By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is thought to affect about 8% of American children and teens, causing behavioral problems and difficulties with concentration. Many of these children use stimulant medications to control their symptoms and help them become more calm and focused.
These medicines have benefits for the children and teens who need them. However, there is also a dangerous potential for them to be diverted, misused, and abused. It’s important for all parents–those whose children take the medications, and those whose children have never been prescribed them–to learn more about the situation.
Teens May Turn to Drugs For Help with School
Somewhere between 4 and 6% of high school and college students report using ADHD drugs without a prescription. Other estimates range even higher. Although the drugs can produce feelings of euphoria, they are also often used to stay awake and increase focus, generally for school-related purposes. According to one survey, about 70% of students who use these drugs without a prescription reported they were doing so to stay alert, concentrate, and study. Teens may consider them harmless “study drugs” to be taken when the need arises.
Medical Dangers
However, those who abuse these drugs may repeatedly take them at significantly higher doses than legally prescribed. This can impair normal functioning and sometimes leads to serious medical complications, including heart problems and psychosis. Addiction is also a dangerous possibility.
Parents Need to Communicate
Since more than half of college students with legitimate stimulant prescriptions report they’ve approached by other students asking for the drugs, it’s crucial that parents of children who take these medications speak to them about the importance of never sharing them or selling them (which could also have serious legal consequences). In the case of younger children and teens, the pills should always be administered and controlled by a parent.
While ADHD medications can have important benefits for those who need them, they are powerful medications, and can be misused or abused. Families should be alert to these dangers. Speak to your children and teens about “study drugs” and make sure they know that these are never to be shared or used recreationally. For more, see the resources in Further Reading.
(Photo credit: Truth about the concerta ATTACK by ADHD och ADD [ADHD CENTER]. CC BY 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading:
Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Medication Abuse and Diversion
Ten Percent Of Teens Use Study Drugs Yet Most Parents Aren’t Aware
ADHD Stimulant Drug Abuse Common Among Young Adults
References
Kollins, S. H. (2008). ADHD, substance use disorders, and psychostimulant treatment current literature and treatment guidelines. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(2), 115-125. doi: 10.1177/1087054707311654
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2009). DrugFacts: Stimulant ADHD Medications – methylphenidate and amphetamines. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). DrugFacts: High school and youth trends. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
SAMSHA. (2006). Prescription medications: Misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction. Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, 5(2). Retrieved from http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/advisory/pdfs/Prescription-Meds.pdf
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