How to Support Someone with Autism Struggling with Addiction

Living with autism comes with a range of challenges, including difficulty interpreting social cues and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. Many people are unaware of the strong link between autism and addiction, but research suggests that up to 30% of autistic adults struggle with substance use issues.

We explore the factors that link autism and addiction and how addiction can manifest differently in autistic individuals. Our goal is to help families and caregivers better understand these challenges and support autistic people on their recovery journey.

What are the characteristics of autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to the way your brain develops, impacting the way a person communicates, perceives the world and socialises with others. Autism is not believed to be an illness. Rather, experts view it as a condition a person is born with and will have throughout their life.

Signs and symptoms of autism

Autism exists on a spectrum and may not be as easily noticeable as other behavioural disorders or disabilities. A person with autism may exhibit some of the following signs:

• Severe difficulty communicating with other people
• Inability to see situations from another person’s perspective
• Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations and social events
• Taking longer to understand information
• Seeming blunt or not interested in others without meaning to
• Taking things more literally – for example, not understanding sarcasm or idioms
• An extreme emphasis on daily routine and becoming anxious if it changes

The majority of research into ASD focuses on challenges and difficulties, potentially overlooking intact and even enhanced abilities. Interesting research strongly suggests that people with ASD exhibit enhanced rationality and the ability to make decisions free from biases and social pressures.

However, there are often unique challenges in alcohol and drug addiction for people with autism which need focused and considerate support.

How addiction intersects with autism

One of the most common reasons people develop a drug or alcohol addiction is difficulty feeling “normal” when carrying out daily tasks. Autistic people may view a situation that a neurotypical person sees as completely “normal” and find sources of stress and anxiety. Social situations and hypersensitivity to lights, sounds and smells can make a situation difficult to manage.

Experiencing more frequent discomforts in daily activities can lead some autistic people to use or grow reliant on alcohol or drugs as a way to “fit in” and experience a situation the way that a non-autistic person does. Other reasons autistic people can develop an addiction may include:

• A heightened desire and need for routines and repetitive behaviours
• To help manage overwhelming emotions and negative thoughts
• A lack of support and services
• A co-occurring physical or mental health condition

In addition, one of the most prevailing reasons an autistic person may turn to drink or drugs is that they feel socialising while sober is too challenging. Social anxiety is difficult to measure and quantify, yet it is a common driver of substance use and alcohol disorders.

Research shows that nearly one-fifth of individuals with social anxiety also struggle with an alcohol use disorder. This raises the question of how many undiagnosed autistic individuals fall into this group. We hope awareness continues to grow through organisations like the National Autistic Society.

Autistic people’s experience of diagnosis

For some autistic people, receiving an official diagnosis of addiction can hold even greater significance than it might for a neurotypical person. An official diagnosis can provide them with clarity, validation, and a deeper attachment to the available research that supports their recovery.

There’s a highly insightful blog from David Gray-Hammond at Emergent Divergence, who writes about how his autism and addiction relate. David states:

“Once I had found sobriety, I had to keep it. There were two vital ingredients to maintaining my sobriety: open communication and my autism diagnosis.”

While this can be true for everyone suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, receiving a diagnosis from a medical expert can act as a critical key that opens the door to treatment for autistic people.

How can I help a loved one through addiction recovery?

If a family member, loved one, or dear friend who has autism is entering addiction recovery, there may be steps and practices you can take to support them further. Recovery can be a daunting challenge for anyone, but for an autistic person, certain aspects can be especially overwhelming.

Here are some strategies to use to further your support for a loved one with autism as they recover:

Focus on a structured and predictable environment

Many autistic people place a higher value on routines and predictability in the events around them. As best as you can, help to make their environment as stable and familiar as possible. You can help by developing routines with them and structuring events in their day.

If you know there are upcoming changes in their treatment programme, try to let them know in advance. They might take careful note of date and time changes, or you can help with calendars and written plans. Giving them items from home, like photos and sentimental memorabilia, may also help their mental health and keep them calm throughout.

Practise pressure-free encouragement

Detox and recovery can be overwhelming for anyone, but for a person with autism, there might be extra resistance and anxiety toward new experiences. Make extra efforts to celebrate small victories and sign their praises with no pressure.

Research shows that autistic people, especially younger sufferers, report lower self-esteem. A well-intentioned comment meant to encourage them may instead feel like an expectation, making them feel even more self-critical. Instead of emphasising meeting milestones, acknowledge their small efforts with them. Small affirmations like “I can see how hard you’re trying, and that’s incredible” can help them feel safe, valued and less alone in recovery.

Explore alternative therapy options and approaches

Not all addiction recovery programmes are suited for autistic people, so it can be beneficial to deeply research treatment that fits. Many traditional rehab centres emphasise group therapy, social engagement and trying new recreational activities. These may all be overwhelming for someone with autism, especially if they struggle with sensory hypersensitivity or a need for personal space.

Some studies suggest that traditional addiction therapy methods may not be suitable for autistic adults. For example, one-on-one therapy sessions may be more beneficial than traditional group sessions. Look for therapists experienced in autism and addiction to support your loved one further as they recover.

Where can I turn for support with addiction and autism?

Recovering from addiction can be especially challenging for people who have autism. At UKAT, we provide specialised addiction treatment to support the unique needs of those with ASD. We make sure they feel safe, understood and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

If you or a loved one is struggling, UKAT is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our specialist treatment programmes and take the first step towards lasting and deeply supported recovery.