What is true about boys with ADHD in relation to substance misuse?

Boys with ADHD have been shown to have higher rates of substance misuse compared to their peers without ADHD. This elevated risk can be attributed to various factors, including impulsivity, difficulty in self-regulation, and co-occurring behavioral issues that frequently accompany ADHD. These characteristics can lead to challenges in managing emotions and can increase vulnerability to seeking out substances as coping mechanisms or for stimulation.

Research indicates that the impulsive behaviors often seen in boys with ADHD can result in earlier experimentation with substances such as alcohol and drugs, leading to a greater likelihood of developing substance use disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Thus, the assertion that boys with ADHD have higher rates of substance misuse than their counterparts is well-supported in the literature concerning ADHD and youth substance use patterns.