Why Autistic People Face Greater Risks for Substance Abuse

New research shows autistic people have special challenges. Many have sensory sensitivities that make them feel stressed. Social anxiety can make group settings hard for them.

Trouble with emotions may cause them to look for relief in substances. Obsessive habits and impulse control problems can make them more at risk.

When you learn about these struggles, you become kinder and want to know more about why substance abuse risk is higher.

Key Takeaways

• Autistic people have special challenges. These can make substance abuse more likely. Sensory sensitivities and social anxiety are some examples.
• Substance abuse means using drugs or alcohol in ways that hurt you. It can cause your body and mind to depend on them.
• Many autistic people might use substances to help themselves feel better. They may do this to deal with anxiety, depression, or too much sensory input.
• Knowing your family history can show risks for substance problems. Genetics and family relationships are important factors.
• Being alone or feeling peer pressure can make autistic people use substances. They may want to fit in or stop feeling lonely.
• Healthy ways to cope, like mindfulness or exercise, can help with stress. These ways do not need substance use.
• Noticing signs of substance abuse early is very important. Changes in mood or behavior can mean someone needs help soon.
• Support from the community and learning about substance risks can help autistic people. This helps them make safer choices and ask for help when needed.

Substance Abuse Overview

What Is Substance Abuse

You might wonder what substance abuse is. Doctors and therapists say it means using drugs or alcohol in a way that causes harm.

Look at the table below to see the main parts:

Substance abuse can make you focus on using drugs or alcohol, even if you know it is not safe. Your brain and body can change, and these changes can last a long time.

Tolerance means you need more to feel the same. If you try to stop, you might have strong cravings and feel sick.

Types of Substances

There are many substances people can abuse. Some are legal, and some are not. Here are some common ones:

• Alcohol
• Nicotine (in cigarettes and vapes)
• Marijuana
• Prescription opioids (pain medicine)
• LSD
• Magic mushrooms
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (like crystal meth)

Note: Substance abuse is not just about drugs or alcohol. People can also get addicted to things like:

• Internet
• Videogames
• Gambling
• Shopping

Each substance affects your mind and body in its own way. Some make you feel calm. Others give you energy or change how you see things.

Health Impact

Substance abuse can hurt your health in many ways. Problems can happen fast or slowly over time. Here are some things that can happen:

• Substance use disorders can make life harder. You might get hurt more often.
• Mental health problems like anxiety or depression can get worse.
• The chance of violence or suicide attempts goes up.
• If you have autism, using substances can mess up your daily life. This can cause more stress and more substance use.
• Being intoxicated makes it hard to make good choices or see danger.
• People with autism and substance use disorders often need extra help with mental health, work, and friends.

You can stay safer by learning about these risks and asking for help if you need it. Substance abuse can hurt your body, your friendships, and your future.

Autism and Substance Abuse Risk

Recent studies show autism and substance abuse risk are closely linked. James McKowen’s research found about 20% of young adults in treatment have autism traits.

If you are autistic, you may face special challenges. These challenges can make substance use harder to avoid. Knowing why this risk is higher can help you make good choices and get help.

Familial Predispositions

Some families have more substance abuse than others. Genes and family life matter a lot. If you have autism, your chance of substance use disorder is about twice as high. Here are some reasons:

• Genes can make you more likely to have autism and substance use disorder.
• Hard family times, like divorce or loss, can raise your risk.
• Family habits and views about substances affect your choices.
• You might use substances to deal with stress or social worries.

Both genes and your home life shape your risks. If you know your family history, you can spot problems early. The mix of genes and environment makes autism and substance abuse risk higher for some people.

Ritualistic Behaviors

Many autistic people like routines and rituals. These habits help you feel safe and in control. But sometimes, routines can cause trouble.

For example:

• Some adults with high-functioning autism use alcohol or stimulants often.
• They may use substances to handle anxiety or mood swings.
• Alcohol can help you feel less nervous in groups or when things change.
• If you dislike change or feel anxious, you might use substances for comfort.

