Among 1,517 French university students, those with ADHD (5.6% prevalence) had significantly higher rates of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use as well as behavioral addictions including gambling and compulsive buying.
University counselors, ADHD researchers, student health professionals.
5.6% of students screened positive for ADHD, and these students had elevated rates across all substance and behavioral addictions measured.
What the researchers found
Students with ADHD had significantly higher scores on substance use measures (alcohol, cannabis, tobacco) and behavioral addictions (gambling, compulsive buying, eating disorders, internet addiction) compared to non-ADHD students. ADHD students also repeated classes more often and rated their academic performance lower.
Why it matters
ADHD is a common but often undiagnosed condition in university students. Understanding that it is linked to elevated cannabis use and multiple other addictive behaviors can help universities target screening and support services more effectively.
The numbers in context
1,517 students, mean age 20.6. ADHD prevalence: 5.6%. 42.2% of ADHD students had repeated a year vs 25.7% overall. Sex ratio M:F was 0.46.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 1,517 university students at two French universities using validated screening tools for ADHD, substance use, and behavioral addictions.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design. ADHD was screened, not formally diagnosed. Two French universities may not be representative of all student populations. Self-reported substance use.
How to read the evidence
Moderate - large sample size with validated measures, but cross-sectional and based on screening rather than clinical diagnosis.
When this study was published
Published in 2018.
The bigger picture
The connection between ADHD and substance use is well-established, but this study shows the pattern extends to behavioral addictions as well. This suggests a common underlying vulnerability rather than substance-specific risk.
Questions still open
- Does treating ADHD reduce substance use and behavioral addictions? Are ADHD students self-medicating with cannabis? Would early ADHD screening in universities reduce addiction rates?
Common questions
Is ADHD linked to higher cannabis use?
Does ADHD affect academic performance in college?
Read the original research
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and addictions (substance and behavioral): Prevalence and characteristics in a multicenter study in France.
Journal of behavioral addictions, 7(3), 743-751
Citation
Romo, Lucia; Ladner, Joel; Kotbagi, Gayatri; Morvan, Yannick; Saleh, Dalia; Tavolacci, Marie Pierre; Kern, Laurence. (2018). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and addictions (substance and behavioral): Prevalence and characteristics in a multicenter study in France.. Journal of behavioral addictions, 7(3), 743-751. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.7.2018.58
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