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Greg Dutton
Emily Smith
Myers
Attention Deficit Disorder and Cannabis Use
Through our research, we hope to prove that people suffering from attention deficit disorder are more likely to use cannabis. Many different studies have been done supporting this idea, and using these we will attempt to support the above hypothesis and provide possible explanations as to why this correlation exists. This topic is relevant to our curriculum regarding the nature of human nature because it attempts to explain certain behaviors. We have brought many questions into this project, such as: Which came first, the attention deficit disorder or the cannabis use? Why would people with attention deficit disorder have a higher tendency of using a drug that could be very damaging to their treatment? What makes cannabis so appealing to those with attention deficit disorder? Why are people with attention deficit disorder more likely to use cannabis than people with other mental illnesses? The answers to these questions are significant to everyone because there are many people we all interact with on a daily basis that suffer from problems related to attention deficit disorder and cannabis use.
One of the major resources we are using is a study done by Rob McGee, Sheila Williams, Richie Poulton, and Terrie Moffitt called A longitudinal study of cannabis use and mental health from adolescence to early adulthood printed in Addiction. The study examined longitudinal use between cannabis and mental health (McGee et. Al.). Much of the study focused on the effects of external disorders, such as attention deficit disorder, and internal disorders. The basic findings of this study revealed that in adolescents, external disorders lead to a higher risk of cannabis use. On the contrary, in early adulthood cannabis leads to a higher risk of external disorders.
A description of precipitants of drug use among dually diagnosed patients with chronic mental illness published in Community Mental Health Journal by Marisela B. Gomez, Annelle B. Primm, Ilina Tzolova-Iontchev, Walter Perry focuses on dual diagnosis treatment in patients with mental illness and substance addiction. One of their findings was that many patients turned to substances as a coping strategy for their mental illnesses and stress. Through a strategy of dual diagnosis treatment, or treating both illnesses at the same time, the staff was able to make faster progress and gain more knowledge into the psychology of the mental patient and their relationship with substance. This article will help us to correlate attention deficit disorder and cannabis use. It will also enable us to make the link between stress due to attention deficit disorder and the higher rate of cannabis use due to this stress.
In the book Hyperactive Children: The Social Ecology of Identification and Treatment, editors Carol Whalen and Barbara Henker provide a detailed view of the psychosocial effects of attention deficit disorder. They discuss the developmental and social aspects of hyperactivity and, more applicable to our research, stimulant use and drug dependence. One of their main points is that it may be difficult to diagnose substance use among individuals who have been treated for attention deficit disorder by relying on self-reports because they might be less honest. This book will help us show how the treatment of attention deficit disorder with psycho-stimulants may lead to later drug use.
Another book we used is The ADD/ADHD Checklist: An Easy Reference for Parents and Teachers, by Sandra Rief. We used this book to give us a basic definition\ of attention deficit disorder and to provide us with more detailed background information. Rief gave several definitions and descriptions of attention deficit disorder that she compiled from different experts, and we wanted to use these to help explain why the symptoms of attention deficit disorder may lead to cannabis use.
Driven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., and John J. Ratey, M.D. was very helpful to us in figuring out some reasons why people with attention deficit disorder may use cannabis. They discuss such things as the secondary symptoms of attention deficit disorder and self-medication through marijuana use. One of their main points is that attention deficit disorder as an underlying cause for substance use, including marijuana, is an issue that needs to be addressed because it can be successfully treated and have enormous positive effects on the individual. This book helped us understand more deeply the dynamic relationship between attention deficit disorder and marijuana use.
Our research is relevant in everyday life and relationships. Cannabis use and attention deficit disorder are rampant in todayÕs society. Our research will allow us to not only understand the relationship between attention deficit disorder and cannabis use, but also to better understand those we interact with on a daily basis. In turn this could lead to a better understanding of adolescents and their cannabis use. For many, cannabis use could be an early sign of attention deficit disorder rather than just an addiction. This could lead to early diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, lower rates of cannabis use and an increase in adolescentÕs success in school and their daily lives.
Our experiment will be based off prior research that directly relates to cannabis use and attention deficit disorder and with supplemental information based off of general substance abuse and mental illness. There have been several studies previously completed which show that there does seem to be a correlation that adolescents with attention deficit disorder related illnesses have a higher tendency to abuse cannabis. We hope to prove these studies through our own surveys of students and whether or not they have attention deficit disorder, and if they do, what- if any- is their cannabis consumption, and when did it begin. We will also be surveying to see whether or not they may have begun use in an unconscious or conscious effort to self medicate. Or surveys will be critical in our efforts to prove our hypothesis and other studies previously conducted.
