The Link Between ADHD and Addiction: Late Diagnosis and the Rise of Exec Addiction

The numbers are startling: 1 in 10 high-achieving executives struggle with addiction. And for those diagnosed with ADHD later in life, the risk is even greater. Studies show that up to 60% of adults diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood may already be grappling with a substance use disorder.

For many high-achieving individuals, a late ADHD diagnosis can be a revelation, explaining years of struggles with focus, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. "Issues with focus" can manifest in different ways, from hyperfocus and relentless pursuit of perfection to constant task-switching and an inability to prioritize. What's often missed is the strong link between ADHD and addiction.

Research shows that adults with ADHD have three times the risk of developing substance use disorders. This is partly due to differences in dopamine regulation. ADHD brains often have lower baseline dopamine levels, leading to self-medication with substances or behaviours that provide a dopamine hit. This can manifest as "exec addiction" – workaholism, substance abuse, or other compulsive behaviours like gambling, excessive spending, or even exercise and sugar addiction – aimed at providing that initial pleasurable surge, which can quickly spiral out of control.

It's time to redefine "addiction." It's not always about alcohol or drugs. It's about any behaviour that you've lost control over and has a detrimental effect on your life. And it's time to bust the myth that addiction is a moral failing. It's often a complex interplay of neurobiology and environment.

That's why I help individuals and companies understand and educate on neurodiversity and the rise of exec addiction.

If you're struggling with focus, impulsivity, or finding yourself caught in the cycle of addictive behaviours, it's crucial to seek help. Don't let shame or stigma hold you back.