Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly associated with substance use disorders (SUDs), both in clinical and community studies. Approximately 30% of subjects with SUDs present with comorbid ADHD, a prevalence rate significantly higher than that seen in the general population. The effect of ADHD on the development of SUDs have been subject to extensive studies. This article reviews the existing literature regarding: a) the nature of the association between ADHD and SUDs; b) the impact of ADHD on SUDs; c) the treatment of ADHD which co-occurs with SUDs. Finally an overview, from a predominantly clinical perspective, an integration of those data is proposed.
ADHD; attention-deficit; drugs; substance abuse