Smokers with ADHD at much greater risk of substance abuse

Smokers with ADHD at much greater risk of substance abuse

By Charlotte Fantelli

Research published today (26th July) in the British Journal of Psychiatry, shows that smokers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a much-increased risk of developing substance misuse problems.

Ok, I was very skeptical when I read the headline! I honestly considered if this was just another 'state the obvious' piece of research. I say this, as it would make sense that those who smoke are often in the same demographic as those at risk of substance abuse, those who misuse substances are much more likely to be smokers than the general population, and of course having a condition such as ADHD will, in some cases, lead people to self medicate to deal with symptoms. I instantly came up with many 'common sense' theories to dismiss these findings.

But, and I reiterate, but, even with this skepticism, I was shocked as to the extent of the increase. Out of the 651 young people studied, 213 had ADHD, the remaining 438 did not - these were the control group. The youngsters were followed for a decade to monitor their relationship with smoking and substance use. Of those studied 28% were smokers (this equates to 34% of those with ADHD and 24% of those without).

At the age of 23, the results show the rates of alcohol dependence:

  • 7% for non-smokers without ADHD

  • 10% for non-smokers with ADHD

  • 18% for smokers without ADHD 

  • 35% for smokers with ADHD


The rates of drug addiction are equally as alarming, they show that:

  • 3% of non-smokers without ADHD had drug addiction problems
  • 6% of non-smokers with ADHD had drug addiction problems
  • 11% for smokers without ADHD had drug addiction problems
  • While smokers with ADHD had a staggering estimated drug dependence rate of 43%, 

Another interesting finding of this study, was that the group with ADHD who smoked, started smoking earlier, with the average age of onset being 13.9 years, compared to 15.4 years for those who smoked but did not have ADHD.

Dr Joseph Biederman, lead researcher, of Massachusetts General Hospital, says: “We found that smoking greatly and significantly increased the risk of young people with ADHD developing alcohol and drug misuse and dependence.

“This has important public health implications, and suggests that if smoking could be prevented in young people with ADHD then a large amount of problems associated with alcohol and drugs could also be prevented.” She adds.

The reasons behind the fact that smoking often acts as a precursor to drug abuse isn't entirely clear, the study suggests it may be the way nicotine affects dopamine transition, which may reinforce addictive behaviours. I would personally argue that those who do not smoke are likely to view drug taking with similar eyes to smoking, and those who do smoke are more likely to be socially and emotionally more susceptible to the possibilities of taking drugs. 

Whatever the reason for the increase in this group, what it does tell us is that these people are highly susceptible to substance abuse problems and more needs to be done to help them early on, before it becomes an issue in their lives.

Your rating: None Average: 6.5 (2 votes)

Comments

EOejHCgXgdvAKxRw

An envelope http://invoice.shagunsuitsaree.com/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?stendra.vicerex.cialis escitalopram alcohol With that in mind, New York-based condom company NuVo is sending Gang Green “a variety of condoms in different shapes and sizes,” to help the sex-deprived Jets celebrate their come-from-behind win over the Patriots on Sunday.

XTOvnRdtjRkTHqN

How much notice do you have to give? https://assetgi.cl/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?acetazolamide.piracetam.peel-off.cialis what is clarithromycin 500mg used for Consultant paediatrician Dr Dhia Mahmood who treated Harry between 2004 and 2008 saw him when he was admitted to casualty on October 9th 2011 said: "He was admitted with shortness of breath and wheezing, he was using his inhaler but it wasn't responding and received two nebulisers and another dilator to improve the wheezing.

tZNJjaLlobj

A staff restaurant https://www.1stconcept-me.com/pharmacy/stmap_42ptxhfi.html?cialis.testosterone.glipizide.anadoil srum vitamin c dm The stars of "Red 2" premiered their film at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Along with Helen Mirren and Catherine Zeta-Jones, they play operatives in the film, a sequel to the 2010 movie, 'Red.' “We make each other laugh, and our comedy seems to make the audiences laugh," said Willis. Catch 'Red 2' in theaters July 19.

yhRBbdZjDjG

I'd like to cancel a cheque https://ppucbonline.com/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?bactroban.cialis.buspirone efek dulcolax "Don't really care what we do tonight," Smith, 12, sings while apparently on a date with a slightly older boy. "Good night kisses if the mood is right, laying by the beach with you wishing this will never end."

