Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that has many risk factors, including underlying mental health conditions. When someone has a mental health condition and a substance use disorder, this is known as having co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million adults in the United States have co-occurring disorders.[1]
Other types of conditions can co-occur with addiction as well. Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how you see the world and interact with others. While it is not considered a mental illness, it can occur at the same time as substance abuse.
According to a study published by Cambridge University, autistic adults were 9 times more likely to abuse recreational drugs to self-medicate symptoms they are experiencing.[2] The main reason autistic people suffer from addiction is because of self-medication. An autism diagnosis also puts you at a higher risk of substance abuse due to symptoms like impulsivity or repetitive and obsessive behaviors.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is autism?
- What are the symptoms of autism?
- How are autism and addiction related?
- How do certain symptoms of autism increase the risk of addiction?
What is Autism?
Autism is referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which indicates that the condition can range from mild to severe. The telltale signs of autism include difficulties with social interactions or communication, being overstimulated easily, experiencing an intellectual disability, having obsessions with particular interests, and more. In other words, autism is a lifelong neurological condition that can affect how you communicate, interact with others, learn, and behave.
If you have autism, you will be diagnosed with one of the three groups:[3]
- Autism Level One – Many people refer to this level of autism as “high functioning.” It is common for you to experience difficulty with social interactions, a hard time staying organized, and trouble maintaining a schedule.
- Autism Level Two – Level two tends to need a higher level of support than level one. Often experiences significant impairments in communication and might even be considered non-verbal. You might be inflexible in terms of change, struggle with adjusting your focus, and experience repetitive behaviors.
- Autism Level Three – Level three is considered the most severe form of autism, which means a high level of support is necessary. You might have minimal communication skills, struggle to cope with change, experience distress when there is a change to your routine, and display very noticeable repetitive behaviors.
If you or a loved one has autism, you should seek help from a behavioral therapist. ASD can begin within the first two years of a child’s life. However, many people do not get diagnosed until they are young adults, especially women.
What are the Symptoms of Autism?
Autism affects many aspects of your life, including how you interact with others and behave. Social situations tend to be difficult when you have autism, mainly due to differences in how you think. For example, people with autism tend to take things literally, having a hard time understanding sarcasm or nuance.
Other symptoms of autism include:[4]
- Having an intellectual disability (i.e., issues with problem-solving, academic learning, planning, and more)
- Having trouble with social interactions
- Experiencing difficulty communicating or being non-verbal
- Being obsessed with particular interests
- Having great attention to detail
- Being overstimulated easily due to lights, crowds, or loud noises
- Displaying inconsistent or minimal eye contact
- Language regression among children under 3 years old
- Repetitive and soothing motor movements (often referred to as “stimming”)
It might be easier for your family members to notice the symptoms of autism if you have not been diagnosed as a child. Some people with ASD begin to notice that they think and experience the world differently than those around them. If you believe you have autism, you should seek an assessment from a licensed psychologist.
What is the Relationship Between Autism and Substance Abuse?
Autism is known to have a host of co-occurring disorders. You might have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or an anxiety condition. Unfortunately, it is also common for people with ASD to experience substance abuse issues.
According to the Harvard Gazette, 1 in 5 teens being treated for addiction have undiagnosed symptoms of autism.[5]
The main reason that autism increases your risk of addiction is self-medication. You might struggle with social situations and discover that alcohol makes it easier to socialize with your friends. Over time, this causes you to begin relying on alcohol to be social.
When you use alcohol or illegal drugs to cope with your symptoms, your chances of becoming addicted skyrocket. Unfortunately, addiction will only worsen your symptoms over time, especially if you have a co-occurring disorder like OCD or ADHD.
Do Certain Symptoms of Autism Increase the Risk of Addiction?
Certain symptoms of autism might increase your chances of developing an addiction. For example, it is common for people with autism to experience impulsive behaviors. If you are impulsive, that means you are not thinking about the consequences of your actions, making you more likely to engage in harmful patterns of substance abuse.
Other symptoms of autism that can increase your risk of addiction include:
- Differences in brain wiring when compared to neurotypical people
- Having a predisposition to repetitive and obsessive behaviors
- Experiencing hyper fixation
- Wanting to lessen the symptoms of your ASD
- Desiring to “fit in” with others
- Having a hard time self-regulating your emotions
- Wanting to increase your mental focus
- Using drugs and alcohol to mask your symptoms of autism
If you experience co-occurring substance abuse and autism, you should seek professional addiction treatment. Drug rehab programs like Mandala Healing Center can help you overcome addiction and learn to manage your autism effectively. We provide group therapy sessions, individual counseling, physical health treatments, medical detox, and more.
Find Help for Co-Occurring Autism and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from comorbid autism and addiction, it’s time to seek help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we understand the importance of treating both conditions at the same time. We offer clinically proven treatments for autism alongside evidence-based substance abuse treatment services.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment program for autism and substance use disorder.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
- Cambridge University: Autistic individuals may be more likely to use recreational drugs to self-medicate their mental health
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review and Analysis of the Risks and Benefits
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Harvard Gazette: Study explores possible autism link in young adults treated for addiction