E80: ADHD & Substance Use: What We Know Now About Co-Occurrence & Treatment

The link between ADHD and substance use disorders (SUD) is often misunderstood—but getting it right is critical for effective treatment.

In this solo episode, host Christina Crowe, psychotherapist, revisits one of the podcast’s most important topics to share new insights and updated recommendations for those navigating both ADHD and substance use.

🧠 In this episode, Christina covers:

• The connection between untreated ADHD and substance use,
• The short- and long-term effects of cannabis on the ADHD brain,
• Why understanding substance use within the ADHD context is so important,
• What therapists need to know when treating ADHD alongside SUD,
• The pros and cons of ADHD medication for those with a history of substance use.

Whether you're a clinician, someone with ADHD, or supporting a loved one, this episode breaks down the critical nuances of ADHD and addiction—so treatment can be safe, informed, and effective.

🎧 Tune in now for the latest on ADHD & substance use!

Resources for After the Show: 

• The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, in particular, ADHD & Special Topics: SUD

• Substance Use Disorders and ADHD: 5 Key Facts and Additional Resources + Substance Use Disorder and ADHD: Safe, Effective Treatment Options, Webinar with Dr. Wilens

• Cannabis and ADHD – A CADDRA Policy Statement

• ConnexOntario: 24/7 Access to Mental Health, Addiction, and Problem Gambling Information

• Primary reference: Ahmed, G. and Chang, S. (2024, Sept. 28). Overcoming Challenges in ADHD Care: Assessment and Treatment of Patients with Concurrent Substance Use Disorders. [Conference presentation]. CADDRA Annual Conference, Winnipeg, MB.

Find Christina (CRPO #3908): Website |Find a Therapist | Get Assessed by an NP in Ontario | Instagram |TikTok | X

A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina nor Katie are not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above or our Resources page on our website.

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