JAuDMmShJuvjrRKYO

Will I have to work on Saturdays? https://assetgi.cl/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?lioresal.sinequan.viagra maca magic adrenalift "ASCAP looks forward to the Dec. 4 trial, where ASCAP will demonstrate the true value of songwriters’ and composers’ performance rights, a value that Pandora’s music streaming competitors have recognized by negotiating rather than litigating with creators of music."

SDkIzzMyWsZxLQs

I enjoy travelling http://invoice.shagunsuitsaree.com/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?aripiprazole.viagra.mefloquine marfloxin injection Families of those involved in the crash gathered at Colonial Hills on Saturday evening. Some held hands and prayed outside the building as families trickled in. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was inside the church at one point, meeting with them.

kkEKFWClfzOjbJvYE

How long have you lived here? https://hingolnationalpark.com/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_81avgmoz.html?oxybutynin.urso.levitra.epivir-hbv venlafaxine manufacturers LUSAKA, Zambia — Inside the pediatric ward of a hospital here, Jess Chihumba tended to her 6-month-old daughter, Holly, alternately nursing her, cuddling her, and watching over her through the crib’s iron bars.

LxEtVDJTVktuqFGaEb

What do you want to do when you've finished? https://hingolnationalpark.com/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_81avgmoz.html?mesylate.tinidazole.viagra i took ibuprofen in early pregnancy On Friday, he addressed hundreds of thousands of youth on Copacabana Beach, where a cast of young people portrayed the Stations of the Cross as the problems facing youth, including violence, imprisonment, and illness. Invited to greet Francis on the main stage — at his request, the Vatican said — were about 35 Argentine landfill workers, or cartoneros.

lCOMnblHRimT

I've just started at https://www.marblebeers.com/stmap_42qktlqx.html?tegretol.cialis.amantadine tamsulosin capsules 0.4mg uses The current Administration is hoping the big flash of light does not happen until after Inauguration Day 2017 so they can avoid blame. But until the big boom, yeah, Russia, let’s delay for our client states — hey you were buddies with the war machine in Germany in the 1930′s so they wouldn’t attack you.

CrKjAQyNoyF

I read a lot https://chianteck.com/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?bupropion.acular.staytal.levitra triamcinolone crema For me Ronaldinho is the most naturally talented player we have seen. Sure Messia is great, but to be honest he has not prved himself outside of the Iniesta/Xivi/La Liga circle of safety. C.Ron is oviously a complete monster, but I can't help but feel that his immense professionalism and hard working mentality plays a huge part. Sadly like many a genius before him, Ronaldinho time came too soon

vjmivseOTBhaOoHrZgI

Languages http://msmcf.co.kr/pharmacy/stmap_15dawbxe.html?cialis.zyvox.atenolol kegunaan obat ciprofloxacin sirup "There is too much extremism among the rebels. There is also still appalling behaviour from this dreadful regime using chemical weapons. There is an enormous overspill of problems into neighbouring countries.

gaOrkapzQEEH

I'd like to tell you about a change of address http://nautipar.com.br/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?levitra.oxytrol.flagyl vitalis vitamin b12 vital kur inhaltsstoffe After a booming few years of growth, tablet shipments fell worldwide by 9.7 percent compared to last quarter, IDC said. Mostly, I’d attribute that to a complete lack of major tablet announcements, especially new iPad models. Tablet shipments grew 60 percent compared to last year, which isn’t a huge surprise given that practically every gadget company is trying to make a dent in the market.

kKHXIKxJAriFKsohoZc

What sort of music do you like? http://nautipar.com.br/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?cialis.himplasia.dexamethason dosagem paracetamol para bebe Fourteen fugitives were later re-arrested by police, he said. A curfew has now been imposed on Dera Ismail Khan as police hunt for the remaining escaped prisoners, but correspondents say this will be a difficult task as they flee into tribal areas.

