Self-Medication

ADHD and Substance Abuse: Are you still Self-Medicating?

For much of my life, I struggled to find peace amidst the chaos of my thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 that I began to comprehend the reasons behind my impulsivity and restlessness. However, before this diagnosis, I tried various coping mechanisms—obsessive sports, shisha, sex, cannabis, and recreational drugs—each providing temporary relief but ultimately intensifying my struggles. In this article, we will explore the relationship between ADHD and substance use, informed by both personal experience and the latest scientific research.