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Are those with ADHD more susceptible to drunk driving?
Charles Li, MD
September 12, 2023
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ADHD and Alcohol
ADHD interacts with alcohol, lowering inhibitions and potentially leading to drunk driving.
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Worse Driving Skills
People with ADHD have worse driving skills, both sober and under the influence of alcohol.
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More Traffic Accidents
ADHD has been linked to increased traffic accidents and tickets, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death on the road. ADHD is a condition that has a complex relationship with alcohol. Studies have shown that it interacts with alcohol in many ways:
ADHD also lowers our inhibitions, like alcohol, and may cause some to make poor decisions, such as drunk driving.
The link between ADHD and drunk driving
There have not been many studies looking specifically at drunk driving rates among those with ADHD.
A small study among college students did find that those with inattentive and hyperactive ADHD symptoms were more likely to be arrested for drunk driving:
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The combined subtype endorsed
being arrested for drunk driving, a problem that the primarily inattentive subtype did not endorse. These differences
may be accounted for by differences in impulsivity, a symptom that differentiates the two subtypes. Impulsivity may
affect one’s ability to limit their drinking and decision to
drink and drive.
According to the quote above, the authors attributed this to difficulties with impulsivity, a key effect of ADHD:
The effects of ADHD on driving skill
Not only does ADHD make it more likely that a person drives drunk, it can also potentially cause worse driving skills as well.
One study found that those with ADHD had worse driving at all levels of intoxication. Drivers with ADHD drove worse sober than other adults without ADHD. They also drove worse while drunk.
According to the authors, ADHD can cause drivers to drive dangerously even while under the legal limit. Even if a person with ADHD isn't legally "drunk," they can still drive as if they were.
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The study provides some compelling evidence to suggest that the cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with ADHD might impair driving performance in a manner that is similar in profile to that of an intoxicated driver. Moreover, analyses of acute alcohol effects on driving performance in this population suggest additive impairments from the drug that could considerably compromise driving skills even at “legally-tolerated” BACs
ADHD makes a person more susceptible to alcohol's effects
In general, alcohol does have a complicated relationship with ADHD. Both affect inhibition, or your ability to keep yourself from doing things you shouldn't do.
One study below found that those with ADHD were more likely to lose their inhibitions while on alcohol compared to adults without ADHD on alcohol.
ADHD has been linked to more car accidents
Not surprisingly, given the research above, ADHD has been linked with more traffic accidents and tickets.
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The totality of results to date on driving risks in ADHD young adults argues for the need to initiate intervention aimed at the reduction or elimination of these adverse driv- ing outcomes and basic driving deficiencies in those with ADHD. Among the possible extant interventions, the use of stimulant medication for the management of these driving problems would seem to hold the greatest promise.
Key Takeaways
Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of dangerous driving
Adults with ADHD are more likely to make poor decisions like drunk driving due to lower inhibitions and impulsivity.
Many of these risks are treatable
By addressing and managing ADHD symptoms, the risks of dangerous driving can be reduced through appropriate treatment.
Keep your drinking in check
Drinking less or abstaining before driving is particularly important for those with ADHD.