Last Updated:

January 29th, 2026

Autism and addiction

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. In basic terms, being autistic means the brain processes the world differently, especially in social situations and sensory experiences.

Autism usually emerges early in childhood and is something the person is born with. Despite this, some autistic people may not be diagnosed until later in life, especially if their traits weren’t as obvious in childhood.

In the UK, autism is quite common, with more than 1 in 100 people being autistic, which equates to around 700,000 adults and children nationwide. This figure likely underestimates the true number of autistic people, as many remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, particularly among girls and marginalised groups.

autism and addiction autism sign

Are there different types of autism?

You may have heard of autism being described as a “spectrum” because the characteristics can vary significantly from person to person.

In the past, people assumed the spectrum was a linear scale from “mild” to “severe,” but we now know it’s not that simple. Each autistic individual has a unique combination of strengths and challenges. For example, one person might be highly verbal but extremely sensitive to noise, while another might be non-speaking yet very comfortable with routine.

There are no strict subtypes of autism; instead, every autistic person falls under the broad spectrum with differing support needs.

It’s also important to note that autism itself is not a mental illness or an intellectual disability. In fact, around two-thirds of autistic people do not have a learning disability and many have normal or high intelligence. However, autistic individuals may still identify as disabled because of the difficulties they face in a world largely designed for non-autistic people. With the right understanding and support, autistic people can live full, productive lives as themselves.

How can autism impact a person’s life?

Without the right support or understanding, autism can affect virtually every aspect of a person’s life. For example, even though many autistic people have valuable skills and a strong desire to work, the employment rate for autistic adults in the UK is remarkably low. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics showed that just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of paid work. This “autism employment gap”, the difference between autistic employment and that of other groups, is the widest of any disability.

Autism can also have a profound effect on mental health and wellbeing. The constant effort to adapt to a non-autistic world can be stressful and exhausting. It’s perhaps not surprising that around 7 in 10 autistic people have at least one mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.

Sources indicate that autistic individuals are more likely to experience social isolation and difficulties in relationships. Without awareness and acceptance from those around them, an autistic person can end up feeling very alone even when others don’t realise something is wrong.

There are also strong links between autism and addiction, something we’ll explore closely in the next section.

Are there links between autism and addiction?

The relationship between addiction and autism is complex because so many different factors play a role. Being autistic doesn’t automatically mean a person will develop an addiction but certain autistic traits, like sensory-seeking behaviour or using routines and repetitive actions to self-regulate, can make someone more vulnerable to relying on substances or compulsive behaviours.

 

The link also differs depending on the type of addiction, with some patterns showing a stronger association than others. This is why it helps to look at different addictions individually and explore how each one may interact with autistic traits.

  • Autism and gambling addiction – A recent study suggested that there was a particularly strong relationship between autistic traits and problem-gambling severity. Researchers noted that autistic traits were correlated with disordered-gambling symptoms and ADHD symptoms but even when the ADHD symptoms were controlled, the link between gambling and autism remained strong.
  • Autism and gaming addiction – Adults with ASD have been found to show significantly higher levels of gaming-disorder symptoms than neurotypical controls.
  • Autism and alcohol addiction – One study reported that autistic adults were around four times more likely to engage in problematic, heavy drinking compared to those without autism.
  • Autism and porn addiction – New evidence suggests that those with autism may be more vulnerable to porn addiction. They may show obsessive usage patterns, such as collecting or cataloguing pornographic content.
  • Autism and internet addiction – A recent review found that internet addiction or problematic internet use, appears to be overrepresented among those with autism. Some studies even reported that prevalence rates exceeded 20%, which is a very high occurrence.

How are those with autism and addiction treated?

When autism and addiction appear together, the first step is understanding that both conditions need to be recognised at the same time. Treating one while overlooking the other rarely works because the challenges behind each condition can overlap or even intensify one another. A clear dual diagnosis gives specialists the chance to tailor support so it feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

This matters because standard addiction treatment isn’t always designed with autistic people in mind. Some may feel unsettled in busy group settings, while others struggle with therapies that rely heavily on reading social cues. Many autistic individuals also use substances or compulsive behaviours to cope with sensory overload, anxiety or long periods of isolation, so the reasons behind the addiction can differ from those seen in neurotypical clients.

autism-and-addiction-person-trying-to-control-emotions

Does addiction rehab differ for those with autism?

When it comes to rehab, the overall structure stays the same but the way it’s delivered is adapted. Detox, if needed, is usually the first step but for autistic people, this stage can feel unsettling because routines shift and the environment suddenly changes. A good rehab team explains each phase clearly, keeps the day predictable and avoids unnecessary sensory strain. This helps reduce anxiety and creates enough stability for the body to move through withdrawal more comfortably.

The therapy side of rehab can also be adjusted for those with autism. Approaches like CBT help explore rigid or looping thought patterns, while DBT supports emotional regulation when stress feels unmanageable. Some programmes also include therapies that feel less verbally demanding, such as art or yoga, which can calm the nervous system and ease sensory tension.

What are the next steps?

If you’re autistic and worried about addiction, you don’t have to figure this out alone. The next step is reaching out to a professional addiction specialist who understands both conditions and can guide you toward support that fits who you are, rather than forcing you into something that doesn’t. Reach out to us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What different types of autism are there?
Autism is understood as a spectrum rather than separate types. People experience different levels of communication, sensory and support needs, which is why clinicians now use the single term ‘autism spectrum disorder’.
Is autism a learning disability?
Autism itself is not a learning disability. Some autistic people may also have a learning disability but many have average or high intelligence and learn effectively when environments suit their needs.
Is autism genetic?
Genetics play a significant role in autism, with research showing strong hereditary links. It doesn’t pass in a simple pattern but shared genes can increase the likelihood of autism within families.

(Click here to see works cited)