Risk of Addiction to ADHD Therapies

Risk of Addiction to ADHD Therapies

4 years ago

As a Maryland and Ohio physician who has dedicated most of his professional career to treating addiction disorders, I’m always cognizant when evaluating a new patient for potential of developing tolerance and addictions to therapies that are offered. I do believe that most patients with ADHD are misunderstood and maligned as to being prone to abuse their treatment. Once the proper screening is done at the onset most patients are not prone to abuse their therapies and in fact are reluctant to take the appropriate doses of medication such as stimulants prescribed to them. Amidst the pandemic, our current culture of hyper alertness on developing addictions from prescribed medication‘s at times seems to inhibit proper seeking of treatment and solving problems. Daily, I face patients that I have been shamed and put down by relatives,  coworkers, and even pharmacy staff when they are trying to fill their prescriptions, as if they are doing something wrong!. Many studies starting from childhood do in fact demonstrate that a proper diagnoses in addressing the range of ADHD disorders reduces the risk of substance abuse later in life.

Diagnosed with ADHD? Don't forget the eye exam!
Diagnosed with ADHD? Don't forget the eye exam!
7 years ago

ADHD-affected individuals often have trouble reading for long periods. Many report trouble concentrating, experience headaches, sleepiness, and restlessness while attempting to read. The problem is...

Shut up and give me my meds!
Shut up and give me my meds!
7 years ago

Recently a patient whom I had not seen for almost a year showed up in my office demanding that her antidepressant prescriptions be filled for another year. She made it clear that she had no interes...

When ADHD Grows Up: How Childhood Impulsivity Turns Into Adult Anxiety
When ADHD Grows Up: How Childhood Impulsivity Turns Into Adult Anxiety
9 months ago

As a psychiatrist, I’ve met countless adults who come to me saying the same thing: “I can’t stop worrying.” They describe racing thoughts, overthinking every social interaction, feeling consta...