Most experts in addiction treatment consider addiction to be a comorbidity of neurodiversity. Addiction often relates to an intersection of neurodiversity and trauma or other mental health conditions. It is important to understand in this context that addiction can take many forms. Areas related to neurodiversity, including race, cultural, and gender identity, can often complicate addiction issues and recovery practices.
This presentation is an overview of issues related to the intersection of addiction and neurodiversity. The presentation will focus on:

• Sobering statistics regarding the relationship between neurodiversity and addiction.
• Current research into addiction and neurodiversity as well as how various treatment approaches may not be geared to the neurodiverse.
• Current literature covering the relationship between addiction and neurodiversity.
• Overview of types of addiction and a look at the issues of mental health and trauma in understanding addiction.