There is no shame in being skeptical about the use of stimulant medications for treating ADHD. After all, most ADHD medications-such as Adderall and Vyvanse-are considered controlled substances in the United States. Part of this skepticism stems from the conception that using stimulants to treat ADHD can lead to the abuse of cocaine and methamphetamine later in life. However, a study published in JAMA Network Open supports this belief to be false.

The study divided approximately 5000 high schoolers into 4 groups:

• Adolescents prescribed ADHD stimulant medication with no recent history of prescription stimulant misuse (PSM)
• Adolescents with no history of ADHD and no recent history of PSM
• Adolescents prescribed ADHD stimulant medication with a recent history of PSM
• Adolescents with no history of ADHD with a recent history of PSM

When the adolescents reached the age of 19-24 years old, the study asked each person whether or not they illegally used cocaine or methamphetamine in the past year. The result was that adolescents with ADHD who properly used their medication were no more susceptible to using cocaine and meth than those who did not have ADHD and haven’t misused stimulant drugs during their childhood. Meanwhile, those with a history of PSM during their childhood were found to be more likely to using cocaine and meth as they entered adulthood.

Discussion

This article was meaningful to me because I was diagnosed with ADHD during high school after years of my symptoms going unnoticed. I never considered the effects stimulant medication could have as I age, but this research better helped me understand the outcomes.

I want to end this post with questions asking for your opinion on this subject:

• What are other factors do you think could lead to the use of cocaine and meth?
• What could be possible causes leading adolescents to misuse stimulant drugs?
• What preventative measures could be taken to recognize and prevent PSM in adolescence?

Feel free to post a comment of your opinions, and I encourage you to also read the research for yourself and reflect.

Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807139?resultClick=1