Does treatment of ADHD with stimulants increase the risk of substance abuse?
This question has been extensively researched by Dr. Wilens and Dr. Biederman at Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry. There were two significant findings.
First – Untreated ADHD doubles the risk of alcohol and/or recreational drug abuse.
Second – Treatment of ADHD with stimulants cuts the risk in half, equal to the general population.
As with other measures of functioning medical treatment of ADHD doesn’t eliminate problems but levels the playing field. FAQ’s ADHD
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One thought on “Stimulants and Drug Abuse”
As someone who works with addicts and others with mental illnesses and their families, I agree that untreated ADHD can and many times does lead to relapse. Unfortunately, if you are uninsured in the state of Texas and go through the MHMR system, you will not be prescribed ADD/ADHD stimulant medications. I have seen countless people relapse over and over and over again because they cannot afford the medications and Northstar will not pay for them. Apparantly, only the rich or those with insurance get the luxury of the “normalcy” psychiatric meds provide for those afflicted with ADD/ADHD. Many other self-medicate with “speed,” “ice” and other methamphetamines. The results are disasterous and society pays tenfold via jails, prisons, courts, CPS, police, etc.