Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more than twice as likely to develop substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood, finds a new study published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review.
Researchers from the University of California looked at 27 different studies, following a total of 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder as they grew from childhood into adolescence.
Analyzing the studies together, they found that the children with ADHD were at a significantly higher risk of developing substance abuse problems and being unable to quit.
"This greater risk for children with ADHD applies to boys and girls, it applies across race and ethnicity – the findings were very consistent. The greater risk for developing significant substance problems in adolescence and adulthood applies across substances, including nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other drugs," said Steve S. Lee, lead author of the study.
According to Lee, the disorder can effect as many as five to ten percent of children. He notes, however, that it is important that children are properly diagnosed by a medical health professional and not by a parent or teacher.