ADHD Ireland Addresses Oireachtas Committee as New Research Shows Correlation Between Drug Use and ADHD Amongst Adults in Ireland
ADHD Ireland addressed the Joint Committee on Drugs Use in Dáil Eireann today to discuss new, groundbreaking research from Citywide and Trinity College Dublin which reveals that 51% of adults in drug treatment services screen for ADHD.
ADHD Ireland is calling for urgent improvements in services for those with ADHD. The organisation is highlighting the serious impacts of undiagnosed ADHD, linking it to higher rates of substance use as part of an estimated €2 billion in annual socio-economic costs.
Addressing the committee, Ken Kilbride CEO ADHD Ireland, emphasised the lifelong nature of ADHD and the system’s failure to cope with demand, “ADHD is a neurodivergence; it doesn’t disappear on your 18th birthday. With an estimated 160,000 to 170,000 adults with ADHD in Ireland (the vast majority undiagnosed) and 50% of all new referrals to HSE mental health services now for ADHD, our public services are completely overwhelmed. This can lead to critical human and financial consequences.”
The scale of the ADHD crisis in Ireland is underscored by alarming statistics. The socio-economic cost of unsupported adult ADHD is estimated at a staggering €2 billion annually for the state. This is compounded by a severe overlap with the substance use crisis, where groundbreaking Irish research from Citywide and Trinity College Dublin reveals that 51% of adults in drug treatment services screen for ADHD a massive over-representation.
The associated mental health toll is profound, with research conducted by UCD and the HSE (& ADHD Ireland) finding that 20% of ADHD adults had attempted suicide, 50% had self-harmed, and 10% consider suicide an ongoing option. Demand for public services has reached a breaking point, with ADHD now accounting for 50% of all new referrals to both the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services with the HSE.
Public awareness however, of ADHD is rising, as a recent CSO Healthy Ireland survey found that 9% of Irish adults believe they are ADHD, showing how many people are now seeking clarity, assessment, and support.
Dr. Sonia Morris , Board Director of ADHD Ireland, said “Without knowledge or support, people often self-medicate, predominantly with alcohol and cannabis. But it doesn’t need to be like this. We need a ‘neuroaffirmative’ approach across all of society, in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and communities in order to reduce stigma and provide the right accommodations. We urgently need a whole of government strategy, starting with properly funding and staffing the HSE and CAMHS services to focus on ADHD care.”
The key message today is this: we know the risks of substance use, misuse, suicide, and mental health challenges are greater for the ADHD population. To address these overlapping challenges, we need a whole-of-government approach and strategy. Everyone must come on board.
