Amid growing concerns about the link between autism and substance use, recent initiatives by organizations including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) aim to address this issue head-on by laying the groundwork for treatment through specified substance use research.

Ongoing research indicates that individuals with autism are more prone to developing substance use disorders (SUD) and other co-occurring mental health conditions. Numerous distinctive traits of autism including repetitive behaviors, enhanced social pressure, self-medication tendencies, and others contribute to this increased risk. Habits, routines, and peer pressure in the autism community can compound into a method of self-medicating as a solution, and all have the potential to partner with SUD for an especially strong bond to addictive substances. 

Additionally, coping challenges for patients and their support systems complicate treatment and recovery given their ASD.

To mitigate the higher risk of SUD among individuals with autism, experts place emphasis on specialized treatment options – not just standard recovery programs for neurotypical people. These include supervised inpatient detoxification, tailored inpatient or outpatient programs, and support groups specifically designed for individuals with autism. Treatments are meant to address the population’s unique needs, incorporating medical & psychological support to improve outcomes and support long-term recovery oftentimes as part of a peer group.

Key Points

The studies on ASD and substance use highlight several significant findings:

• 2016 Population-Based Study: Groups were comprised of 26,986 individuals with ASD and 96,557 of their relatives who did not have ASD in this study. Reported findings confirm ASD could be linked to a doubled risk of developing substance use disorders among individuals with ASD compared to their relatives without ASD.
  
• 2021 Study on Substance Use Disorder Risk: Both groups under the study had SUD and included  6,599 individuals with ASD and 26,396 non-ASD subjects in the control group. Results showed higher risks of substance use disorder (SUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and drug use disorder (DUD) among participants with ASD. Additionally, the study noted that individuals with ASD and SUD faced a higher mortality risk compared to the non-ASD control subjects. The use of psychotropic agents found a connection between a reduced risk of SUD in patients with ASD.
  
• 2021 Themes of Substance Use in Autism Study: Focusing on identified common reasons for substance use among individuals with ASD, these findings emphasized risk factors, including the management of physical symptoms, mental health symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and social motivators associated with finding belonging and/or early adolescent use. These findings suggest traits of ASD and its associated challenges may contribute to SUD.
  
• 2022 Data by SAMHSA: Indicated that 17.3% of adolescents and adults in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2022. This data underscores the prevalence of substance use issues and the need for targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, including those with autism.

Studies agree addressing SUD in individuals with ASD necessitates a comprehensive approach as the factors that make this group susceptible to substance use be personalized to their unique needs. Recommended generalized treatments for individuals with ASD are meant to address all stages of SUD, from prevention to recovery. Adaptable programs include supervised inpatient detoxification, personalized inpatient or outpatient treatment plans, and dedicated support groups tailored to people on the spectrum with trained staff to support.

Conclusion

Successfully addressing substance use disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder involves more than just treatment—it requires a holistic support system that includes medical, psychological, and community resources founded in research. Treatment options are recommended to first be equitable and then be tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with ASD, incorporating comprehensive support. 

Support resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) offer valuable assistance.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/autism-and-addiction#substance-use-risk