ADHD and substance abuse: 4 therapeutic options for patients with addictions
Current Psychiatry. 2002 November;01(11):58-68
November 1, 2002|Current Psychiatry
Author and Disclosure Information
One-half of adults with ADHD have abused alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or other drugs. Instead of stimulants, antidepressants can treat their ADHD without worsening their addictions.
Related resources
- Arnsten AF. Genetics of childhood disorders (XVIII). ADHD, Part 2: Norepinephrine has a critical modulatory influence on prefrontal cortical function. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000;39:1201-3.
- Ward MF, Wender PH, Reimherr FW. The Wender Utah Rating Scale: An aid in the retrospective diagnosis of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1993;150:885-90.
- Research Report: Prescription Drugs—abuse and addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Drug brand names
- Bupropion • Wellbutrin
- Desipramine • Norpramin
- Methylphenidate • Ritalin, Concerta
- Venlafaxine • Effexor
Disclosure
Dr. Higgins reports that he is on the speakers’ bureaus for Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Co.
