This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Educational Activity

The Effect of Stimulant Treatment for ADHD on Later Substance Abuse and the Potential for Medication Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion

Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, and Himanshu P. Upadhyaya, MBBS, MS, Chair

Published: November 15, 2007

This CME activity is expired. For more CME activities, visit CMEInstitute.com.
Find more articles on this and other psychiatry and CNS topics:
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders


Article Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is known tobe a strong risk factor for substance use disorders (SUD) in adolescence and inadulthood. Research shows that stimulant treatment does not increase the riskof SUD in adolescents or adults with ADHD but rather that stimulant treatmentsmay have a protective effect. However, 2 in 10 youths with ADHD misuse theirmedication. Recent evidence suggests that slow uptake of medication in thebrain allows for effective treatment without patients experiencing the euphoricqualities of immediate-release agents that lead to abuse or diversion. As aresult, extended-release products and different formulations, such aslisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), are less likely to be misused and divertedand may have lower abuse potential.

This CME activity is expired. For more CME activities, visit cme.psychiatrist.com.
Find more articles on this and other psychiatry and CNS topics:
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

Some JCP and PCC articles are available in PDF format only. Please click the PDF link at the top of this page to access the full text.

Related Articles

Volume: 68

Quick Links: ADHD , Neurodevelopmental

References