ADHD and substance use – life histories from young adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that includes difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. Numerous studies have demonstrated that ADHD often co-occurs with problematic substance use. Furthermore, such co-morbidity implies a risk of various aggravating circumstances. While the state of knowledge in this area is relatively well-developed on an aggregated level, the number of qualitative studies remains limited. The present study is based on an empirical material in the form of life stories from six young adults with experience of ADHD and problematic substance use. A two-step analysis has been conducted, where the first, in the form of thematic analysis, reveals three overarching themes: Struggles navigating ADHD medications and substance use, Managing ADHD through substance use, and Strategies for navigating ADHD and substance use. In the second step of analysis, theories of narrative identity are employed to enhance the understanding of aspects of identity in the stories about ADHD and substance use. Specifically, the theory of temporal ambiguity of recovery identities is used to shed light on processes of identity in narratives on ADHD and substance use. The results are discussed in the context of previous research and how they can be applied in social work practice.