NCJ Number
181348
Journal
NIDA Notes Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse has found that medications reduce the incidence of substance abuse among patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Abstract
ADHD causes difficulties in paying attention, keeping still, and suppressing impulsive behaviors. Research has shown that children with ADHD have an increased risk of becoming abusers of drugs and alcohol. ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy and prescription stimulants, especially Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexedrine, or Adderall. Such therapy often reduces symptoms, but some clinicians have feared that these drugs may give children the habit of taking stimulants, such that they are more likely to take illicit stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Recent studies show, however, that medications protect individuals with ADHD from becoming substance abusers during childhood and adolescence. In addition to helping protect children with ADHD from becoming substance abusers, methylphenidate may also help adult cocaine abusers with ADHD reduce their drug use. Dr. Frances Levin and researchers at Columbia University in New York gave methylphenidate for up to 12 weeks to 12 adult cocaine abusers with ADHD. Patients also received individual weekly relapse prevention therapy. Of the 12 patients who entered the study, 7 could be reached for a 3-month assessment. Patients reported a reduction in ADHD symptoms, cocaine use, and craving; urine tests confirmed that their cocaine use had decreased significantly. 4 references