Trouble changing routines can make stopping substance use hard. This can raise autism and substance abuse risk, especially if you use substances to handle stress.

Self-Regulation Challenges

Self-regulation means controlling your feelings and actions. Many autistic people find this tough. Loud places or social events can feel overwhelming. These feelings can lead to stress, anxiety, or sadness. Here are ways self-regulation problems raise your risk:

• Social struggles and sensory issues can make you feel alone.
• You might use substances to relax or fit in.
• Anxiety or depression can make substance use more tempting.
• Social settings can push you to use substances to feel accepted.

Many autistic people use substances to cope with daily life. If you have trouble with self-control, risky choices are harder to avoid. This makes autism and substance abuse risk a big concern.

If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, talk to a trusted adult or professional. Getting help early can really help.

Co-occurring Conditions

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression often happen with autism. These problems can make life feel tough. Many autistic people use substances to help with these feelings.

Some say, “I just want the anxiety to stop.” This need for relief can lead to using drugs or alcohol.

• Autistic people are over three times more likely to use substances for mental health than non-autistic people.
• Many say they use drugs to handle bad feelings or side effects from medicine.

If you have anxiety or depression, you may want comfort. This can raise your autism and substance abuse risk. Learning healthy ways to handle stress can help you stay safe.

If you feel too anxious or sad, talk to a counselor or trusted adult. They can help you find better ways to cope.

ADHD Influence

ADHD often comes with autism. You may have trouble focusing or sitting still. You might act without thinking.

These problems can make substance use more likely. Adults with both ADHD and autism use substances more than those with only one.

• ADHD is common in autistic adults and can make health worse.
• People with both ADHD and autism use substances more.
• Medicine for ADHD can lower substance use, except for those with intellectual disabilities.

If you have ADHD, you may look for excitement or act fast. This can make you try drugs or alcohol. Treatment for ADHD can help lower these risks. You can ask your doctor about safe choices.

Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing issues affect many autistic people. Loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells can feel too much.

You may feel stressed or anxious when your senses get overloaded. Some use substances to calm down or block out discomfort.

• Sensory overload can raise stress and anxiety.
• Substance use may help you handle these sensory problems.
• Alcohol is sometimes used for sensory issues.

If some places or things make you feel bad, you may want to escape. Using substances may seem easy, but it can cause bigger problems. Finding healthy ways to handle sensory overload can lower your autism and substance abuse risk.

You can use things like noise-canceling headphones or calming routines to help with sensory problems.

You can see that anxiety, depression, ADHD, and sensory processing issues all affect substance use. These problems can make risky choices harder to avoid. Learning about these links helps you make safer choices and get help when you need it.

Coping and Social Challenges

Self-Medication

Life can feel hard every day. Many autistic people want to calm down or escape stress. Some use substances to help with anxiety or sensory overload. This is called self-medication. You might think it helps, but it often brings more problems.

Here is a table that shows why some autistic people use substances and what can happen:

Some people say, “I just wanted the noise in my head to stop.” This shows how much relief is needed. You may try substances for quick comfort, but they can make stress and health worse later.

Instead of using substances, you can learn healthy coping skills. Here are some strategies that help many autistic people manage stress:

• Breathing exercises
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Sensory breaks
• Physical exercise
• Using visual supports for organization
• Time management and planning

These skills help you get through tough times and keep control.

Social Isolation

Many autistic people feel alone. Making friends or joining groups can be hard. Loneliness may make you want to escape or use substances. Research shows autistic people feel more isolated and lonely than others.

Here is a table with findings from different studies:

You might hear, “I started drinking because I felt invisible at school.” Feeling alone can make you use substances, raising your autism and substance abuse risk.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure happens to everyone. It can be harder for autistic people. You may want to fit in or avoid teasing. Sometimes, you use substances because others do, even if it is risky. You may not understand social rules or find it hard to say no.