This topic is applicable to the course curriculum in that mental illness is a significant part of human nature. In this study we are taking an in depth look at one of the consequences of a specific mental illness, attention deficit disorder. There are several possible ways to approach the correlation between attention deficit disorder and cannabis abuse, and through further research we will be able to better understand which one is most correct. One possibility is that a sufferer of attention deficit disorder attempts to self-medicate through cannabis use, and that is an adaptation that has occurred through natural selection. This means that in some way the cannabis use of those that suffer from attention deficit disorder provides them with specific benefits, and that these benefits may be significant enough to be passed on through natural selection. As a means of involving other people in the class, we asked for their help in developing our survey. We received advice regarding how they think the questions would be best worded, and how honest they would actually be on a survey involving such personal information.
Our survey focused on those students with attention deficit disorder and who currently use, or have used cannabis. We conducted 20 surveys on different people located throughout the campus that fit these qualifications. We had a small number of surveys because there were specific guidelines each person had to meet to take the survey. The surveys were more detailed so we got more information from each person as opposed to getting a little bit of information from a lot of people. To determine who took the surveys we either asked people who we already knew met the guidelines or found them through word of mouth. We attempted to get as much a variety of sample people as possible, although this was difficult due to the specificity of the qualifications. A sample survey, and data sheet is included so you can see the questions we asked of each person, and the tally of responses.
Please fill out our survey as honestly as possible. Your name will not be connected with the results. On questions providing a (1-10) answer, 1 is the most severe and 10 the least. Questions with 1-5, one is strongest, 5 is weakest.
Age: sex: yr in school:
Do you have ADD and have you ever, or do you now smoke marijuana at least occasionally? Yes NO
How long have you had ADD?
When did it start to have more of an impact on your life?
How severe is your ADD (1-10)? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
When did you first smoke marijuana?
Why did you first start smoking marijuana?
With what frequency do you currently smoke marijuana?
1) daily 2) 2-4 times per week 3) once/ week 4) 1/ 2 weeks 5) 1/ month 6) < 1/ month
Has your smoking increased/ decreased/ stayed the same since you began smoking? (circle one)
Do you take any prescribed medications for ADD? Yes No (if no, skip next two QÕs)
How strong are the meds. 1 2 3 4 5
How often do you take this med. on average?
Does ADD negatively affect your schoolwork? (1-10) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Does ADD negatively affect your social life? (1-10) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Does marijuana aid in controlling your ADD in relation to school work?
(1-10) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Does marijuana aid in controlling your ADD in relation to your social life?
(1-10) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
What average letter grade do you receive in your classes? A B C D F
How many people do you consider ÒgoodÓ friends?
Have you ever been arrested? ( If yes, please list reasons. If no, skip next question)
Did your behavior change after the arrest, if not, did you try to change it?
List some effects on you of ADD.
List some effects on of smoking marijuana
List some effects of smoking marijuana on your ADD.
Are your parents still married?
Rank their involvement in your life. (1-10) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Data Sheet (refer to survey for corresponding question)
1. 14- male 6- female
2. 45%- birth 55% unknown
3. 65%- high school 35% college
4. severity/number responses- 10/0 9/1 8/1 7/6 6/9 5/2 4/1 3/0 2/0 1/0
5. age/number of responses- 14/6 15/9 16/2 17/2 18/1
6. relaxation, for a buzz, social pressure, curiosity, fun
7. daily- 13, 2-4/week- 0, 1/week- 1, 1/2/week- 3, 1/month- 2, >1/month- 1
8. increased- 16, decreased- 4
9. yes- 12, no- 8
10. med. strength/number of responses- 5/1 4/4 3/6 2/1 1/0
11. daily- 8, 5/7 days 4
12. severity/number responses- 10/1 9/1 8/2 7/8 6/4 5/2 4/1 3/1 2/0 1/0
13. severity/number responses- 10/0 9/0 8/0 7/1 6/1 5/3 4/5 3/8 2/1 1/1
14. severity/number responses- 10/0 9/1 8/0 7/2 6/3 5/7 4/4 3/1 2/2 1/0
15. severity/number responses- 10/0 9/2 8/1 7/2 6/6 5/4 4/3 3/2 2/0 1/0
16. A-4, B-15, C-1, D-0, F-0
17. # good friends/# responses- 6/3, 5/4, 4/6, 3/4, 2/2, 1/1
18. only received noÕs and blank spaces
19. lowered concentration, hyperactivity, day dreaming, forgetfulness
20. get high, calm, relaxed, tired, fidgety, more focus, lethargic, thoughtful
21. more concentration, less active, focused, none, calming
22. 11- no, 9- yes
23. severity/number responses- 10/0 9/2 8/1 7/7 6/5 5/2 4/2 3/0 2/1 1/0
The major part of our project is based on research that we did. We did not want to put too much emphasis on the survey because we had such a small number and they did not represent a wide variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. We are using both scholarly articles and books to help prove our hypothesis that people with attention deficit disorder are more likely to use cannabis. There were several studies and books that we found relating to our topic, and the relevant information and statistics we got from these will be covered later in this paper.
Our goal is to first complete our research and the examination of case studies. Next we will distribute the surveys and tally the information gathered. The information we gathered, since from such a specific group of people relating to our study should set a sturdy foundation for our analysis of the research materiel and something to compare and contrast it with. Information gathered from the surveys will be vital to not only proving our hypothesis but also understanding the connections between attention deficit disorder and cannabis use.
The following information is based on the results we gathered from our survey. To begin with, forty-five percent of respondents thought they had attention deficit disorder since birth, while the rest were not sure. Sixty-five percent felt that it started to impact their life in high school, and thirty-five percent believed it began in college. Reasons given for beginning cannabis use include relaxation, to get a buzz, social pressure, and curiosity. Most respondents reported their use increasing since they began using. Some reported effects of attention deficit disorder are lowered concentration, hyperactivity, daydreaming and forgetfulness. Other information we gathered from our survey is covered below, in relation to the graphs that are included.
Graph number 1 shows the frequency of cannabis use among those surveyed. As the graph indicates, sixty- five percent of respondents use cannabis daily, and the remaining thirty-five percent use cannabis once per week or less. Therefore, our data reveals that those who suffer from attention deficit disorder are more likely to use cannabis on a daily basis, rather than only occasionally.
Graph number 2 demonstrates that seventy-five percent of respondents reported that they began to use cannabis between the ages of fourteen and fifteen, with thirty percent beginning at age 14 and forty-five percent at age 15. This indicates that those with attention deficit disorder usually begin cannabis consumption in early adolescence.
Graph number 3 compares the negative effects of attention deficit disorder on both school work and social life. Forty percent of respondents stated that attention deficit disorder affected their school work twice as much as their social life. Every person reported attention deficit disorder having a negative impact on their school work, while fifty percent said it had virtually no effect on their social life. Four people stated that their school work was seriously effected by attention deficit disorder.
Graph number 4 indicates that thirty percent reported that cannabis use moderately aids them in controlling attention deficit disorder for their school work. Similarly, thirty-five percent said cannabis use slightly more than moderately aids them in controlling attention deficit disorder for their social life. Fifteen percent said cannabis use seriously aids them in school work. However, only five percent said it aids them in controlling their attention deficit disorder in their social life. On the other side of the spectrum, ten percent felt that cannabis use had virtually no impact upon controlling their attention deficit disorder in relation to school work, and fifteen percent felt the same in terms of their social life.
One interesting connection to be made is that of beginning cannabis use and age at which attention deficit disorder began to impact their school work. Sixty-five percent said that attention deficit disorder began to impact their life in high school. In connection with this may be the fact that sixty- five percent began their cannabis use at the ages of 14 or 15, an age at which students are beginning high school. A related fact was that sixty-five percent stated that they now use cannabis daily. All respondents felt attention deficit disorder negatively affect their school work, and twenty percent felt it had serious negative consequences. This may suggest that as attention deficit disorder begins to affect people in high school, they attempt to self medicate with cannabis. The self- medication may in turn form into a habit causing the same sixty- five percent to continue and increase their use. Surprisingly, the data seems to show that attention deficit disorder has little effect on social life, and cannabis use does not aid them in their social life. Thus suggesting once again that cannabis use in relation to attention deficit disorder may stem form difficulties on school, not social pressures.
A longitudinal study of cannabis use and mental health from adolescence to early adulthood was one of the studies that helped us prove our hypothesis. In this, researchers found that ÒThe presence of significant levels of problem behavior in childhood may also constitute a common pathway to later mental disorder and cannabis use in adolescence.Ó (McGee, Williams, Poulton and Moffitt, p 4) They found that sixty-three percent of participants with attention deficit disorder used cannabis at age fifteen. This is extremely close to the results we received from our surveyÕs stating sixty-five percent had used cannabis by age fifteen. We believe this study to be useful because of its large sample size (1037 participants) and because the sample was fairly representative of the general population, unlike our own survey.
