Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine abuse in substance-abusing adolescents.
The prevalence of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine misuse and abuse was examined in 450 adolescents referred for substance abuse treatment. Twenty three percent reported nonmedical use of these substances and six percent were diagnosed as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine abusers. Abuse was more common in individuals who were out of school and had an eating disorder. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine abuse appears to be much less common than abuse of most other substances. It does occur, however, and parents and schools need to exert greater control over the dispensing of these medications. Physicians are advised to prescribe non-stimulant medications (eg, bupropion) when treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in substance-abusing individuals.
Williams
Robert J
RJ
Addiction Counselling Program, School of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada. Robert.William@uleth.ca
Goodale
Leslie A
LA
Shay-Fiddler
Michele A
MA
Gloster
Susan P
SP
Chang
Samuel Y
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D013332:Student Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine