How to Recognize and Address Addiction in Autistic Individuals

Others get hooked on things like gaming. They play games a lot to deal with stress. Research says up to 36% of autistic people have substance problems.

This is almost twice as common as in people without autism. If you spot these signs early, you can help in special ways. Be kind and hopeful. Good support can really help.

Key Takeaways

• Autistic people might use alcohol or marijuana to feel better. They may do this when they feel nervous around others or when things feel too loud or bright.
• It is important to notice early signs of addiction. These signs can be staying away from friends or not following daily routines. Catching these signs early helps people get help faster.
• Changes in feelings, like being more worried or having mood swings, can show addiction in autistic people.
• Many autistic people use substances to handle stress or pain. They often do this without talking to a doctor or counselor.
• It can be hard for autistic people to talk about their addiction problems. Communication issues make sharing their feelings tough.
• Family and community should help and support recovery. This makes a safe place for people to get better.
• Treatment should fit the needs of autistic people. Therapy and spaces that are calm and comfortable can help recovery.
• Write down changes in how someone acts or feels. This helps doctors and nurses understand what is happening.

Autism and Addiction: Signs

Seeing the signs of addiction in autistic individuals helps you act early. These signs may not look like what you expect.

Addiction is often used to deal with too much noise or social stress. Watch for changes in how someone acts, feels, or looks.

Behavioral Changes

Addiction can make people act very differently. You may notice these changes first.

Social Withdrawal

The person might spend more time alone. They may stop doing things with family or friends. This happens because addictive behaviors, like gaming or using substances, help them escape stress.

Many autistic individuals use these behaviors to feel better when things are too loud or bright. Watch for:

• Spending more time alone in their room
• Losing interest in hobbies or events
• Not wanting to talk or make eye contact

Routine Disruption

Autistic people like having routines. Addiction can mess up these routines. You might see skipped meals or missed appointments. Sleep patterns may also change. These changes can mean there is a problem. Look for:

• Daily schedules changing suddenly
• Forgetting important things
• Having trouble with school or work

If routines start to break down, ask gentle questions about what has changed.

You might also see other behavior changes, like:

• Using substances or doing addictive things to handle sensory overload
• Having trouble stopping themselves from doing something
• Not understanding social cues, which can lead to risky choices

Physical Symptoms

Addiction can change a person’s health. Autistic individuals often have more health problems. Addiction can make these worse. Watch for:

• Weight loss or gain that you cannot explain
• Changes in energy, like being tired or hyper
• Headaches or stomachaches that happen a lot
• Health problems getting worse

Autistic people may have more health risks because their needs are complex. Addiction can hurt many parts of the body and make health problems harder to manage.

Emotional Shifts

Emotional changes can be a big sign of addiction. You might see:

• Getting upset or angry more easily
• Mood changing quickly
• Feeling more anxious or sad
• Pulling away from family and friends
• Having trouble dealing with stress

The person may seem more worried or sad than before. They might stop doing things they used to like. These emotional changes often come with being alone more.

If you see these changes, try to talk in a kind and open way. Let the person know you care.

How Signs May Differ in Autism and Addiction

Addiction can look different in autistic people than in others.

For example:

• Autistic people often use substances to help control their behavior.
• Many use substances to help with mental health symptoms.
• Reasons for using substances can be different for males and females. Autistic males are less likely to smoke or use drugs than non-autistic males. Females have similar reasons across groups.

Remember, the reasons for addiction may not be the same as in non-autistic people.

Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders

You might wonder how common addiction is in autistic people. The table below shows the difference:

Even though the number is lower, autistic people often use substances to deal with mental health problems. You should still watch for signs, even if the numbers seem small.

Risk Factors

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a big problem for many autistic people. Social events can feel scary or hard. This makes it tough to join groups or talk to others. When someone feels nervous, they want to calm down or fit in.

Some use alcohol or marijuana to feel less nervous. Others play games or go online to avoid social stress. Studies show autistic people use substances to handle social anxiety.

The chance of substance abuse is about twice as high for autistic people. If you see someone struggling, ask them to share their feelings. Give support and help them find healthy ways to cope. They can practice social skills or join helpful groups.

If someone uses substances to feel better in groups, gently ask how they feel. Offer help to find safer ways to cope.

Sensory Overload

Many autistic people deal with sensory overload. Bright lights or loud sounds can feel too strong. Crowded places can also be hard. This can cause stress, worry, or even pain.

Some use substances to calm their senses or mind. Others spend hours gaming or watching videos to block out noise. Sensory overload does not just make people uncomfortable.

