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.

ADHD communication style, before and after therapy
ADHD communication style, before and after therapy
5 years ago

Many people who start medication therapies to treat the core ADD/ADHD symptom notice subtle changes that are not always easy to accept or manage. The character style that was considered to be a pro...

What are the similarities between Borderline Personality traits and adult ADHD?
What are the similarities between Borderline Personality traits and adult ADHD?
1 year ago

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two different conditions, but there are some similarities in their symptoms.<...

Pornography addiction and ADHD in adults
Pornography addiction and ADHD in adults
5 years ago

67.4% of my patients have an addiction to porn. OK, I made up the precise statistic to get your attention; I just meant a significant subgroup! Pornography activates the novelty-seeking pathways in...