with ADHD and autism - are at significantly higher risk of developing substance use problems.
The numbers tell an important story:
- People with ADHD are around 15% likely to develop a substance use disorder, compared to 6% of the general population.1
- Young people with ADHD face even higher risk: 33–44% experience alcohol misuse or dependence.1
- Autistic individuals are twice as likely to develop addiction.2
- About one in four people in addiction treatment also have ADHD - often undiagnosed.1
Research shows ADHD medication is protective. When properly treated with medication, the risk of substance misuse actually decreases.1
Why are neurodivergent people at higher risk?
The self-medication hypothesis
Many people use substances to manage symptoms they have not yet recognised - or cannot access support for.
For people with ADHD, this often means:
- Using stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, cigarettes) to boost focus and energy
- Drinking alcohol to calm an overactive mind
- Using cannabis to manage restlessness and racing thoughts
For autistic people, substance use may help:
- Manage sensory overload or social anxiety
- Ease the exhaustion of masking - pretending to be non-autistic
- Temporarily feel less trapped in an overwhelming world
This is not weakness. It is your brain trying to meet its own needs. Once you understand what you are reaching for - and why - support becomes possible.
The dopamine connection
ADHD brains are drawn to stimulation. Dopamine - the brain’s reward chemical - drives motivation, focus, and pleasure.
Many substances provide quick dopamine hits: alcohol, drugs, nicotine, caffeine. For ADHD brains searching for stimulation, they can feel essential.
When ADHD is properly treated - with medication and support - the need for external dopamine sources often decreases naturally.1
Masking and overwhelm
Autistic people often mask: hiding autistic traits to fit in. Masking is exhausting. Substances offer temporary relief.
Some research suggests autistic people are 9 times more likely to use drugs for self-medication than non-autistic peers.2
This is not about addiction risk - it is about using substances to manage unmet needs.
Alcohol and drugs
Substance use is not a moral issue. It is about unmet needs, brain chemistry, and access to proper support.
Many people use alcohol or drugs occasionally without developing problems. Others develop dependencies quickly. Neurodivergence increases vulnerability - but understanding why helps.
The key shift: from shame to curiosity. What are you reaching for? What does it do for you? What need is it filling?
With proper ADHD treatment, autism support, and therapy, these needs can be met in healthier ways.
Behavioural addictions
Addiction is not only about substances. Many neurodivergent people develop compulsive patterns around:
- Gaming and internet use
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Social media
- Hyperfocus on specific activities
These often serve the same purpose as substance use: managing overwhelm, seeking dopamine, or finding temporary escape.
Getting support
Support should be adapted to how your brain works. You deserve help that understands neurodivergence.
Talk to your GP
Your GP can:
- Screen for ADHD or autism if not yet diagnosed
- Discuss treatment options
- Refer you to specialist addiction services
- Check for co-occurring mental health conditions
Specialist services
- Frank helpline: 0300 123 6600 (free, confidential, non-judgmental)
- Turning Point: Substance use support across the UK - https://www.turning-point.co.uk/
- We Are With You: Addiction and recovery support - https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
- Drinkline: Alcohol support - 0300 123 1110
neurobetter support
- Use our Local Services directory to find drug services, alcohol support, and therapy near you
- Our Ask a Counsellor service lets you put private questions to registered counsellors
- Our Online Community connects you with other neurodivergent people who understand
Other support
- Mind: Mental health and addiction support - mind.org.uk
- Samaritans: Emotional support (24/7) - 116 123
What recovery looks like
Recovery is not always abstinence - it is about regaining control and meeting your needs in healthier ways.
With proper ADHD or autism diagnosis, medication when needed, therapy, and understanding: substance use problems improve significantly.
You are not broken. Your brain has real needs. The goal is learning to meet them.
Want to talk to someone?
You do not have to do this alone. Whether you need crisis support or someone to talk through what is happening, help is available at /get-help-now.
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Chang, Z., Ghirardi, L., Quinn, P.D. et al. (2025). ADHD medication and risk of suicidal behaviours, substance abuse, transport accidents, and criminality. The BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-080259 ↩
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University of Cambridge. (2021). Autistic individuals may be more likely to use recreational drugs to self-medicate their mental health. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/autistic-individuals-may-be-more-likely-to-use-recreational-drugs-to-self-medicate-their-mental ↩
This page has had one contribution from our team and community, and was last updated on 19 February 2026. Keeping this content up-to-date is a difficult task, especially as details can change quickly. We welcome feedback on any of the content in the Advice Hub, including any lived experience you can share. Please login or create an account to submit feedback.
neurobetter's content and services are intended to provide information, peer support, and connections to services. They are not intended to replace, override, or contradict medical or psychological advice provided by a doctor, psychologist or other healthcare professional.