A major new study from Penn State College of Medicine found that young people diagnosed with both ADHD and substance use disorder are significantly less likely to receive ADHD medication, even though treating ADHD was linked to a 30% reduction in the risk of death over five years.
For families weighing treatment options or providers building care plans, this research carries serious implications.
A Hidden Crisis Inside Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD affects between 12% and 13% of adolescents in the United States, according to some studies.
The condition creates patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with school, work and relationships and it dramatically elevates the risk of developing an alcohol or drug addiction.
Up to 50% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD develop a substance use disorder, facing worse outcomes than if they had one of the conditions alone. They are at higher risk of hospitalization, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
What the Research Found
Researchers analyzed de-identified health records from a national sample of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25. Among the individuals diagnosed with ADHD, 24% were diagnosed with both ADHD and substance use disorder.
Among young people diagnosed with both conditions, receiving ADHD treatment, either stimulants or non-stimulants, was associated with fewer hospitalizations and accidental overdoses.
There was also more consistent use of psychiatric services compared to those who did not receive ADHD medication.
Why Doctors Are Holding Back on Addiction Treatment
Despite this evidence, a clear prescribing gap persists. Clinicians often have concerns that the addiction medication could be misused or make substance use symptoms worse.
That hesitation is showing up in the data. Prescriptions for new stimulants dropped by 17% for young people diagnosed with substance use disorder.
Dr. Raman Baweja, the lead author of the study, pushed back on that hesitation: “Our findings suggest that, when used appropriately, treating ADHD, including with stimulants, can be associated with significantly better outcomes.”
What This Means for Addiction Treatment Seekers
If you or a loved one is navigating addiction treatment for a young person who also has an ADHD diagnosis, this research is a critical reminder to ask the right questions. A treatment facility or outpatient program that doesn’t screen for and address co-occurring ADHD may be leaving a major driver of substance use unaddressed.
Receiving ADHD medication was associated with more consistent use of psychiatric services, a signal that treating the whole person, not just the addiction, improves long-term engagement in care.
When evaluating rehab centers or mental health treatment programs, ask specifically whether the facility has dual-diagnosis capabilities to treat both ADHD and substance use disorder simultaneously.
Finding the Right Rehab
If someone you love has ADHD alongside a substance use disorder, finding a treatment program equipped to manage both conditions is essential.
Not all rehab centers offer integrated care, so it’s worth verifying that any facility you consider has licensed psychiatrists or prescribers on staff, uses evidence-based approaches for co-occurring conditions, and can coordinate mental health treatment alongside addiction recovery.
Understanding your insurance coverage for rehab, particularly for dual-diagnosis programs, is also an important first step. Many plans cover both addiction treatment and mental health treatment, including medication management.
You can find top-rated rehab centers nationwide through rehab.com’s directory. Call
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to speak with a treatment advisor who can help match you or your loved one with a facility that offers integrated dual-diagnosis care.