If you feel pressured, remember you can choose for yourself. Practicing ways to say “no” helps you stay safe.

You can use coping skills to handle peer pressure. Try these ideas:

• Practice saying “no” in different ways
• Find friends who respect your choices
• Use calming routines before social events
• Ask trusted adults for advice

Learning these skills helps you avoid risky situations and protect your health.

You face many challenges, but you can learn healthy ways to cope. Using coping strategies and asking for help lowers your autism and substance abuse risk. Real stories show you are not alone, and help is there.

Recognizing Substance Abuse

Signs and Symptoms

It can be hard to know if someone has substance abuse. Finding signs early helps you get help faster. Autistic people may show different symptoms than others.

You might see changes in how they act or feel. Their daily habits may change too. Here is a table with common signs of substance use disorder:

You might notice someone skips school or stops seeing friends. Their grades may get worse. They could hide alcohol or drugs in their room.

Sometimes, you see risky things like fighting or selling drugs. Cravings for a substance can get stronger. You may need more to feel the same effect.

If you cannot get it, you might feel sick or anxious. These signs mean substance use is becoming a problem.

If you see these changes in yourself or someone else, talk to a trusted adult or health professional. Getting help early makes recovery easier.

Overlapping Traits

It can be tough to tell substance abuse symptoms from autistic traits. Some behaviors look the same. This makes diagnosis hard.

Here are some reasons why:

• Diagnosing substance abuse in autistic people is hard because symptoms often overlap with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Communication problems and social struggles can make it tough to talk about substance use.
• Health providers may think substance use symptoms are just autism traits or the other way around.
• Not understanding these signs can mean substance use disorder is missed or diagnosed wrong in autistic people.

You may find it hard to talk about your feelings or explain changes in your behavior. Social struggles can make asking for help harder. Doctors may think your symptoms are part of autism, not substance abuse. This mix-up can slow down getting the right treatment.

If you feel something is wrong, keep asking for help. You know yourself best. Sharing your story helps others know what you need.

Spotting substance abuse in autistic people takes time and careful watching. You can learn the signs and see how traits overlap. This helps you get the right support and stay healthy.

Support and Prevention

Therapy Options

There are many therapy choices for autistic people with substance abuse. Therapists pick methods that fit your needs.

Some therapies help you change how you think and act. Others teach you new skills or ways to handle feelings. Here are some therapy options that work:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you see your thoughts and actions. It shows you how to deal with triggers and avoid substance use.
• Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) is good for young people. It helps you set goals and learn how substance use affects you.
• Social Skills Training (SST) gives you tools to make friends. You learn how to handle tough times without using substances.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) teaches you to manage strong feelings. It helps you stop unhealthy habits.
• Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) helps your family support you. It teaches them ways to help you stay healthy.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses rewards to help you change habits. It makes avoiding risky choices easier.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaches you to relax and handle stress. Mindfulness helps you stay calm and make good choices.
• Occupational Therapy helps you build coping skills and improve daily life.

Talk to your doctor or counselor about which therapy is best for you. Everyone is different, so your plan should fit your needs.

Community Support

Community support helps you recover and feel better. You do not have to face problems alone. Many programs offer help that fits your needs. Getting support can lower your risk and help you feel safe.

You can join peer groups to meet others who understand you. These groups help you make friends and learn new ways to cope. Some programs help you find a home or job. When services work together, you get better care.

Ask your school, doctor, or local autism group about programs near you.

Education

Learning about substance abuse helps you make safer choices. Special programs teach you how to avoid risky habits. The ADAPT program is one example. It is made for autistic people and uses fun lessons. Autistic advisors help design the program so it fits your needs.

• The ADAPT program teaches you about substance risks in a way you understand.
• Lessons are interactive and easy to follow.
• The program changes based on feedback from autistic people.

You can also learn from teachers, counselors, and family. They help you spot dangers and practice saying no. Education gives you power to make good choices and stay healthy.

