In fact, scientific studies show that individuals with PHDA are more likely to start smoking earlier, develop a stronger dependence on nicotine, and face greater challenges when trying to quit.
But why is this connection so strong? đ€
In this article, we explore the neurobiological, emotional, and social factors that help explain the main risks of this relationship!
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Individuals with ADHD tend to start smoking at an earlier age and to evolve rapidly to regular consumption.
đ Why? Impulsivity and difficulty in evaluating future consequences, common in ADHD, make smoking more appealing to this group.
This trend is due to The need for stimulation and the search for new experiences, characteristics often associated with ADHD.
Harvard researchers discovered, back in 1997, that children and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to start smoking early. This early start increases the risk of long-term addiction.
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People with ADHD tend to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit smoking.
đ Why? Nicotine interacts with dopaminergic systems, providing temporary relief from some ADHD symptoms. However, this effect is transient and can lead to a cycle of addiction that worsens natural dopamine regulation in the long term.
Anxiety, irritability, and an uncontrollable craving for nicotine are often more pronounced, making the cessation process more difficult!
Some studies indicate that individuals with ADHD experience an exacerbation of the effects of withdrawal, making it even more difficult to quit smoking.
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The link between ADHD and smoking is deeply rooted in neurobiological factors.
đ Why? Both are associated with dysfunctions in the dopaminergic pathways, responsible for pleasure and reward.
Nicotine increases dopamine levels, providing temporary relief. This momentary effect may lead to the use of cigarettes as a form of âself-medicationâ.
Researchers suggest that âMAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitorsâ, substances found in tobacco, can also temporarily alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, which can lead to a cycle of addiction.
*â MAO inhibitorsâ are compounds that affect how the brain processes certain neurotransmitters that play an important role in ADHD (such as dopamine). However, this effect is transient and continued tobacco use may worsen symptoms in the long term.
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Emotional dysregulation, common in ADHD, is one of the factors that increase the risk of smoking.
đ Why? Smoking is often used as a way to deal with difficult emotions or to temporarily improve attention â a true âescape valveâ.
People with ADHD often use tobacco to increase focus during monotonous or challenging tasks.
Although it seems like a quick solution to manage the Stress, frustration or impulsivity, this âfalse solutionâ ends up reinforcing the risk of addiction.
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Studies show that women with ADHD have a higher risk of smoking compared to men.
đ Why? Apparently, inattention (more prevalent in female ADHD) is one of the main predictors of this behavior.
This trend was also observed in adolescents: girls with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop smoking habits, often as a way to regulate their own emotions.
Understanding these differences can help create specific approaches to support women with ADHD!
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The relationship between ADHD and smoking is complex, and both prevention and intervention are essential.
Some strategies include:
Understanding the factors that link ADHD to smoking is essential to support those facing this challenge!
By disseminating science-based information, we promote awareness and help those who need it most. đ
Note: Each person may experience smoking differently, and the challenges of quitting smoking vary depending on individual factors, such as personal history, level of impulsivity, and available support. Therefore, cessation strategies must be personalized, combining approaches that best suit each individual. If you are looking for specialized support, consult a healthcare professional to explore the best options for you.
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Taylor, M., Carrasco, K., Carrasco, A., & Basu, A. (2022). Tobacco and ADHD: A Role of MAO-Inhibition in Nicotine Dependence and Alleviation of ADHD Symptoms. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.845646
Mitchell, J., McClernon, F., Beckham, J., Brown, R., Lejuez, C., & Kollins, S. (2019). Smoking abstinence effects on emotion dysregulation in adult cigarette smokers with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Drug and alcohol dependence, 205, 107594. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107594
Elkins, I., Saunders, G., Malone, S., Keyes, M., Samek, D., McGue, M., & Iacono, W. (2018). Increased Risk of Smoking in Female Adolescents Who Had Childhood ADHD. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 175 1, 63-70. Doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010009
Rhodes, J., Pelham, W., Gnagy, E., Shiffman, S., Derefinko, K., & Molina, B. (2016). Cigarette smoking and ADHD: An examination of prognostically relevant smoking behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Psychology of addictive behaviors journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 30 5, 588-600. doi: 10.1037/adb0000188
Milberger, S., Biederman, J., Pharaoh, S., Chen, L., & Jones, J. (1997). ADHD is associated with early initiation of cigarette smoking in children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36 1, 37-44. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199701000-00015
Milberger, S., Biederman, J., Pharaoh, S., Chen, L., & Jones, J. (1997). Further evidence of an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cigarette smoking. Findings from a high-risk sample of siblings. The American Journal on Addictions, 6 3, 205-17.
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