ADD Medications Reduce Drug Addiction Rates

image via Flickr, Alan Cleaver

Can the use of ADD/ADHD medications lead to drug addiction?

ADD medications, with the exception of Strattera, are controlled substances that can potentially be abused. This can be a source of concern because we use them in ADD individuals who are at a significantly higher risk for the development of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Interestingly, research now shows that when individuals with ADD are properly diagnosed and treated with these medications, their risk for substance use disorders is reduced to that of the general population.

I have never had a patient become addicted to one of the stimulants nor am I aware of any reports in the medical literature of someone developing addiction to a medication prescribed therapeutically for ADD.

I have had a rare patient who abused his medication, sold his medication, or was intimidated into giving his medication to a friend who wanted…