title: Nonmedical Use and Diversion of ADHD Stimulants Among U.S. Adults Ages 18-49: A National Internet Survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluate nonmedical use (NMU) of ADHD prescription stimulants (Ritalin(®), Adderall(®), Adderall(®) XR, Concerta(®), and Vyvanse(®)) in a U.S. adult general population sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all, 10,000 adults (aged 18-49) from an online, opt-in panel, proximity matched to U.S. Census demographics, were surveyed to assess NMU prevalence, routes of administration (ROA), reasons for NMU, and diversion source.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lifetime NMU of any prescription drug was 35.1%, pain medications (24.6%), sedatives/tranquilizers (15.6%), sleep medications (9.9%), and prescription stimulants (8.1%). Within the prescription stimulants, rates of NMU (per 100,000 prescriptions dispensed) were 1.62 for Ritalin and 1.61 for Adderall followed by Adderall XR (0.62), Concerta (0.19), and Vyvanse (0.13). Respondents used stimulants mostly for wakefulness and performance enhancement, obtained the drugs from family/friends, and used oral ROA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NMU of ADHD prescription stimulants were low compared with other prescription medications. While prevalence of NMU was higher for immediate-release than extended-release ADHD medications, absolute rates for prescription stimulants were low.
authors.affiliation: Inflexxion Inc., Newton, MA, USA tcassidy@Inflexxion.com.
authors.forename: Theresa A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Cassidy
authors.affiliation: Shire Development Inc., Wayne, PA.
authors.forename: Sajan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Varughese
authors.affiliation: Shire Development Inc., Wayne, PA.
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Inflexxion Inc., Newton, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Simon H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Budman
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.affiliation: Inflexxion Inc., Newton, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Butler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000662:Amphetamines; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D015995:Prevalence; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C090411:Adderall; D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D055553:Prescription Drugs; C449521:SLI381; D008774:Methylphenidate