In 2007 approximately 19.9 million Americans 12 and older were active uses of illicit drugs, that is approximately 8% of the population, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The AACAP also cites marijuana as the most widely used illegal substance in America with approximately 14.4 million users in 2007. According to a study conducted by Psychology Today those diagnosed with ADHD were 47% more likely to abuse substances than their peers without ADHD. How does drug use relate to Autism?
According to alcoholrehab.com there may be one specific gene that increases the risk of Autism and predisposition to alcoholism. They also indicate that, though this research is still in its early stages, that there appears to be a higher incidence of alcoholism in Autism families. Though this research directly cites use of and addiction to alcohol, there maybe some link to other addictive substances. Individuals experiencing stress and social isolation are at increased risk of substance abuse. Depression is a well known result of these very issues. According to Psychology Today 50-75% of substance use disorders seeking treatment also suffer from other mental health issues, like depression. Substance abuse of all kinds can be a type of self soothing or medication that can lead to addiction. Autistic individuals thrive on constant routine, across the spectrum, and the inclusion of substances into that routine can lead to serious hardships in recovery.
A few skills necessary for responsible consumption of alcohol or determining drug use maybe hindered by the very chemistry of the Autistic brain. Skills such as insight, organization, and understanding appropriate behavior maybe hindered or almost non-existent by those on the spectrum. You can observe this with things lesser than substance abuse such as dangerous behavior on the playground, despite adult guidance. Does that mean every child who climbs on the outside of a slide is going to abuse drugs? No, but you should take this behavior into account, for what it is worth, regarding the totality of past and present behaviors as a indicator for future recklessness. Peer influence plays a big role in Autistic behavior. Those on the spectrum want to have friends and be accepted. The wrong social circles can lead your Autistic child into a world they cannot fully understand or prepare for.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse listed drugs that can cause neurological problems: Cocaine, GHB, Inhalants, Marijuana, MDA, Methamphetamine, Nicotine, and Prescription Stimulants. We all know that drugs or all types have negative effects on the body, sometimes made permanent by long term use.
So should you prevent your child from using drugs completely? No. Drugs do not necessarily mean illegal drugs. What about prescription drugs? If your physician places your child on prescription medication and you notice an improvement in their behavior, then why would you stop them? There is no indication, that I could find, that responsible use of prescription medication increases the likelihood of substance abuse. Ultimately you should decide what is best for you and your loved ones, under professional guidance.
So how do you guide your Autistic child against addiction? There are a few things to understand about addiction. The first thing is, eventually, as hard as it is, you must accept that your child, as an adult, will make their own decisions.Sometimes this is against their upbringing and despite all the positive advise and modeling of their parents. That does not mean you should throw in the towel and give up on explaining what your expectations are. All individuals with Autism or neuro-typical need to know what their parents expect of them. Be sure to give your child clear expectations for each social situations. Tell them you expect them to make mistakes, but they should avoid alcohol and drugs. Tell them how to handle peer pressure at parties or gatherings. Above all else, remember if you find drugs or alcohol hidden in your child's or loved one's possessions this does not always mean they are addicted. You can get some over the counter drug tests.
It will be hard to tell of your ASD loved one is using drugs. A lot of the "symptoms" of ASD mimic those of drug use. If you suspect a problem then get your loved one involved with professionals who specialize in Autism and substance abuse. If a specialist like this cannot be located, then your next best option is to find someone who specializes in youth and substance abuse. Involvement with mental health professionals in this field will curtail any further problems and help you overcome this situation.
Remember parental involvement and support are keys to preventing substance abuse and increasing self confidence. This is an important topic of conversation to have with your loved ones both on and off the spectrum.
For more information on drugs and addiction, please read this article from Synapse.
We wish you the best of luck on your Autism journey.
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