One thing that I've read in more than one place is that if one has a history of substance abuse and is concerned about using stimulants because of possible abuse potential, concerta is one medication to consider since it's delivered by a time release mechanism, it apparently can't be abused. One psychiatrist mentioned to me that if you try to cut it up and snort it you won't get high but you will get a hell of a lot of pain in the nostrils. Of course you should talk to your doctor or psychiatrist for specific medical advice regarding medication.

Blog Posts on ADD and Addictions

ADHD and Crystal Meth, the missing connection

I've blogged about this in 3 parts on my Adult ADD Strengths blog. Here's one quote

“One third of the subjects (32%) who began using between the ages of 10 and 15 reported doing so because of the calming effect that methamphetamine had on them. These participants were classified using the Wender Utah Rating Scale as having ADHD symptomatology"

1. ADD Crystal Meth connection part one Part Two Part Three

Articles on ADD and Addictions

ADD, Alcoholism and Other Addictions

Wendy Richardson explores how some ADD people self medicate. She's also the author of these 2 books on ADHD and addictions

When Too Much Isn't Enough: Ending the Destructive Cycle of ADHD and Addictive Behavior

When Too Much Isn't Enough: Ending the Destructive Cycle of AD/HD and Addictive Behavior by Wendy Richardson

Attention Deficit Disorder Impulsivity Symptoms and Internet Addiction

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Volume 58 Issue 5 Page 487 - October 2004. Evaluates the relationship between the two.

Children on Methylphenidate Less Likely to Abuse Drugs

Pre-teens who have been treated with methylphenidate may develop an aversion to abusable drugs, according to a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School. The Harvard study also rebuts arguments that treating children with stimulants such as Ritalin, Concerta or other medications containing methylphenidate may lead to later substance abuse.

Deep Cravings

Harvard Magazine. Great article on understanding the process of addiction focused on new understandin of neurochemisty. "...draws a parallel between the hormonal responses caused by cocaine and those associated with thrilling or frightening pursuits like hang-gliding and bungee-cord jumping: "Cocaine triggers major stress hormones like epinephrine [adrenaline], norepinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], and serotonin. These are the same ones that surge up during bungee jumping."

Does Stimulant Therapy of ADHD Beget Later Substance Abuse?

A Meta-analytic Review of the Literature. By the Clinical Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Pediatrics 2003. Conclusion? No. They found it actually reduced the risk of later substance abuse.

Impact of ADHD and Its Treatment on Substance Abuse in Adults

8 page PDF By Timothy E. Wilens, M.D. J Clin Psychiatry 2004;65[suppl 3]:38–45. Discusses the prevalence of ADHD and substance abuse, course of substance use disorders in adults with ADHD, connections between substance use and ADHD, stimulants and substance abuse, treatment of adults with ADHD and substance abuse, ADHD medications, concerns and monitoring.

Long-Acting Stimulants for the Treatment of ADD in Cocaine-Dependant Adults

Ricardo Castaneda, M.D.,Robert Levy, M.D.,Marcos Hardy, M.D., Ph.D.,Manuel Trujillo, M.D. This column offers recommendations about the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among cocaine-dependent adults based on our year-long study of long-acting stimulants in the treatment of patients with these disorders.The lack of phenomenological information about these comorbid disorders hinders diagnostic and treatment efforts by clinicians.

Severity of ADHD in Children Increases Risk of Drug Use in Adolescence

says longitudinal study in The Journal of Abnormal Psychology. Those children with the most severe attention problems in childhood were most at risk for alcohol and marijuana problems and cigarette smoking by their teens. Executive functions associated with inattention and not impulsivity-hyperactivity may be at the root of the progression to substance use.

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