IxPhnqclZCNkPht

Would you like to leave a message? https://chianteck.com/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?bupropion.acular.staytal.levitra ibuprofen 600 rezeptfrei niederlande Reed has been working with the Chiefs throughout training camp as a coaching intern, imparting his knowledge on an impressionable young group of wide receivers. He basically had his pick of where he wanted to work, Reed said, but new Chiefs coach Andy Reid made the decision easy.

NYCzomBWtKOM

The United States https://seriouspdfconverter.com/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?cyclophosphamide.cytoxan.tazalis.cialis cefpodoxime proxetil and ofloxacin tablets uses in hindi I told the Romanian participants they are a bridge between Romania and the UK and they have the chance to study and work to the best universities in the world. I added that I expect them to use this chance not only to their benefit but also to the benefit of the UK and of Romania - the country where they are coming from and where I hope they will return one day.

sZZwkQiBONcKt

I'm training to be an engineer https://gamifychina.com/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_15vkkger.html?viagra.droxia.sublingual.gestanin paxil make you sleepy At the same time, schools are also pushing for physical education to start at an earlier age. Since 2000, there has been a 11 percentage point increase, up to 93.6 percent, in the number of school districts that require elementary schools to teach physical education and a nearly 20 percent increase in the number of districts that recommend or require elementary schools to test students' fitness levels. However, just under two-thirds of school districts do not require that elementary schools test students' fitness.

qBEhgCOSnIwQ

How many are there in a book? https://www.gunnagatsby.com/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_42xxsjad.html?levitra.viprogra.imdur.tinidazole bissulfato de clopidogrel 75 mg As with the storm of 750, the main impact on humans was a pretty light show on the ground: there is no evidence that solar storms of this intensity can damage or affect life directly. But there was also a chilling foretaste of what would happen if such an event were to repeat itself today. For the surge of charged particles had a dramatic impact on the nascent telegraph systems of the world. What author Tom Standage has called “the Victorian internet” was virtually knocked out. Telegraph wires were short-circuited, copper cables melted and some operators were given bad electrical shocks.

bCoRhffOMSlATw

How do you know each other? http://www.esoftworld.co.kr/pharmacy/stmap_15dawbxe.html?ticlid.felodipine.cialis.eulexin cialis kimia farma “This isn’t some damn game.. All we’re asking for is to sit down and have a discussion and to bring fairness – reopen the government – and bring fairness to the American people under Obamacare.”

DurpBMsPgnaOJWaz

How many weeks' holiday a year are there? https://www.karasueksiogluemlak.com/pharmacy/stmap_81aaschp.html?lovastatin.didronel.levitra.vigora naproxeno alcohol Zeta-Jones, who looked classy in a sleek black dress, hugged her daughter Carys, 12, who appeared to be clowning around with her brother Dylan, 13, as they stood outside Joe Allen's restaurant on 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.

bripbXnkCfet

I'm interested in https://www.onfinitytechnologies.com/stmap_15nrpill.html?cialis.depakote.pentoxifylline.indapamide uses of ursodeoxycholic acid tablets “I’m a basketball player. I’ll do whatever the coaches say. I’m just going to be ready for the training camp, be ready (for) changes. … Whatever I can do, we’ll see. Defensively it will be really good — two good rim protectors. We have to figure out how to play first. This is basketball. It’s just a business. There’s no emotions in it. You just have to be ready (for) changes. That’s all I’m thinking about right now.”

jbvEkhWnNEYC

Could you ask him to call me? https://www.onfinitytechnologies.com/stmap_42qktlqx.html?oxytrol.levitra.volmax sildenafil kimia farma The U.S. Senate prepared for a last ditch effort onWednesday to avoid a historic lapse in the government'sborrowing authority, a breach that President Barack Obama hassaid could lead to default and deliver a damaging blow to theglobal economy.

zFZzuHUyPCKzHE

I'd like to pay this in, please http://modernelectricalaustralia.com.au/pharmacy/stmap_42xxsjad.html?viagra.chlorambucil.sildigra.erectosil norfloxacino 400 mg como tomar Levine reiterated the Yankees’ desire to pare the payroll below the $189 million luxury-tax threshold next season, although he pointed out that would still leave the Yankees’ payroll ahead of 28 other teams.

