Impairment - Substance Abuse

l Many people with untreated ADHD try to self-medicate to
       improve functioning

 

l Smoking

  l ADHD adults smoke more and have more difficulty quitting

  l Children with ADHD start younger and smoke more

l Substance use disorders (SUDs)

  l Fear:  stimulant therapy may lead to substance abuse

  l Fact:  untreated ADHD is a significant risk factor for substance

              abuse in adolescence and adulthood

  l A longitudinal study found ADHD medication was associated

              with an 85% reduction in risk for SUD in ADHD youth

  l Stimulants are known to be associated with dependence and

              abuse in “at-risk” populations