ADHD Med Misuse Plummets Among Young Adults

Misuse of ADHD stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin by young adults has seen a substantial decline. Between 2016 and 2023, the rate of misuse among adults under 30 dropped from 7.5% to 3.7%. Researchers suggest this trend is largely driven by a decrease in Adderall misuse. This reduction coincides with a national ADHD drug shortage that started in 2022, making it difficult for many patients to fill prescriptions.

The review, which synthesized data from 64 studies spanning two decades, noted that while most patients use ADHD medications as prescribed, misuse is common among those with prescriptions or access to others' medications. Stimulants are often misused to enhance concentration, stay awake, or for recreational purposes. Previous studies indicated that a significant percentage of misusers also consume alcohol or other substances concurrently.

Despite the prevalence of misuse, the review found no evidence that prescribed ADHD medication use in adolescence increases the risk of later substance abuse disorders. However, a concerning gap remains, as there is a lack of long-term U.S. studies examining the physical health effects of misusing these powerful stimulants.