An early risk assessment model for alcohol and substance abuse using ADHD predictors of risk

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have devastating effects on individuals' lives if not properly diagnosed and managed in childhood, yet the complexities of the disorder seem to have stalled most efforts toward early and accurate identification. ADHD in children is an important predictor of risk for development of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), although the reverse is not true; SUD is not a risk factor for ADHD. Individuals with ADHD tend to develop SUD earlier and are less likely to remain in substance abuse treatment programs or to achieve moderation or abstinence. Additionally it has been shown that ADHD children who are being treated for the disorder have a decreased risk of alcohol and substance abuse.; A retrospective longitudinal explanatory study was used to examine at what point in a child's educational experience alcohol and substance use was first reported and what risk factors were present at that juncture. Survival analysis methods were used to identify the predictors of risk for substance abuse associated with ADHD.; The results of the study demonstrated that students who are male, African-American, Caucasian, students from single and alternative families, students from low middle socioeconomic households, students who received reduced lunch, students who were suspended for anti-social behavior, poor decision-making, anti-social behavior, truancy/delinquency, criminal behavior, disruptive behavior, and aggressive behavior towards peers and school staff, had a GPA of less than 1.83 and 1.83--2.62, and were absent 7--13 days and greater than 13 days per year were at an increased risk for a substance abuse event. Early risk assessment models for substance abuse were developed for the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades using these identified predictors of risk associated with ADHD.