Epidemiology of SUDs Among Individuals With ADHD. Children and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to misuse alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit substances compared with children without ADHD. 14, 15 In a meta-analytic review of the prospective association of childhood ADHD and substance use, Lee et al 14 included 27 longitudinal studies that followed up children with and without ADHD. Physical exam, to help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms Information gathering, such as asking you questions about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms ADHD rating scales or psychological tests to help collect and evaluate information about your symptoms; Other conditions that resemble ADHD.