The researchers analyzed distinctions within the ADHD group, focusing on responses from youngsters with more severe symptoms of inattention in childhood, something not routinely done previously. They also examined the differences among individuals with symptoms of comorbid behavior disorders – oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD).
The researchers found that the teenagers who reported more frequent episodes of drunkenness, higher alcohol problem scores, and a greater likelihood of substance abuse were those diagnosed with more severe inattention problems in childhood. The youngsters with severe inattention were about 5 times more likely than others to use an illegal drug other than alcohol and marijuana at an early age.
The researchers point out that inattention appeared to be a uniquely important variable even when the analyses considered the presence of ODD and CD, factors which more typically have been considered predictive of substance use.
Although impulsivity-hyperactivity was not associated with teenage substance abuse, the authors say that better measurement of this behavior in future studies will be important.
"The presence of ADHD during childhood appears to be as strong a risk factor for substance use and abuse as having a positive family history of substance use disorder. It is not specific to only one substance but cuts across alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs," says Dr. Molina. "Our findings indicate that the presence of ADHD during childhood, the severity of symptoms, and the persistence of the disorder may be risk factors for early substance use and the emergence of substance abuse disorders during the teen years."
Source: NIAAA News Release
