Studies show that conduct disorders in teens can develop into substance abuse problems in adulthood

A study conducted by the New York University School of Medicine (NYU) reveals that conduct disorders in teens could lead to substance abuse issues when these individuals become adults.

Researchers say that children who show a presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders like alcoholism. Studies from NYU have identified a progression from ADHD advancing into conduct disorders which, in some sufferers, develops into substance abuse.

The study examined children between the ages of 14 and 16 who had documented cases of ADHD in 1975, and followed up when the subjects were between the ages of 27 and 37. Research reveals that teens whose conditions progressed into a conduct disorder were 3.5 times more likely to develop substance abuse disorders.

Experts say that ADHD develops earlier than conduct disorders and that the condition might be an important clue in identifying substance abuse conditions.

According to a 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD.