Author Interviews / 20.11.2025
Rutgers Study Finds ADHD and Substance Use Intertwined For Many Sexual Minority Men
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_71487" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Krause[/caption]
Kristen D. Krause, PhD, MPH (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor, Department of Urban-Global Public Health
Deputy Director, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS)
Rutgers School of Public Health
Deputy Editor, Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health
Deputy Editor, Behavioral Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Young sexual minority men often face myriad challenges including stigma, heightened risk for mental health issues, and an increased likelihood of substance use. This study set out to shine a light on how ADHD symptoms might factor into these risks—a topic rarely examined directly in this population.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: We found that ADHD symptoms are not only common, but they are associated with increased odds of both early and frequent substance use, spanning everything from cigarettes to alcohol and more illicit substances. These results don’t just fill a gap, they invite attention to a complex interplay of identity, mental health, and behavior.
Dr. Krause[/caption]
Kristen D. Krause, PhD, MPH (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor, Department of Urban-Global Public Health
Deputy Director, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS)
Rutgers School of Public Health
Deputy Editor, Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health
Deputy Editor, Behavioral Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Young sexual minority men often face myriad challenges including stigma, heightened risk for mental health issues, and an increased likelihood of substance use. This study set out to shine a light on how ADHD symptoms might factor into these risks—a topic rarely examined directly in this population.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: We found that ADHD symptoms are not only common, but they are associated with increased odds of both early and frequent substance use, spanning everything from cigarettes to alcohol and more illicit substances. These results don’t just fill a gap, they invite attention to a complex interplay of identity, mental health, and behavior.