According to a recent article published in Current Psychiatry, the verdict is still out regarding a central question in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: does stimulant-based treatment of ADHD increase the likelihood of an individual developing a substance abuse disorder later in life?

Some research claims that individuals who are prescribed stimulants for ADHD are 6.2 times more likely to later develop addictions to alcohol or illicit drugs, whereas other studies suggest that ADHD patients who receive stimulants are less likely to develop substance abuse disorders at all.

The research is further challenged by conflicting opinions regarding the neurobiological activity in ADHD patients, which may predispose such individuals to addictive behavior, regardless of treatment histories.  Research continues to probe such questions, with the hope of arriving at a more conclusive understanding of the possible risks associated with stimulant treatment for ADHD.

To access the article, click here.