According to our research, there are many possible reasons why people suffering from attention deficit disorder are more likely to use cannabis. The first one we would like to address is the psychosocial problems that accompany attention deficit disorder. ÒThe secondary symptoms, and the ones that are most difficult to treat, are the symptoms that develop in the wake of the primary syndrome not being recognized: low self-esteem, depression, boredom and frustration with school, fear of learning new things, (and) impaired peer relationsÉÓ(Hallowell and Ratey, p 52). Many of these things, along with being symptoms of attention deficit disorder, have already been proven as factors leading to cannabis use. The people who responded to our survey reported similar reasons for using cannabis. One of the main points Hallowell and Ratey make are that these Òsecondary symptomsÓ appear when the attention deficit disorder goes undiagnosed. This is a cyclical problem because the lack of diagnosis may cause these symptoms which lead to cannabis use, and the cannabis use makes it more difficult for attention deficit disorder to be diagnosed. ÒOften the diagnosis of ADD is missed because the ADD is masked by some coexisting condition such as substance abuseÉÓ (Hallowell and Ratey, p 199)
The cannabis use of those individuals with attention deficit disorder may represent an attempt at self-medication on their part. ÒThe self-medication hypothesis advanced by Edward KhantzianÉproposes the idea that people use drugs to treat some underlying bad feeling.Ó (Hallowell and Ratey, p 178) Some people with attention deficit disorder may receive some benefit from using cannabis. In graph number 4, we attempted to show how some people use cannabis to control their attention deficit disorder in regards to their school work and social life. Cannabis users often report that the drug makes them feel more relaxed and calm, a direct contradiction to the effects of attention deficit disorder. ÒWhen someone isÉdependent upon marijuana, we often become so preoccupied with the problems the drug use creates that we fail to consider what purpose the drug must be serving for the user. ADD is one of the underlying causes of substance abuse that is particularly important to look for because it can be treated.Ó (Hallowell and Ratey, p 172)
ÒSome child specialists maintain that hyperactive children treated with stimulants run an increased rather than a decreased risk of later drug abuse.Ó (Henker and Whalen, p 32) There are many speculative reasons why treatment with stimulants may lead to later drug use. It seems that for some children the medication provides not only a calm, but also a high. Because children treated with stimulants begin getting these ÒhighsÓ at such a young age, about the time they reach adolescence the effects of the medication might lessen leading them to search for that high elsewhere, possibly through cannabis use. ÒIn both direct and indirect ways, psycho-stimulant treatment of school children may increase drug use in adolescents.Ó (Henker and Whalen, p 44) While there appears to be a correlation between psycho-stimulant treatment and later drug use, Henker and Whalen also admit that there is a problem in attempting to prove this. ÒIndividuals who have been treated with stimulants for pervasive difficulties may be less willing than their peers to provide candid self reports of drug usage.Ó (p 34) This indicates that a method besides self-reports may be more effective in uncovering the drug use of those previously treated with stimulants.
Our project complemented the research in many ways. In the first study we read, they revealed that sixty-three percent of fifteen year oldÕs with attention deficit disorder had used cannabis. This is extremely close to the results we received from our surveyÕs stating sixty-five percent had used cannabis by age fifteen. Many reasons we received in our surveys for using cannabis were comparable to those mentioned in our research. Both our research and surveys prove our hypothesis that adolescents with attention deficit disorder have a greatly increased chance of using cannabis.
We encountered several different areas, which would have been interesting to research in relation to our topic. One is the influence of family situation upon attention deficit disorder and cannabis use. Another would be on arrest rate, and itÕs effect on the individual. Would they attempt to change their behavior? Could they? In the future, I would want to survey more people, and survey others who had attention deficit disorder and did not use cannabis, and visa versus. To have done this in our study would have been far more time consuming and in- depth, but would have provided far more insight into the relation of cannabis use and attention deficit disorder. Our most interesting finding was on the correlation of daily cannabis users, age at which cannabis use began, and age at which attention deficit disorder began to impact the individual in school. This would be an extremely interesting angle to approach, and would be very revealing into the correlations between all mentioned topics.
Bibliography
Gomez, Marisela B.; Primm, Annelle B.; Tzolova-Iontchev, Ilina; Perry, Walter;et al A description of precipitants of drug use among dually diagnosed patients with chronic mental illness Community Mental Health Journal; New York; Aug 2000
Hallowell, Edward M. and Ratey, John J. Driven to Distraction Pantheon Books: New York, 1994
McGee, Rob; Williams, Shelia; Poulton, Richie; Moffitt, Terrie A longitudinal study of cannabis use and mental health from adolescence to early adulthood
Addiction; Abingdon; Apr 2000;
Rief, Sandra The ADD/AHDD checklist: An Easy Reference for Parents and Teachers Prentice Hall: Paramus, New Jersey, 1997
Volkow, Nora D Drug abuse and mental illness: Progress in understanding comorbidity The American Journal of Psychiatry; Washington; Aug 2001;
Whalen, Carol K. Henker, Barbara ed. Hyperactive Children: The Social Ecology of Identification and Treatment Academic Press: New York, 1980
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