Risk of Addiction to ADHD Therapies

Risk of Addiction to ADHD Therapies

2 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.

Are most addictions and ADHD spectrum disorders in adults on the same continuum?
Are most addictions and ADHD spectrum disorders in adults on the same continuum?
1 year ago

My clinical background as a psychiatrist started in treating addiction disorders. I was attracted to this field because it acknowledges the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual contex...

Spirituality and mental health
Spirituality and mental health
1 year ago

Spirituality can play a role in mental health by providing individuals with a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than themselves. Studies have...

How can Integrative Holistic Medicine help me?
How can Integrative Holistic Medicine help me?
5 years ago

When a physician claims a holistic/ integrative approach to medical care, she usually faces either admiration or incredulity and disgust. I can attest to that from personal experience and my additi...