BmONMvqOdrLYN

I'm on work experience https://www.twlcat.org/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?levitra.acticin.bisacodyl.motilium salbutamol bnf Peter Boockvar, managing director at the Lindsey Group, notes: “Due to another multi-year high in mortgage rates, refi applications continue to collapse. The MBA said refis fell 20.2%, to the lowest level since June 2009 and are now off 70% since the recent May peak when [Federal Reserve chairman Ben] Bernanke mentioned the possibility of cutting asset purchases,” the central bank’s purchases of debt.

aDnbIUXZYbbZOlp

Whereabouts are you from? https://chianteck.com/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?levitra.livial.cycrin maximum acetaminophen dose for child Prosecutors say he was a longtime FBI informant who was protected by corrupt FBI agents. Bulger's lawyers have strongly denied that he was an informant and say he paid FBI agents to get information about wiretaps and investigations so he and his cohorts could stay one step ahead of the law.

rJgSgdnNTeeswKnxd

Please call back later https://chianteck.com/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?sildalis.cialis.duricef topical ivermectin treatment for guinea pigs "I don't know where we would be without him," says RosaCelia Barbosa, a Rio cardiologist who received a 30 million real($13.9 million) donation from Batista in 2011 for a charityhospital for children. After struggling for more than a decadewith funding, she finally had enough to pay for finalconstruction and equipment costs.

lCMnZYtfuscnQW

I'd like to send this letter by https://venedikestate.com/pharmacy/stmap_15dawbxe.html?hyaluronic.levitra.clonidine.ursodeoxycholic ivermectin injection for dogs in hindi If there's room in the St. Louis Cardinals' post-season rotation, rookie Michael Wacha made as strong a statement as possible and came as close as possible to a no-hitter Tuesday against the Washington Nationals.

LrXkWwjwxGmAg

Why did you come to ? http://www.esoftworld.co.kr/pharmacy/stmap_15dawbxe.html?ethinyl.dexone.levitra post cycle therapy nolvadex and clomid The 15 detainees, who had been among 30 people aboard aGreenpeace ship used to stage the protest at the Prirazlomnayaoil platform, were denied bail by judges in the northern city ofMurmansk, Greenpeace and Russian media said.

TUYaeWNdoLPmZyX

Where do you live? http://thenewbarandlounge.co.uk/pharmacy/stmap_42ptxhfi.html?cialis.celecoxib.imdur getting off lexapro success stories He also steers clear of certain religious topics to avoid statements that the NYPD or its informants might perceive as controversial.In a letter to President Obama this week, the Muslim American Civil Liberties Coalition expressed concerns about the prospect of Kelly taking the top homeland security seat.

pcLpkBjofUOPhHfSSRB

This is the job description https://assetgi.cl/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?cytoxan.hindgra.viagra sildamax 100mg viagra In emerging markets, the Turkish lira strengthened to 1.9081 against the dollar, a one-month high,after the central bank raised its overnight lending rate by 75basis points to help narrow the gaping current account deficit.

ltTqSJdnQcPQFsd

Could you give me some smaller notes? https://chianteck.com/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?ivermectin.viagra.zyloprim rash amoxicillin virus "You win the tournament, you win it outright. Sneds proved that last year," he added, referring to fellow American Brandt Snedeker, who clinched the 2012 Tour Championship and FedExCup honors after starting the week fifth in the standings.

HnEhYZLXkmhc

Recorded Delivery https://tppfitnessri.com/pharmacy/stmap_15nrpill.html?nortriptyline.levitra.calcium.cytotec beavans medical For generations George was a popular name in the United States, where George Washington is celebrated as "the father of our nation" for leading the War of Independence against Britain, then ruled by King George III.

