One-in-five people using drugs and alcohol have symptoms of ADHD according to research carried out for Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign.
It found that over one-third of those with symptoms of ADHD were using benzodiazepines and the highest rates were amongst women.
The research was conducted for Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign by a team from Trinity College Dublin's (TCD) School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Its aim was to provide up-to-date estimates of neurodiversity among people accessing addiction services in Ireland and internationally, and to identify the risk and protective factors to inform appropriate service responses.
The team reviewed evidence from 32 countries worldwide between 1997 and 2024.
A review of data with a sample size of almost 57,000 people revealed that the overall estimate of the prevalence of ADHD within the population of people using drugs and alcohol was 21%.
When the TCD researchers compared the rates of prevalence across substances, the data showed that over one third of benzodiazepine users displayed ADHD symptoms.
A study of qualitative interviews with service providers was also conducted.
It found that most of them did not have any formal education or training in neurodiversity.
Managing the needs of neurodiverse service users had been learned 'on the job’ using a trial-and-error approach, according to Professor Catherine Comiskey who led the research.
The research also showed that meeting and understanding the needs of neurodivergent people provided major challenges for service provider staff.
Some service users with neurodiverse conditions could take years to find an effective treatment programme that addressed their needs.
Lack of a formal referral pathway in the Irish health system for adults seeking a formal diagnosis of neurodiverse conditions has been a barrier to effective treatment according to the findings.
It also found that providing appropriate support for service users with neurodiverse conditions, who have mental health and alcohol problems is a major challenge.
The research team recommended that all services and settings for people using drugs and alcohol address the issue of neurodiversity as part of their comprehensive assessment process.
In addition, it suggested that immediate training be provided to staff at all levels in these services and training should be extended to 'family members'.
It also suggested that the HSE provide appropriate assessment, screening and interventions for people with ADHD in coordination with addiction services.
