Can children develop an addiction to ADHD medications?

When contemplating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) meds for their kid, many parents wonder if they are addictive.

While persons with ADHD can have addictive personalities and hyper-focused inclinations, a new study shows that the ADHD medications used to treat these symptoms are seldom addictive. There is growing evidence to suggest that correctly controlled stimulant-type ADHD medication doses can help prevent drug misuse and addiction by raising self-esteem and encouraging more reasonable, focused, and considerate conduct.

Stimulant drugs are frequently recommended in conjunction with other forms of therapy and treatments by Child Neurology Consultants of Austin. They have proven to be safe and effective in many young ADHD patients.

What are the effects of ADHD medications?

One of the most frequent and successful kinds of ADHD treatment is stimulant medication, which boosts (or stimulates) dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This has a soothing effect, allowing the brain to focus more clearly, and enabling a youngster to be more productive. Methylphenidate and amphetamine (AMP) are two groups of these drugs frequently administered in prolonged or delayed-release formulations to assist a kid keep consistent attention throughout the day, such as at school.

What distinguishes ADHD meds from other stimulant medications?

Because MPH and AMP drugs for ADHD are slow-release, they do not provide the same ‘high’ or shock to the brain that many other stimulant substances–like coffee, nicotine, or cocaine–provide. With careful dose and monitoring by a board-certified pediatric neurologist and safe administration by parents, these drugs can help most children and teens with ADHD manage their symptoms.

What are the advantages of stimulant medicines for ADHD?

Stimulant medicine provides the following benefits by making it more straightforward for a child’s brain to focus:

• School engagement and performance have improved.
• Increased comfort in social or group situations
• Improved executive function abilities
• Increased self-assurance
• Impulse control is improved.

Many children may grow out of the most severe symptoms of ADHD on their own, and the need for medication will likely decrease as the brain develops.

Child Neurology Consultants provides different materials on ADHD drugs and other successful therapy, such as supplements.