Irish study shows one in five drug and alcohol users have symptoms of ADHD

The research, led by Professor Catherine Comiskey of Trinity College Dublin, said their study of Irish people who use substances found that they went through a “tortuous” journey in terms of diagnosis and treatment as well as their self-understanding and understanding by their families. Picture: Paul Sharp/Sharpix

One in five people using drugs and alcohol have symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a major study by Irish researchers.

The study found the highest rate of ADHD was among women using benzodiazepines, which are a group of common sedative and tranquilliser medications, both prescribed legally and sold illegally on the street and online.