Written by:

Danny Smith

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Sharad Haridas – MRCPsych

Last Updated:

December 2nd, 2024

Autism and Addiction

Around 1 in 100 people are autistic. Whilst early research focused on how autism was experienced in childhood, we know that autism is something that individuals live with for the duration of their lives. This is because autism is a type of disability that people are born with. This means that some people are autistic (or neurodivergent) whilst others are not. For many autistic people, ‘being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can lead to challenges.’ This can lead to an increased likelihood of experiencing long-term emotional distress and mental health issues. This can, in turn, lead to dependency on either specific substances or activities to manage distressing symptoms. However, this can work to enhance clinical risk and lead to a further deterioration in our general wellbeing.

Autism and addiction

Many people develop a reliance on maladaptive behaviours such as drinking, using drugs or compulsive engagement with specific activities. This is true for autistic people, as well as neurotypical people. However, as autism is already associated with high levels of distress, we know that developing an addiction can lead to a deepening psychological struggle.

Knowing how autism and addiction link and how this dual diagnosis can be addressed in formal therapy is, therefore, a crucial step towards addiction treatment, relapse prevention and safeguarding against mental health crises.

What is autism?

Autism is ‘a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people interact with the world.’ Autism is a spectrum condition. This means that the ways that people experience their autism symptoms will be very individual.

For a diagnosis to be considered, individuals show ‘difficulties’ in at least two of the following six areas:

1. Social communication and social interaction challenged
2. Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
3. Over- or under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch
4. Highly focused interests or hobbies
5. Extreme anxiety meltdowns or shutdowns

Signs of autism

• Social withdrawal
• Stimming
• Routines and repetitive behaviours
• Special interests
• Difficulty connecting with others
• Difficulty expressing emotions

What is addiction?

An addiction is a condition associated with compulsive engagement with substances or behaviours ‘despite adverse consequences.’

It is possible to become addicted to a substance (known as a chemical addiction) or an activity (known as a behavioural addiction).

Signs of addiction

• Unpredictable moods
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Unexplained periods of sickness
• Isolation
• Paranoia
• Defensiveness
• Hiding behaviours
• Conflict
• Neglecting responsibilities

Addiction and autism: how are they linked?

Autistic people may develop addictions for a range of reasons, just as is the case for neurotypical individuals. However, there are some more common links between autism and addiction. These include:

• As a ‘need for routine’
• Emotional management
• Lack of support
• Lack of social understanding
• Chronic health conditions
• Chronic mental health conditions

What types of addiction are associated with autism?

Recent research from the University of Cambridge indicated that autistic individuals may be more likely to engage with recreational drugs. However, autistic people may also be more susceptible to behavioural addictions – especially when this is related to a special interest. For this reason, there have been tentative links drawn between:

• Autism and alcohol addiction
• Autism and drug addiction
• Autism and gambling addiction
• Autism and gaming addiction

Autism and addiction treatment

Understanding what specific interventions can look like can be a pivotal way of making rehab treatment more accessible and comfortable (and therefore, more effective) for autistic individuals.

Addiction rehab

Treatment for addiction usually takes place in 4 stages.

1. Assessment
2. Detox
3. Rehab
4. Aftercare

Assessment

Firstly, an assessment or consultation will take place. This may be conducted by a GP (or other primary care professional) or by a mental health and addiction specialist. This stage will include answering questions about current circumstances and needs to get a sense of the best mode of treatment to utilise.

Detox

If you are experiencing addiction to a substance, you may have developed a physical dependency. To address this, you will begin rehab with a detox. The detox helps the body to adjust to a way of functioning without substances.

Rehab

‘Rehab’ is often used to refer to treatment as a whole, but it is also used to describe the period of accessing therapy. This incorporates engagement with psychological therapies that are best suited to your current situation. Any dual diagnoses – such as autism – will also be taken into consideration in the planning stage.

Aftercare

Many therapy providers also offer aftercare services. This involves continued support after formal treatment ends. At UKAT, we are very proud to offer 12 months of complimentary aftercare following residential treatment.

Autism-specific support

Some people find that accessing autism-specific support is their most helpful route. Ways you can do this include:

• Contacting your GP
• Seeking a diagnosis
• Contact with an autism charity
• Contact with an autism support group
• Contact with an autism-specific therapist

How does addiction treatment differ if you have autism?

If you are attending rehab and have a diagnosis of autism, the best thing to do is inform your clinical team as soon as possible. This means any accommodations that can be made will be put in place, making your treatment as comfortable and accessible as possible.

Seek support

Here at Banbury Lodge, we can help you to take the steps towards an addiction-free future.  Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. We are here to lend a listening, non-judgmental ear and guide you through potential options for specialist, holistic addiction and mental health support. We are available to talk to you through the bespoke rehab packages we offer to help identify the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions