Everyday life consequences of illness of substance use disorder (SUD) with co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults

Abstract

Purpose To identify the personal and social everyday life consequences of patients with substance use disorder (SUD) with co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Design and methods A qualitative phenomenological study using in-depth interviews guided by a set of topics regarding the consequences of illness for everyday life. Findings The personal and social everyday life consequences of patients with SUD with co-occurring ADHD or ASD were narrowed down to three themes; Jumble of Emotions and Thoughts, Substance Use and Structure. It can be concluded that the underlying mechanisms may be different for each group (impulsivity vs. passivity), but both groups describe the consequences of their illness for everyday life as being caught up in a vicious circle. Practice implications This study provides insight in the meaning of SUD in the lives of patients with ADHD and ASD. It not only shows that SUD has meaning, but also shows how it functions and why it functions. The study also provides insight in what clinicians could do to break this vicious circle across lifespan.