Exploring the relationship between ADHD and alcohol

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects millions of people in the UK. It’s characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, that can affect many different aspects of daily life.

Here, we explore the relationship between ADHD and alcohol, specifically focusing on whether drinking alcohol can make your ADHD symptoms worse. We’ll also look at the impact that alcohol can have on any ADHD medication you’re taking.

Ultimately, having an understanding of the relationship between alcohol and ADHD means you’re able to make informed decisions, reduce potential harm and promote a healthier approach to living with ADHD.

The effects of alcohol on ADHD

Lots of people with ADHD may initially feel a sense of relief when they drink alcohol. It can temporarily reduce restlessness and anxiety, making them feel calmer.

However, it’s important to understand that the long-term impact of alcohol on ADHD can be quite different. While it might provide short-term relief, it can make ADHD symptoms worse over time. For example, it can result in:

• Impaired executive functions – alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it can impair executive functions such as planning, organisation, memory and decision making. For people with ADHD, these may already be a struggle. Alcohol can further disrupt your ability to manage daily tasks
• Exacerbation of ADHD symptoms – some of the core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Alcohol can intensify these symptoms, making it even harder for people with ADHD to focus, control impulses and regulate behaviour
• Risk of addiction – people with ADHD may be at a higher risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. This is because they may self-medicate using alcohol, engage in more sensation-seeking behaviour, struggle with decision making and be more impulsive. They might also be more susceptible to peer pressure. This risk means that people with ADHD should monitor their drinking and get help if they need it

According to the studies in the Alcohol Research Journal:

• ADHD can contribute to the development of alcohol problems
• People with ADHD are more likely to binge drink
• ADHD is linked to developmentally inappropriate levels of alcohol use
• People with ADHD have poorer outcomes following alcohol addiction treatment than people without ADHD

However, it’s important to recognise that the effects of alcohol on ADHD can vary from person to person. Some people might experience more negative effects, while others might be less affected.

Ultimately, the decision to drink alcohol is a personal one. If you have ADHD, it’s important that you consider your own condition and symptoms, and speak to your doctor if you have concerns about how alcohol might affect you.

Does alcohol make ADHD worse?

It’s possible for alcohol to make any existing ADHD symptoms worse, and it can introduce new symptoms into the picture. In the short-term, it’s possible that alcohol will alleviate some ADHD-related restlessness or anxiety.

However, when these effects wear off, alcohol tends to worsen symptoms. It impairs executive functions, making planning, organisation and impulse control more challenging. This, in turn, can intensify inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Alcohol can also make it even more difficult for someone with ADHD to think clearly.

Furthermore, alcohol can introduce new symptoms and challenges. It can lead to mood swings, which can worsen any emotional dysregulation you experience as part of your ADHD. Your decision making and judgement are also impaired, which can lead to risky or impulsive behaviour. Drinking alcohol can also create a cycle of substance abuse, which can make managing your ADHD even more complicated.

Signs of alcohol abuse

Being able to spot the signs of alcohol abuse is important for people with ADHD, as they might be more vulnerable to substance abuse. Common signs of alcohol abuse include:

• Increased tolerance to alcohol, meaning to need to drink more to feel ‘drunk’
• Trying to cut back on the amount you drink, but being unable to
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol
• Neglecting responsibilities in favour of drinking
• Continuing to drink even though alcohol has had a negative effect on lots of areas of your life

People with ADHD might be more prone to impulsive drinking and may use alcohol as a form of self-medication to temporarily alleviate their ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for them to recognise the symptoms of alcohol addiction. This is why it’s important for people with ADHD and their support network to watch out for these signs and get help when they need it.

ADHD medication and alcohol

Whether you can safely drink alcohol while taking ADHD medication depends on a number of factors. These include:

• Medication type and dose - some ADHD medications, especially stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate, might have stronger interactions with alcohol. Alcohol can make their side effects worse, including increased heart rate, anxiety and agitation. Also, higher doses of medication might interact more significantly with alcohol, further increasing the risk of adverse effects
• Tolerance – people vary in their tolerance to both ADHD medication and alcohol. Some people might be more sensitive to these substances and experience stronger reactions at lower does
• Metabolism – differences in metabolism can affect how medication and alcohol are processed in the body. Some people metabolise substances more slowly, which can lead to prolonged and potentially riskier interactions
• Overall health – underlying health conditions, such as heart problems or liver disease, can influence how alcohol and ADHD medication interact in the body

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in providing personalised guidance when it comes to ADHD and drinking. They’ll be able to offer you guidance and advice based on your specific medication, dosage and health status. This might include advising against drinking while you’re taking ADHD medication or suggesting careful monitoring of alcohol consumption if you’re able to tolerate it safely. Having an open and honest conversation with your doctor is essential to help you make informed decisions about drinking while on ADHD medication.