The main symptoms of ADHD include inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity. In most cases of adult ADHD, these symptoms are present in childhood but don’t become problematic until adulthood. ADHD affects 4.4% of adults.
How common are alcohol and drug problems in women with adult ADHD?
Women with adult ADHD have an alcohol and drug prevalence that is four times that of women who do not have adult ADHD. Almost 36% of women with ADHD have alcohol problems and 26% have drug problems.
Men who have ADHD had a twofold increased prevalence of alcohol and drug problems over men who do not have adult ADHD. Hence, adult ADHD in women confers twice the risk of a substance abuse problem as it does for men.
This underscores the importance of women getting their adult ADHD treated to increase their chances of recovering from a substance abuse disorder.
Also, there is good evidence that treating ADHD may prevent the development of an alcohol or drug addiction problem.
Call us at 770-458-0007 if you have questions about drug addictions and ADHD in women.