It can lead to unhealthy ways to cope. You can help by making spaces calm and quiet. Offer tools like headphones or fidget toys. Encourage breaks in busy places and support routines that lower stress.

• Sensory overload can make stress and anxiety worse.
• Substances might be used to help with sensory problems.
• Self-medication is common, especially in adults diagnosed late.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health problems often happen with autism and addiction. ADHD, anxiety, and depression are more common in autistic people. These issues make daily life harder and raise the risk of substance use.

For example, ADHD can make it hard to focus or control actions. This can lead to more addiction risk. Anxiety and depression can cause sadness or worry.

Substances may seem like a quick fix. The table below shows how mental health problems affect addiction risk:

If you see signs of mental health problems, talk openly and get help. Early support can lower addiction risk and help people feel better.

Self-Medication

Some autistic people try to handle their symptoms alone. This is called self-medication. They might use substances or certain behaviors. People do this to feel better when stressed or anxious.

Sensory overload can also make them want relief. You might see someone using alcohol or marijuana without a doctor. Sometimes, they use prescription drugs without asking a doctor first. Others play games or go online to escape bad feelings.

Self-medication may seem to help at first. But it usually causes bigger problems later. Using substances for stress or mood swings can lead to addiction. This is a bigger risk for autistic people. They may not know other ways to cope.

If you see someone using substances or behaviors to feel better, talk to them kindly. Show you care and want to help, not judge.

Here are signs that self-medication could be happening:

• Using alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs without a doctor’s advice
• Spending lots of time gaming or online to avoid stress or bad feelings
• Needing more of a substance or activity to feel okay
• Hiding how much they use or lying about it
• Feeling upset or worried when they cannot use the substance or activity

Self-medication can also mean risky choices. For example:

• Someone with autism spectrum disorder used ketamine for mood problems.
• They took 50-60 mg of ketamine under the tongue, two or three times a week, for about ten weeks.
• This shows how self-medication can cause addiction and health risks.

If you notice these patterns, you can help by suggesting healthy coping skills. Try activities like exercise, art, or quiet time.

Offer to help find a therapist or support group that knows about autism and addiction. Make sure the person feels safe and supported when talking about their struggles.

Write down what you notice. This helps when you talk to doctors or counselors.

Self-medication is a common way addiction starts. If you spot the signs early and give support, you can really help someone.

Identification Challenges

Overlapping Symptoms

It can be hard to spot addiction in autistic people. Many signs of addiction look like autism traits. For example, changes in routine or being alone can mean addiction. But these are also common in autism. You need to notice patterns that are new or different for the person.

• Missing meals or appointments can be a sign of addiction. But this can also happen with autism.
• Being alone or acting secretive might mean addiction. Some autistic people just like being alone.
• Impulsivity and trouble with emotions happen in both autism and addiction.
• Social anxiety can make someone use substances to cope. This can lead to addiction.
• Some autistic people use substances to hide their traits or fit in.
• Many use substances or addictive behaviors to handle sensory overload or stress.

Watch for new or worse behaviors. If you see sudden secretive actions or big mood changes, think about addiction. Keep notes on these changes. This helps doctors or counselors understand what is happening.

Communication Barriers

Communication problems can make it hard to spot addiction in autistic people. Many autistic people have trouble sharing their feelings or needs. This can stop them from asking for help or talking about substance use.

Communication barriers are common in autism. They can make it hard for someone to ask for help with addiction. Trouble with talking or body language can make it hard to share thoughts or feelings. This can make it tough to get support or talk about substance use. It can also make it hard to join addiction treatment programs.

You can help by using simple words and clear questions. Make a safe space so the person feels okay sharing. Sometimes, writing or drawing helps them show how they feel. Be patient and give them time to answer.

Co-occurring Conditions

Other mental health problems can make things harder. Many autistic people also have anxiety, depression, or ADHD. These can hide or look like addiction signs.

• Autistic people are about twice as likely to have substance use problems as others.
• Rituals and trouble with self-control can raise addiction risk.
• Substances may be used to handle social anxiety, sensory overload, or other mental health issues. This makes it hard to see addiction.
• Other conditions can hide substance use disorder symptoms. This makes diagnosis hard.
• Usual addiction treatments may not work well for autistic people. Special help is needed.

Watch for new symptoms or changes that do not match the person’s usual behavior. If you see mental health struggles and possible addiction, get help from experts who know about both autism and addiction. This helps the person get the right care.

