An Australian newspaper has reported that high school and university students in that country are stealing ADHD medications from younger siblings because of a mistaken belief that the stolen ADHD meds will help them perform better in school.

According to a May 12 article by Daily Telegraph writers Kate Sikora and Janet Fife-Yeomans, Australian health care experts are warning that the illicit use trend -- which they say originated in the United States -- can pose significant health risks:

The "sporadic phenomenon" is concerning doctors and teachers, who have warned students they are placing themselves in danger. ...

The misuse of ADHD medication comes as the manufacturers of the three longer-lasting methylphenidate drugs, marketed as Concerta, have recently added a "black box" warning of sudden death for adult users.

It warned that stroke and myocardial infarction had been reported in adults taking ADHD drugs.

The misuse of ADHD medications and other prescription drugs has been on the rise in recent years, with many young people needing residential substance abuse treatment in order to escape their dependence upon these dangerous drugs.

Labels: medications, prescription_drugs

Posted By: Aspen/CRC