Introduction: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the risk for comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders, which may increase the risk of adverse patient outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of ADHD in residential addiction treatment as well as the prevalence of mono-substance use, comorbid substance use, and polysubstance use disorders (PUD) as a function of ADHD status.
Methods: All participants were adults (18 years and older) admitted to a residential substance use disorder treatment center in Sioux Falls, SD. Participants were administered a Wender Utah ADHD rating scale to assess ADHD status using a cutoff score of 46. The participants were administered ADHD questionnaires developed to assess ADHD history, family history, and academic performance.
Results: Students showed a 17% increase in confidence in discussing substance use with patients and a 47% increase in confidence in applying MI techniques after the instructional session. At CC, 54.5% of patients reported substance use and 16.7% of those patients responded that they would consider quitting in the next month after the student interview. In the post-clinic survey, students rated an average of 4.21 out of 5 on comfort level in discussing excessive substance use.
Conclusion: ADHD and substance use disorder have notable comorbidity. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ADHD in populations with substance use disorder. The presence of ADHD may be a risk factor for PUD. Effective screening and treatment of ADHD may alleviate substance use burden among users.
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