Medications not Linked to Drug Abuse

On Tuesday, researchers from New York University released the results of a study which found no link between ADHD medication and future drug use. The study followed for 17 years 176 young men who had been diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin when they were kids (ages 6 or 7).

"Those treated with medications had neither an increased nor decreased risk for subsequent drug or alcohol abuse compared with those not given drugs for their ADHD. 'Considering that ADHD affects 5 to 10 percent of children worldwide, and addictions are worldwide problems as well, I think the fact that these drugs do not have an adverse effect in increasing those risks is very important information for families and doctors...' [Dr. Joseph] Biederman said."

The study did find an increase in later drug use among children who were prescribed medication between the ages of 8 and 12. Researchers speculate, however, that delays in treating ADHD were greater factors for these kids than the medication itself. Source: RehabPub.com.

Learn more about the Impact of ADHD Treatment on Substance Use Disorders
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Role of Stimulants Limited

Professor Joseph Rey from Sydney University has warned that results of recent studies show that neither doctors nor parents should rely on stimulant medication as the primary means of treating ADHD in children. His comments come in the wake of a US study that found little or no long-term difference between kids with ADHD who were treated with stimulant medication verses those who received behavioral therapy treatment.

"Prof Rey said the results of the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) study should change attitudes to ADHD treatment. 'While results of one study rarely justify drastic changes of practice, the findings underscore the complexity of ADHD, show that stimulant drugs are far from being a silver bullet and that there is much we do not yet know,' Prof Rey wrote in the latest Medical Journal of Australia."

Prescribing rates for stimulant drugs have increased nearly ten-fold in the past ten years as ADD and ADHD have become more widely common, but a growing number of doctors and professors are beginning to question medication's long-term benefits. Read more at TheWest.com.au.

Instead of stimulants, what about removing disractions like TV and video games. Stone Mountain School, a therapeutic boarding school for boys, is set in a rustic part of North Carolina that allows boys with ADHD to concentrate on their actions, behaviors, and academics.

Vyvanse Tips

Vyvanse is a new drug intended for treatment of ADD and ADHD. As with any new drug, it can take time to get the dosage just right and learn how it affects your child.

"Always start at the lower dose: 30mg which roughly equals Adderall XR 10mg. They may be on higher doses, even 40mg of the Adderall XR, but always go low and slow. Vyvanse is more efficacious, and if you start at 50mg which roughly equals 20mg Adderall XR, it can bring an unpleasant, intense feeling. Go slowly. The dose equivalents from the studies are often too much in practical use."

Vyvanse is a prodrug which means the delivery system is meant to provide a longer duration of effectiveness. Ideally, it should eliminate the need for an additional dose later in the day.