ADHD and Addiction to Narcotic Substances: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness

The present study aimed to compare the severity of ADHD and its subscales together with the mindfulness between addicts to narcotic substances and normal individuals. In addition, this study examined for the mediation role of mindfulness in the causal relation between ADHD and addiction to narcotic substances. The studied sample consisted of 153 NA addicts and 103 matched normal controls. Data are collected using CAARSS:S and Mindfulness scale and are subjected to analysis by correlation coefficients, T-Test and mediation analysis. Significant reverse correlations are found between ADHD and its subscales with mindfulness. In addition, significant differences are observed in the mindfulness, ADHD and its subscales between the addicts and non-addict controls. Mediation analysis gave support to the significant role mediating of mindfulness in the causal relationship of ADHD on the narcotic substances addiction. According to the findings, it seems plausible to firstly; reconsider the role of ADHD in the adult’s narcotics addiction. Secondly, the role of mindfulness as an important factor is included in any therapeutic interventions in addictions to narcotics addictions.