Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to smoke cigarettes and become dependent on nicotine. They may also find it more challenging to give up smoking nicotine. Researchers are investigating why this is the case.
According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), as many as 10 million adults in the United States have ADHD.
Nicotine is a natural component of tobacco. The
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, deliver nicotine to the brain quickly. This satisfies a person’s craving for nicotine. However, it also makes it easier for someone to become dependent on it and makes it harder to quit smoking.
Smoking nicotine
This article explores the connection between ADHD and smoking nicotine.
Help is available
Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect children and adults. According to the
The CDC adds that some of the symptoms of ADHD include:
| Inattentive symptoms | Hyperactive symptoms |
|---|---|
| being easily distracted | often feeling the urge to fidget, such as tapping hands or feet |
| often misplacing important things, such as keys, phones, and wallets | often feeling extremely restless and wearing others out with their activity |
| often finding it difficult to organize tasks and activities | always being “on the go,” starting lots of projects, and making lots of plans |
| often finding it difficult to pay attention to what someone is saying | often feeling the urge to interrupt people before they have finished speaking |
People with ADHD may display either inattentive or hyperactive symptoms but usually experience both.
A healthcare professional can diagnose an adult with ADHD if they experience five or more of these symptoms that have been present for at least 6 months.
The symptoms also have to be present in two or more settings — such as at home and at work — and must negatively affect a person’s functioning and performance.
Learn moreLearn more about diagnosing ADHD.
People with ADHD are more likely to start smoking nicotine cigarettes than those without the condition. They may also have more intense withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking.
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The researchers also note that after the participants stopped smoking, those with ADHD reported more intense withdrawal symptoms and stronger cravings than those without ADHD.
Trends in cigarette smoking among adults in the United States are dropping, according to the
Estimates from CHADD also suggest that as well as having higher smoking rates, youth with ADHD are twice as likely to become addicted to nicotine than their peers without ADHD.
Why is nicotine use higher in those with ADHD?
One explanation could be that some people with ADHD find that nicotine helps them manage their symptoms.
Nicotine’s stimulating effects may help improve attention and concentration in people with ADHD. According to
However, a 2017 review indicates that receiving early treatment with prescribed ADHD medication does not prevent nicotine use.
ADHD and smoking
People with ADHD tend to have more difficulty quitting smoking than those without the condition. More research is necessary to find out why. However, a
People with ADHD may be more likely to seek the quick fix of nicotine that smoking provides because it is a behavior that gives an immediate reward.
However, more research is necessary to fully understand why smoking rates are higher in those with ADHD and why they find it harder to quit smoking.
According to the
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However, the effects are temporary. Over time, many people need to smoke more nicotine more often to achieve the same effects. Additionally, those with ADHD find it harder to quit smoking nicotine and may feel more intense withdrawal symptoms when they do.
According to the
People who smoke are more likely to develop health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer than those who do not smoke.
Aside from the usual risks of smoking nicotine, research suggests that young people with ADHD who smoke are more likely to misuse other substances, including alcohol and other drugs.
The reasons for this are not yet known, and further research is necessary to explain the link.
This section answers some frequently asked questions about ADHD and nicotine.
Can nicotine affect ADHD medication?
Nicotine is a stimulant that acts on the brain in a similar way to some of the medications for treating ADHD.
Although most of the research into ADHD has focused on children, there is no evidence to suggest that nicotine interferes with any ADHD medications.
Can quitting nicotine affect ADHD?
The health implications of smoking nicotine are the same for people with or without ADHD. However, a
Many of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are common traits among individuals with ADHD. These symptoms can include:
- irritability
- frustration
- insomnia
- anxiety
- restlessness
- difficulty concentrating
According to a 2017 review, some people with ADHD believe the severity of these symptoms increases during nicotine withdrawal.
A person with ADHD needs to continue to take any prescribed medications while quitting using nicotine. This may help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
A person with ADHD may find it harder to quit smoking nicotine, but there are ways to help. Some useful methods include:
- Behavioral therapies and counseling: People with ADHD who are trying to quit smoking may find behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), beneficial. Therapy may offer coping strategies to help people resist cravings.
- Using incentives: A person with ADHD may find it helpful to use reward-based practices when attempting to quit smoking. A
2010 literature review found that monetary incentives could help people with ADHD stop smoking. A person could replicate this by allowing themselves to have a treat every 10 days of not smoking or by using an app that rewards a person for more healthy habits. - Using nicotine replacements: Products such as nicotine patches or gum may also help reduce any cravings or withdrawal symptoms for those who are finding it difficult to quit.
- Using alternative medicine: Although there is
limited evidence to support their effectiveness, some people use complementary medicines, such as hypnotherapy and acupuncture, to quit smoking.
Some people may find that it takes several attempts to quit smoking. This does not mean that they have failed at quitting. Each attempt can show a person which methods are most helpful for them.
Anyone with ADHD who is trying to quit smoking nicotine can talk with a healthcare professional about getting support.
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to smoke nicotine and have a harder time quitting than those without the condition. They may also experience stronger withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Adults with ADHD who use nicotine cigarettes to help manage their symptoms may find that with proper medication, they can quit.
Person-specific behavioral therapies and counseling can also help people cope with any cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal.