Addiction In People With Autism

Addiction refers to the inability to stop misusingdrugs oralcohol despite experiencing negative consequences.Addiction in individuals with autism is prevalent.

When asked, people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reported they misuse drugs or alcohol due to the following:

• To temporarily forget problems
• To clear their mind
• To cope with social challenges
• To cope with boredom or spare time
• To deal withstress
• To reduceanxiety anddepression

Many of these reasons for using drugs or alcohol are similar to the reasons people without ASD misuse substances. However, the physical and psychological consequences may be more dire for those with autism. Many factors play a role in who develops addiction and what their outcomes will be.

Addiction Risk Factors For Autistic Individuals

Each person with co-occurring autism and addiction, referred to asdual diagnosis, has risk factors unique to their situation. However, some common risk factors tend to appear in most.

Genetics

Someone who has a sibling, parent, or other close relative with a substance use disorder (SUD) is more likely to misuse substances. Somegenes can be inherited for both autism and addiction. However, having the genes does not guarantee they will develop either disorder.

Having A Mental Health Disorder

Having another psychiatric disorder in addition to an ASD can be a risk factor for SUD, especially in those withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Coping With Symptoms

Coping with the symptoms of a disorder is a common reason people begin experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, what may bring relief in the beginning can become an addiction in an individual with autism.

Symptoms often associated with autism include obsessive-compulsive tendencies, impulsivity, inability to stay focused, overstimulation, social anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

Living Environment

The living environment may influence someone with autism. If they live with others who drink alcohol or misuse drugs, they may be more likely to engage in the same behaviors.

Limited Resources

Anyone with ASD can benefit from resources to help them cope with their symptoms at their level of ASD. They also need different, specialized therapies to overcome addiction. Without these resources, they may feel overwhelmed and consider using drugs or alcohol to cope.

Peer Pressure

Someone with autism may be more likely to try to fit in with their peers who are drinking or misusing drugs. They recognize their differences, which can lead to a need to feel even more connected to their peers.

Peer pressure, even when it isbullying, may convince someone with autism to misuse alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, both peer pressure and bullying are real problems for people with autism.

Signs Of Addiction In Autistic Individuals

Signs of substance abuse for autistic individuals may differ from those not on the spectrum. The following is a general list of signs that, when noticed, should be addressed immediately to avoid long-term consequences of addiction:

• Changes in behaviors
• Irritability or defensiveness
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Changes in appearance
• Changes in weight
• Unexplained injuries
• Skipping important duties or events to engage in addiction
• Borrowing money or financial problems
• Changes in friends or social groups

Seeking help as soon as you notice signs of addiction in autistic individuals can prevent many dire consequences, likewithdrawal symptoms, legal issues, andoverdoses. It’s important not to ignore signs, assume they are part of growing up, or think people with autism can’t develop addictions.

How Common Is Addiction In Autistic Individuals?

The Harvard Gazette reports one in five young adults treated for addiction have symptoms of autism. Results also suggest that 20% of people with SUDs have autistic traits but are undiagnosed.

Common Addictions For Individuals With Autism

Among individuals with autism, primary and secondary addictions exist. This means that some people develop an addiction to more than one substance or behavior. Some may misuse multiple substances, while others may misuse one substance but also have a behavioral addiction. The most common addictions in individuals with autism include the following:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• Hallucinogens
• GHB
• Gambling

Additional substances and behaviors to which people with ASD become addicted includenicotine, prescription medications,heroin, andshopping. Any combination of substance and behavioral addictions can exist, with all of them resulting in disruptive and adverse consequences.

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Addiction Treatment For Those With Autism

Autism spectrum disorder and addiction recovery must consider all risk factors, behaviors, traits, and special needs to be successful.Addiction treatment may differ for those with autism than for those without autism due to unique obstacles and barriers they face. Their level of autism and the severity of their addiction contribute to the types of treatment.

Addiction Severity

Addiction can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many of the eleven criteria they meet established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The criteria include:

• Drinking or using drugs more often and for longer periods than intended
• Trying to quit but without success
• Using interferes with meeting responsibilities at work, home, or school
• Continuing to use it even though it damages relationships
• Continuing to use it even though it worsens psychological or physical conditions
• Avoiding activities once enjoyed
• Spending much of their time seeking, using, or recovering from use
• Craving and having intense urges to use drugs or drink alcohol
• Continuing to use it even though it puts them in dangerous situations
• Having a tolerance to the substance
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when going without the substance

Meeting two to three criteria is a mild addiction, three to five is a moderate addiction, and more than six equals a severe addiction. More severe addiction symptoms require more intense treatments.

Autism Severity

Treating someone with substantial autism symptoms at a low-intensity level could be detrimental. Addiction severity must be considered along with the level of autism, which may include:

• Level 1 Autism: Level 1 means an individual with autism requires some support but is high functioning. They may need help with organization, time management, or changes in routine, but they can generally navigate academics, careers, and relationships successfully.
• Level 2 Autism: Level 2 means a person requires substantial support with their autistic traits. They may experience problems with communication, struggle to handle change, have difficulty staying focused, and exhibit noticeable repetitive behaviors.
• Level 3 Autism: Level 3 means someone with autism needs very substantial support and they have significant impairment. They have extreme difficulty with routine changes, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Some individuals with co-occurring autism and addiction require special programs to help them.

Treatment Options For People With Autism

Many people with autism and addiction benefit from a multi-level, integrative treatment plan that begins at an intense level. A comprehensivedual diagnosis treatment plan may include the following:

• Inpatientdetoxification, where they aremedically detoxed for stabilization.
• Inpatient rehab, where they transition after detox and remain for at least 90 days, receivingtherapy and support. They have strictdaily schedules and routines.
• Partial hospitalization, where they live at home at night but attend therapy activities during the day.
• Intensive outpatient, where they transition after partial hospitalization. They engage in similar routines but fewer days a week.

Within these programs, people with autism need more specialized treatments, including:

• Applied behavioral analysis
• Cognitive-behavioral therapies
• Speech and language therapies
• Occupational therapies
• Sensory integration therapies
• Physical therapies

Treatment plans may include special social skills training, complementary and alternative therapies, and educational approaches. Each person seeking treatment will be assigned a team of licensed professionals who will develop a successful treatment plan.

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Getting Help For Autism And Addiction

If you or someone you love has an ASD and struggles with co-occurring substance misuse, help is available. Inpatient and outpatient programs can provide the support and therapeutic methods needed to treat this dual diagnosis.Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options.