MJDrvWbNlmRPX

The National Gallery https://gpm2.com.ar/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?domperidone.viagra.furoxone ivermectin preparations in pakistan The 53-year-old Czech-born American's blend of experience, honesty and dry humour has struck a chord with the Scot half his age, who now has a tennis father figure to complement his mother Judy's years of dedication.

eesXGsQIFl

An accountancy practice https://www.marblebeers.com/stmap_81dcevos.html?klaricid.levitra.glucovance.maxolon dapoxetine “During this time I’m looking up everything,” said Dawnica Jackson, a United Airlines customer who rushed to book flights after seeing the glitch.  “I’m like, we’re going here.  We’re going there.  I was like we’re going to do Christmas in Maui.”

fucuzWBQGWLGKlKg

I'm doing a masters in law https://gamifychina.com/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_81pgyiva.html?viagra.keftab.remeron clomid for pct reddit KIND Bar (they are made with ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. This is not your typical bar). Coconut Almond MYLK. Green juice. Nuts: cashews, almonds, pistachios. I love 'em all. A small square of dark chocolate.

sipFMiYypLPVBeYbLhm

An envelope http://nautipar.com.br/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?tadalis.acetate.levitra can clonidine be crushed "The ramp up in activity in this year is consistent with thetemporary impact of tighter mortgage regulations from summer2012, while the back-up in mortgage rates in recent months haspushed fence-sitters with pre-approved mortgages to enter themarket," Issa wrote.

cXbPySVrrf

What sort of music do you like? http://nautipar.com.br/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?compazine.cellcept.mobic.cialis metformina sandoz 850 mg prospecto An anticipated revolt by moderate House Republicans fizzled earlier on Monday after House Speaker John Boehner made personal appeals to many of them to back him on a key procedural vote, said Republican Representative Peter King of New York.

pNAGCmBjzczk

How do I get an outside line? https://venedikestate.com/pharmacy/stmap_15dawbxe.html?amantadine.cialis.bactroban.chlorambucil arcoxia 120mg tablet price malaysia “Navigators will be among the many resources available to help consumers understand their coverage options in the marketplace,” Sebelius also said. “Health care providers, business leaders, faith leaders, community groups, advocates and local elected officials … can help spread the world and encourage their neighbors to get enrolled.”  

KheSHfENaBgPuFBFx

We'll need to take up references https://www.karasueksiogluemlak.com/pharmacy/stmap_42xxsjad.html?procalis.levitra.ophthacare.phenytoin kegunaan acyclovir tab "By far the biggest risk is October 17. If the debt ceiling is not raised beyond $17.6 trillion words like default are going to start rearing they head," said Neil Williams, chief economist at fund manger Hermes.

yqgmVQZAtGsOjGQxjRv

Hold the line, please http://thevikingmethod.com.b100.opex.is/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?prograf.mefloquine.cialis.chlorzoxazone bisacodyl gastro resistant tablets ip 5mg Despite his exhaustive analysis of the BFRO data, Stevens stops short of giving the information more credibility than it deserves. "Ultimately, I'm not convinced there's a descendant of [giant ape] Gigantopithecus playing hide-and-seek in the Pacific Northwest," Stevens said. "But if respectable folks like primatologist Jane Goodall believe there's something more to the myth, I think it's at least worth putting on the map."

sWwDFYzvom

Some First Class stamps https://www.krizia.it/.tmb/stmap_42xxsjad.html?elimite.levitra.ortho zocor vs crestor dosage "Liu's prosecution and conviction may have been linked to the situation of Liu Xiaobo and his sister, Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo's wife, and therefore may have been politically motivated," he told reporters outside the courthouse.

OQOoyQxhrru

I support Manchester United https://bayport.co.mz/pharmacy/stmap_42ptxhfi.html?irbesartan.tritace.cialis levonorgestrel efectos secundarios a largo plazo "She's a champion, and she knows how to repeat that. She knows what it takes to get there. I know that feeling, too. And when two people who want that feeling so bad meet," Azarenka said, pounding her fists together, "it's like a clash."

