In some U.S. middle and high schools, a recent study reveals that one in four teenagers have misused prescription stimulants meant for ADHD in the past year. This research, led by Sean Esteban McCabe from the University of Michigan, highlights the widespread nonmedical use of these medications among students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, prescriptions for ADHD medications increased, according to a CDC report. McCabe notes that while some schools reported minimal misuse, others saw over 25% of students using stimulants improperly. This issue is not limited to colleges; it's prevalent in middle and high schools as well.
Misuse often involves taking higher doses for a high or combining them with alcohol or other drugs. Students also misuse these drugs to cope with academic stress, staying up late to study, according to Dr. Deepa Camenga from Yale.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 230,000 teens across 3,284 schools between 2005 and 2020. Schools with higher rates of ADHD medication prescriptions were 36% more likely to have students misusing these drugs. Suburban schools, particularly outside the Northeast, and those with more White students or moderate levels of binge drinking, showed higher misuse rates.
Teens who used marijuana were four times more likely to misuse ADHD medications. Those who had used ADHD medications in the past were also more likely to misuse them. However, the issue isn't solely among those with ADHD, as misuse was found even among students never prescribed these medications.
Since 2020, stimulant prescriptions have surged by 10%, coinciding with an Adderall shortage. Misusing these drugs can lead to serious health issues, including anxiety, depression, and seizures. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warns of severe side effects from improper use.
Experts note that stimulant abuse has increased over the past 20 years as more adolescents are diagnosed and prescribed these medications. While stimulants are effective for children with ADHD when used correctly, the solution isn't to restrict access for those who need them. Instead, schools should implement effective strategies to prevent misuse.
Parents can play a role by ensuring schools have safe medication storage and strict dispensing policies. They should also discuss with their children how to handle peer pressure related to drug misuse. Keeping medications in a lockbox and monitoring their use can help prevent misuse. If misuse is suspected, parents should contact their child's healthcare provider immediately for assessment.