A June 20 article on the Des Moines Register website revealed that the area experienced a spike in cases of ADHD medication abuse that resulted in hospitalization. Writer Tony Leys reported that the cases involved individuals between the ages of 13 and 24:

The misused drugs reportedly included Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta. The patients' symptoms included tremors, vomiting and racing hearts.

[Linda Kalin, director of the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center] said two of the patients intentionally misused the drugs to stay alert while studying. The other five apparently were trying to use the drugs to get high. ...

The Iowa Department of Public Health said a 2008 survey of Iowa teenagers found that four percent reported using prescription medications without a doctor's prescription.

ADHD medications and other prescription drugs are being abused in ever-increasing numbers by adolescents, teenagers, and adults in the United States and other countries. The problem of prescription drug abuse has become so widespread it has been referred to as an "invisible epidemic."

Labels: medications, abuse

Posted By: Aspen/CRC