Steps to Help

Start the Conversation

It can feel scary to talk about addiction. Pick a quiet place to talk. Use easy words and speak gently. Show you care about the person. Do not blame or judge them. Talk about what you have seen.

• Start by saying what you notice: “You look tired lately.”
• Ask questions like: “How are you feeling?”
• Listen and do not interrupt.
• Give them time to reply.

Use simple words. Do not use jokes or sarcasm. Many autistic people understand direct words best.

If they do not want to talk, give them space. Tell them you are there if they want to talk later. Sometimes, writing a note or using pictures can help start talking.

Gather Support

You do not have to do this alone. Getting help from others is important. Find people and groups who know about both autism and addiction. Getting help early is best for recovery.

Here are some support networks that help:

You can:

• Ask family or friends for help.
• Talk to a doctor or counselor who knows about autism.
• Join a support group for autistic people.
• Find community programs with special help.

Specialized teams know what autistic people need. They can make plans that fit the person’s strengths and challenges.

Document Concerns

Write down what you see and notice. Keep track of changes in mood, health, or behavior. This helps when you talk to doctors or counselors.

It also shows patterns over time.

• Use a notebook or phone to write:
  • Dates and times when you see problems
  • What happened before and after each event
  • Changes in sleep, eating, or routines
  • How the person acts when stressed

This helps doctors see the whole picture. It helps them make better choices for care.

Share your notes with the support team. This helps everyone work together for the best results.

Taking these steps helps you support someone with autism who may have addiction. You show care, get the right help, and give good information for treatment.

Autism-Informed Treatment

Helping an autistic person with addiction needs special care. The treatment should fit what the person needs. Autism-informed treatment can make recovery easier and better.

Therapy Options

There are different types of therapy to try. Some work better for autistic people.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps many autistic people with addiction. CBT teaches you to change negative thoughts and actions. In one study, 79% of autistic people improved with CBT.

Only 29% improved without CBT. You can use CBT to learn new ways to cope and handle stress. It also helps you avoid triggers. Therapists can change CBT to match how you talk and your sensory needs.

• CBT helps you understand your feelings and actions.
• You learn to swap bad habits for good ones.
• Therapists can use pictures, charts, or simple words to help.

Ask your therapist if they know how to help autistic people.

Medication

Sometimes, medicine can help with addiction or mental health. Doctors may give medicine for anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

Medicine can also help with cravings or withdrawal. Always talk to a doctor who knows about autism before starting medicine. They will check for side effects and make sure it is safe.

Support Groups

Support groups are safe places to share your story. You can meet people who understand you. Some groups focus on both autism and addiction.

These groups teach coping skills and give support. You can join in person or online. Look for groups that welcome autistic people and respect your needs.

• Support groups help you feel less alone.
• You can learn from others with similar problems.
• Group leaders can help you through hard times.

If big groups feel too much, ask for small meetings or online chats.

Sensory Needs

Autistic people often have strong sensory likes and dislikes. Treatment works better when you think about these needs. You can ask for changes to make therapy easier.

• Notice and respect sensory sensitivities.
• Keep therapy rooms calm, with soft lights and quiet sounds.
• Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
• Use sensory tools like fidget toys or headphones to stay calm.

Tell your support team about your sensory needs. They can help make a space where you feel safe and focused.

Using autism-informed treatment gives you the best chance to get better. You can find support, learn new skills, and feel understood at every step.

Accessibility

Getting help for addiction can be tough. It is even harder if you need autism-informed care. You might worry about money or finding good support.

There are steps you can take to make treatment easier to get. Here are ways to get help with insurance, financial aid, and local resources.

Insurance

Insurance can help pay for addiction treatment. Many plans cover rehab, therapy, and medicine. Check your plan to see what it covers.

Some insurance companies have special programs for autism and addiction. You can call your provider or look on their website for more info.

Here is a table of insurance providers that often pay for addiction treatment:

Call your insurance company and ask about coverage for autism and addiction treatment. You can also ask your doctor or counselor for help with insurance questions.

Financial Aid

If you do not have insurance or need more help, you can look for financial aid. Many programs give support for addiction treatment. You can apply for scholarships, grants, or help from non-profit groups.

Here are some financial aid choices you can try:

• Scholarships for substance abuse treatment may pay some or all costs.
• State-funded places offer money for local rehab programs.
• Grants for people or groups who want addiction treatment.
• Non-profit and religious groups give financial help.
• The Substance Abuse Prevention And Treatment Block Grant (SABG) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Non-profit groups like 10,000 Beds give rehab scholarships for full treatment.