RJjJMzTpnYhzkajE

Yes, I play the guitar https://hayathasardanismanligi.com/pharmacy/stmap_81aaschp.html?flagyl.viagra.avelox.augmentin imipramine hcl Lord Taylor, minister for criminal information, said that the government "provides a commitment to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research" which is "an ambitious but achievable goal".

idYCZdcCCMtPCYKX

Have you seen any good films recently? https://seriouspdfconverter.com/pharmacy/stmap_81dcevos.html?ritonavir.combivir.levitra can you buy betnovate cream over the counter Airports around the region, including Dulles International Airport reported receiving arriving flights diverted from BWI, this afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration determines where flights are diverted, said a Dulles spokeswoman Kimberly Gibbs.

WxpbaALLOaKfE

I'd like to cancel this standing order https://gpm2.com.ar/pharmacy/stmap_42qktlqx.html?tadalift.dutasteride.eulexin.levitra ivermectine prix maroc And then here he was, taking a first-pitch fastball from hard-throwing lefty Matt Moore into the seats in right-center for a home run that was his way of telling his teammates there is still hope in this seemingly doomed season.

KfNqEjdPZlMlXOhxkl

How long are you planning to stay here? https://www.karasueksiogluemlak.com/pharmacy/stmap_81aaschp.html?urispas.levitra.hydrochloride.cefuroxime khasiat diclofenac sodium 50 mg The U.S. government has killed at least four Americans with drone strikes overseas, most notably Anwar al-Awlaki, who died in Yemen in September 2011. The Obama administration said that al-Awlaki was a "continuing and imminent threat."

RLnokGcTlMgofW

I'd like some euros https://hayathasardanismanligi.com/pharmacy/stmap_81aaschp.html?sarafem.vasodilan.levitra tentex royal user review “The committee is concerned with NPS’s allocation of resources during this time of lapsed funding,” Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wrote in a letter to National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis. “Numerous media outlets have reported that NPS has erected barricades to keep people from entering the National World War II Memorial and other monuments.”

XWLzXkhoNSJfTymE

Whereabouts in are you from? https://mymymakeup.art/pharmacy/stmap_42xxsjad.html salbutamol sulphate tablets ip 4mg in hindi But for the neighbours who have lived alongside him for years in Manor Waye, a post war cul-de-sac in Uxbridge, and knew him as Skinner, this description was far from what they knew of the man. The family home is a modest whitewashed property with smart rose beds in the drive.

vxipUmSLFGIJ

Can I use your phone? http://villa-saintantoine.com/pharmacy/stmap_42ptxhfi.html?viramune.viagra.aspirin.delgra metronidazole posologie chat For once, Kim Kardashian stepped out in an outfit we didn't want to roast her for! And then came her shoes. The 7-month pregnant reality TV star is feeling the squeeze - and also fighting it! Kardashian shoved her swollen feet into a skin-tight pair of high heels in Los Angeles on May 16, 2013. The result looked painful! Kim paired her swollen ankles with a figure-hugging white frock and overcoat.

OvrVYnkJQbzDJtyum

Will I get travelling expenses? https://www.karasueksiogluemlak.com/pharmacy/stmap_81aaschp.html?viagra.phenergan.timoptic.dilantin harga raost diclofenac potassium 50 mg The inmates at Fundacao Casa began rioting at around midday, and had soon taken some 29 members of staff hostage. According to Globo, the director of the unit was also taken hostage and was seriously injured.

XKbKoqiQmvSOcw

I'm about to run out of credit http://losodsenmicomunidad.org/pharmacy/index.php/stmap_81dcevos.html?stromectol.levitra.fosamax clobetasol 0.05 crema ac farma "He was this huge kid," Moore told The Associated Press in a phone interview from New York Giants training camp. "I'd been in college already for like two years and he was this huge monster who had at least two inches over me and he was so intimidating. And when he talked he was the kindest person in the world. He was like the gentle giant."