ADHD is not only a risk factor to the beginning of substance abuse but also is a determining factor in terms of long-term use and difficult treatment. Therefore, detection of the presence of comorbidity is important in terms of treatment approach.

The aim of this study is to screen the presence of adult ADHD in patients diagnosed with substance abuse disorder.

120 patients who were diagnosed as substance abuse disorder according to DSM-IV were included in the study. Wender-Utah Rating Scale and Adult ADD/ADHD (attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) inventory were performed to the patients. Patients who scored above the cut-off score of these scales were evaluated clinically in terms of adult ADHD.

16 of 120 patients (13.3%) included in the study were diagnosed as adult ADHD on the basis of scales and clinical evaluation. When the abused substances were evaluated; 36% alcohol, 21% cannabis, 11% cocaine or other stimulants and 5% multi-drug addiction have been identified.

Overall, 15%–25% of adults with drug and alcohol use disorders have current ADHD. ADHD itself appears to be a risk factor for later substance use disorders, with onset typically around 17–19 years of age.Individuals with both diagnoses have been reported to have an earlier onset, a longer course, and greater severity, with more relapses and greater difficulty remaining abstinen. In summary, the neuropsychological and neurobiological literature indicates important overlaps between ADHD and substance use disorders, and the two need to be treated in tandem.