You can ask your local health department or treatment center about financial aid programs. Many places have staff who help you fill out applications.

Local Resources

You can find local resources that help autistic people with addiction. These programs offer counseling, advice, and sometimes housing. Look for centers that know about autism and addiction together.

Here is a table of local resources that give special support:

You can search online or ask your doctor for local programs. Many cities have centers that help with both autism and addiction. You can also join support groups or talk to community organizations.

Write down the names and contact information of local resources. Keep this list handy when you need help or want to share it with others.

Ongoing Support

Family Involvement

You are very important in helping your loved one get better from addiction. When you stay close, you give emotional support that really helps.

A caring home makes it easier for your loved one to keep going with treatment. You can help lower stress and fix problems that might cause setbacks.

• Give encouragement and listen without judging.
• Help make the home calm and safe.
• Go to family meetings or sessions if you can.
• Learn about addiction and autism together.

When you join in, you help your loved one start and finish treatment. You also help them stay sober for a longer time.

Family education shows you how to support your loved one and handle hard times. You learn ways to help them deal with stress and avoid triggers.

Be patient and celebrate small steps. Every bit of progress is important.

Community Programs

There are many programs in your area that help with recovery. These programs often give support that fits the needs of autistic individuals. Look for services that focus on each person’s strengths and challenges.

• Pick programs that give one-on-one help instead of big groups.
• Find centers that use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Many people do better with CBT.
• Ask about programs that change activities for sensory needs or social comfort.

Personal care works better than regular group therapy for many autistic people. You may see that special programs help your loved one feel more at ease and understood. These programs teach coping skills and give a safe place to try new habits.

If your loved one has trouble in groups, ask about smaller sessions or online choices.

Education

Learning about addiction and autism gives you ways to help your loved one. When you know about both, you can spot warning signs early and help in good ways. Education also helps you talk with doctors, counselors, and teachers.

• Read books or trusted websites about autism and addiction.
• Go to workshops or webinars for families.
• Join online groups or support forums to share stories.
• Ask experts for resources that fit your needs.

Knowing more helps you feel ready and sure of yourself. You can teach your loved one new skills and support healthy routines. When everyone learns together, your support system gets stronger.

Keep learning and try new ideas. Recovery takes time, and learning helps you along the way.

You can spot and help with addiction in autistic people by thinking about what they need.

• Look for reasons like wanting to fit in or using substances to feel less anxious.
• Try autism-friendly ways, like changing CBT to help with sensory or emotional needs.
• Watch for early signs by noticing changes in how someone acts or feels.

If you help early with autism-informed care, you can stop substance use from getting worse. Special tools for screening and help with handling emotions can really help. Remember, asking for help and using support can bring hope and a better future.

FAQ

What are the first steps if you think an autistic person has an addiction?

Watch for changes in how they act or feel. Write down what you notice. Pick a quiet time to talk. Use easy words. Show you care and listen closely. Offer help to find support or a doctor.

How can you support someone with both autism and addiction?

Make sure their space is calm and safe. Help them keep healthy routines. Join family meetings if you can. Suggest autism-informed therapy. Be patient and celebrate small steps. Offer help to find local support or groups.

What should you do if the person refuses help?

Stay calm and be patient. Let them know you care about them. Give them space but check in sometimes. Share info about support options. Write a note if talking is hard. Keep the door open for future talks.

Are there special addiction treatments for autistic people?

Yes. Look for therapy made for autism, like CBT with sensory changes. Ask about small group or one-on-one sessions. Tell the therapist about sensory needs. Some centers have programs just for autistic people.

How do you find local resources for autism and addiction?

Ask your doctor or counselor for ideas. Search online for autism and addiction help near you. Contact your local health department. Join online forums for advice. Keep a list of helpful contacts.

Can you use medication to treat addiction in autistic individuals?

Doctors sometimes use medicine for cravings or mental health. Always talk to a doctor who knows about autism. Ask about side effects. Never start or stop medicine without a doctor’s advice.

What if you cannot afford treatment?

Look for financial aid, scholarships, or state programs. Ask local health centers about free or cheap options. Non-profit groups may help with costs. Check if your insurance pays for addiction and autism treatment.

How can you make therapy sessions easier for someone with sensory needs?

Ask for soft lights and quiet rooms. Bring fidget toys or headphones. Take breaks if needed. Tell the therapist about any sensory triggers. Choose online sessions if in-person feels too hard.