ADHD and Drug Abuse

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research shows children who take stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are no more likely to use illegal drugs as teens or adults than children who are not treated for ADHD.

The study, conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin, involved 158 children diagnosed with ADHD and 81 healthy children from the Milwaukee community. Results show no association between stimulant medication use and later drug abuse. Results also show no association between the length of time on stimulant medication and later drug abuse.

Researchers did find a small increased risk for trying cocaine once in treated children during high school, but the researchers have strong reservations about that conclusion. Investigator Mariellen Fischer, Ph.D., says: "Neither childhood nor high school stimulant treatment status were associated with greater risk for cocaine dependence or abuse -- only with ever having used cocaine once. Associating with drug-using peers in high school may explain that greater risk."

Large-scale studies show 1.3 percent to 7.3 percent of school-age children may be taking stimulants to manage behavior problems that include impulsiveness, inattention and social aggressiveness. Approximately 74 percent to 97 percent of children treated respond positively to stimulant medication with reductions in problem behavior and increases in task persistence, work productivity, working memory, and fine motor speed and coordination.

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