Among 185 adults in substance abuse treatment, those with co-occurring ADHD used more cannabis overall, and women with ADHD started cannabis use earlier and used for longer than any other group.
Addiction specialists, ADHD clinicians, and researchers studying gender differences in substance use.
Women with ADHD+SUD had earliest cannabis onset and longest use duration
What the researchers found
The SUD+ADHD group showed increased cannabis consumption compared to the SUD-only group. Notably, women with SUD+ADHD started cannabis use at an earlier age and used for a longer period compared to women without ADHD and compared to men in both groups. No significant differences in alcohol use were found between ADHD and non-ADHD groups.
Why it matters
The specific vulnerability of women with ADHD to cannabis use suggests they may use cannabis to manage ADHD symptoms, highlighting the need for gender-specific approaches in treatment.
The numbers in context
185 patients (52 with ADHD, 128 without). SUD+ADHD group used more cannabis overall. SUD+ADHD females had earlier cannabis onset and longer duration of use than all comparison groups.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional study of 185 post-detox inpatients at rehabilitation centers in South Africa. ADHD diagnosed using DIVA 2.0. Groups compared: SUD+ADHD (n=52) vs. SUD-ADHD (n=128) by gender on alcohol and cannabis use patterns.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample, especially for gender subgroup analyses. South African treatment-seeking population limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design. DSM-IV criteria used (DSM-5 now standard). Self-reported substance use.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional study with validated ADHD diagnosis, but small sample and treatment-seeking population.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
ADHD is underdiagnosed in women and associated with greater substance use when present. Identifying and treating ADHD in women with substance use disorders could reduce cannabis-specific vulnerability.
Questions still open
- Do women with ADHD use cannabis specifically for symptom management? Would ADHD treatment reduce cannabis use in this population? Are these patterns similar in non-treatment-seeking populations?
Common questions
Is there a link between ADHD and cannabis use?
Why might women with ADHD be more vulnerable to cannabis use?
Read the original research
Differences in alcohol and cannabis use amongst substance use disorder patients with and without comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa, 28, 1786
Citation
Coetzee, Corné; Truter, Ilse; Meyer, Anneke. (2022). Differences in alcohol and cannabis use amongst substance use disorder patients with and without comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.. The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa, 28, 1786. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v28i0.1786
Explore the wider topic
- Physical vs Psychological Cannabis Dependence: What Science Actually Shows
- The Gap Between Cannabis Perception and Science: Why What We Believe Outpaces What We Know
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Am I Addicted? Self-Assessment Guide
- Cross-Addiction After Quitting Weed: When One Habit Replaces Another
- Is Weed Addictive? What the Research Actually Shows
- Is Cannabis Addictive? What the DSM-5 and Brain Science Say
- Quitting Weed and Alcohol Together: What to Know About Dual Cessation
- Is Rehab Necessary for Weed? An Honest Assessment
- Signs You May Have Cannabis Use Disorder: An Honest Self-Assessment
- Weed Vape Pen Addiction: Why Vaping Makes It Harder to Quit