The more you learn, the better you can protect yourself. Always ask questions or get help when you need it.

Moving Forward

Advocacy

You can help autistic people who face substance abuse risk. Advocacy means speaking up and helping others. Many groups work to teach people about autism and substance use.

They hold events and share facts with the community. These actions help others learn about the problems autistic people face.

• You can join groups that teach acceptance and kindness.
• You can support new rules that make treatment easier to get.
• You can ask health groups to make programs for autistic people.

Groups like SAMHSA and ASAN study ways to help. They want better detox and recovery programs for autistic people. These programs are made to fit their needs. When you support advocacy, you help everyone get the care they need.

Share what you learn with friends and family. You can also help by volunteering or giving money to groups that help autistic people.

Help-Seeking

It can be hard to ask for help, but you deserve support. Many autistic people have trouble getting help for substance abuse.

Stigma can make you feel alone or scared to talk. Some doctors do not know much about autism, so they may not help well. Many programs do not meet the needs of autistic people.

• Stigma can make you feel alone and afraid to ask for help.
• Doctors and counselors may not know enough to help you.
• Some programs do not work well for autistic people.

You can look for experts who understand autism and substance use. Ask questions and share your story. If you do not feel heard, keep looking for someone who listens. Support groups and online communities can help you meet others who understand.

You are not alone. Many people want to help you. Asking for help is a brave step toward feeling better.

Building Resilience

You can learn to handle tough times and avoid substance abuse. Resilience means bouncing back when things are hard. You can make safe spaces and use routines to lower stress. These changes help you feel calm and safe.

• Use pictures or charts to show your feelings.
• Join group activities to make friends and feel confident.
• Learn about substance risks in special classes.
• Try mindfulness and hobbies to relax and handle stress.
• Ask family and caregivers to help you.
• Watch for warning signs and ask for help early.

Here is a table with ways to build resilience:

You can use these ideas every day. Building resilience helps you stay healthy and make good choices. You have the power to shape your future.

Small steps can lead to big changes. You can get stronger and find support as you go.

Autistic people have more risk for substance abuse. This is because autism can come with ADHD and mental health problems. Social pressure also makes things harder.
Here is a table that shows important risks:

You can get help by joining family groups. Learning about addiction is important. Families and helpers should use autism-informed checks. They need to give safe choices. Communities should make safe places and fight stigma.

Working together helps protect autistic people from substance abuse.

FAQ

What makes autistic people more likely to use substances?

You might feel stressed by loud sounds or bright lights. Social situations can make you nervous or worried. It can be hard to handle your feelings. These problems may make you want quick relief. Using substances can seem like an easy fix.

How can you spot substance abuse in autistic people?

Watch for changes in mood or daily habits. Someone might hide drugs or alcohol from others. They could skip activities or stop seeing friends. If you see these things, talk to a trusted adult.

Are there safe ways for you to manage stress without substances?

Yes! You can try deep breathing or mindfulness. Taking breaks from noise helps too. Doing sports or hobbies can make you feel better. Ask a counselor for more ideas.

Does ADHD increase your risk for substance abuse if you have autism?

ADHD can make it hard to focus or sit still. You might act without thinking or want excitement. This can make you more likely to use substances.

Can therapy help you avoid substance abuse?

Therapy teaches you ways to cope with stress. You learn how to handle tough feelings. It helps you make safer choices. Many autistic people say therapy helps them.

What should you do if you feel pressured to use substances?

Practice saying “no” in different ways. Find friends who respect your choices. Ask adults for advice if you need help. You can always choose what is best for you.

Where can you find support if you struggle with substance use?

You can talk to doctors or counselors for help. Autism support groups and online communities are there too. Peer groups can help you feel less alone.

How can families help autistic people avoid substance abuse?

Families can learn about autism and substance risks. They can make safe routines and give support. Watching for warning signs helps. Talking openly keeps you healthy.