ADHD meds (or lack thereof) and future substance abuse

[Anonymous]

I've seen quite a few folks here say that being medicated as a kid is protective for developing substance abuse later as a teen or adult. A randomized trial just published (the gold standard), which followed kids for more than 15 years says it makes no difference either way.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2806881

(I do not have a dog in this fight -- my kid is quite possibly inattentive ADHD but does not have a solid diagnosis)

[Anonymous]

Interesting. I have two now young adults who weren’t diagnosed and medicated until high school and I can say the improvement in their mental health is remarkable once they understanding they have ADHD and were medicated for it.

[Anonymous]

Our family history suggests that those who were not diagnosed and medicated ended up self-medicated and ran into abuse problems; whereas, those who were diagnosed and medicated either never drank or used drugs or did so in social moderation and only after age 25 or older.

[Anonymous]

OP here. oh, yes, this study says nothing about the utility and efficacy of ADHD meds for life as an ADHD child or adolescent or adult! Just says that it doesn't affect likelihood of abusing cigarettes, alcohol, weed. Glad it was good for your kids!

[Anonymous]

OP I had doctors tell me the opposite, that being medicated in childhood for ADHD reduces the chances of substance abuse in life. Interesting that this study says that it doesn't!