1 in 4 U.S. Teens Misuse Prescription Stimulants, New Study Finds
A recent national study reveals that approximately one in four middle and high school students in the United States have misused prescription stimulants meant for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the past year. This alarming trend highlights a significant misuse of these medications among adolescents, raising concerns among health experts and educators.
Why It Matters
The misuse of prescription stimulants can lead to severe health implications, including the potential for stimulant use disorder, anxiety, and psychosis. As these medications become more prevalent among adolescents, understanding their misuse patterns is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and ensuring the health and safety of young individuals.
Key Developments
- One in four teens report nonmedical use of prescription stimulants, marking a troubling trend that spans both middle and high schools.
- The study analyzed data from over 230,000 teens across 3,284 schools, revealing a stark contrast in misuse rates between different institutions.
- Schools with higher numbers of students on ADHD medications saw a 36% increase in instances of stimulant misuse.
- Common sources of misused medications include leftover prescriptions from family members or peers.
- Students who reported using marijuana were four times more likely to misuse ADHD medications.
Full Report
Study Insights
Conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, the recent study is the first of its kind to examine the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants at the national level. Lead author Sean Esteban McCabe emphasized the disparity in misuse across different schools, stating that while some had negligible misuse rates, others reported that over 25% of students had engaged in this behavior. “This study is a major wake-up call,” McCabe noted.
How Misuse Occurs
Nonmedical use of these stimulants can manifest in various ways, from taking higher doses to pairing the medication with alcohol for enhanced effects. Many students reported using these drugs out of stress related to academics, indicating a concerning link between academic pressure and substance misuse.
Demographic and Behavioral Factors
The study found that schools in suburban areas, particularly those with higher populations of students whose parents hold college degrees, reported elevated rates of stimulant misuse. Furthermore, institutions with a significant number of White students and moderate levels of binge drinking also showed higher abuse rates. Notably, teens who recently used marijuana were four times more likely to misuse ADHD medications compared to their non-using peers.
Potential Health Risks
Improper use of stimulant medications carries serious risks, including anxiety, depression, and potential substance use disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warned that misuse could lead to symptoms such as paranoia and irregular heartbeats, particularly when large doses are involved.
Recommendations for Parents
McCabe stressed the importance of addressing this issue without limiting access to necessary medications for children with legitimate ADHD diagnoses. Parents are encouraged to engage with schools regarding the storage and dispensation of medications, educate their children on handling peer pressure regarding drug use, and maintain oversight of their own supply of medications. Promptly addressing any concerns of misuse with a child’s healthcare provider is vital to ensure timely intervention.
Context & Previous Events
This study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data collected between 2005 and 2020 from the Monitoring the Future survey, a long-standing federal survey assessing drug and alcohol use among U.S. secondary school students. The findings are set against a backdrop of rising stimulant prescriptions, which surged by 10% in 2021, coinciding with a nationwide Adderall shortage that has impacted many patients reliant on these medications.
