Isn't it obvious that a personality that can become hyperfocused on one or a few hobbies or interests become hyperfocused on drugs, alcohol or sex?
The only reason I could think of that it WOULDN'T be as such would be people on the lower-functioning end of the spectrum who can't support themselves - if someone can't manage basic functions without help its unlikely they're going to be exposed to that lifestyle.
This is not the full story. Alcohol provides some other "benefits" (quotes intentional) for those on the autism spectrum:
* Alleviates sensory problems. I used to get hammered before heading out for the city; it was the only way to survive the usual barrage of stimuli that accompanies a hectic Saturday night.
* Numbs emotions. A hallmark of autism is a great difficulty regulating emotions. Alcohol and drugs make them manageable,
even if only temporarily.
* Dissolves the usual rigid thinking, which makes social contacts much easier.
* Makes you forget all the damage, guilt and shame that the neurotypical world has inflicted upon you.
Answering your post - yes, the majority never gets exposed to the drinking world. But those that do - tend to sink in, often with disastrous consequences.
Absolutely, and I've struggled with finding a good balance of use myself. There's a fine line between what it does for neurotypical people and what it does for people on the spectrum.
In my experience, using a substance as a form of relief, in any amount, prevents developing healthy coping mechanisms. More often than not quitting is not enough - it takes lots of reading, therapy, experience and time to find and learn a non-harmful alternative.
There's a point at which having 100 coping techniques and mechanisms that work sometimes but not all the time just don't cut it. Healthy habits need to be kept up in perpetuity even through hard or highly stressful times.
Around 2-5 times higher chance of being some kind of an addict if you have untreated ADHD, lowered down if you get proper treatment (i.e. take ritalin/aderral/modafinil instead of nicotine/sugar/alcohol)
The only reason I could think of that it WOULDN'T be as such would be people on the lower-functioning end of the spectrum who can't support themselves - if someone can't manage basic functions without help its unlikely they're going to be exposed to that lifestyle.