Decrease in Nonmedical Use of ADHD Prescription Drugs Among Teenagers

Recent research from the University of Michigan reveals that nonmedical consumption of prescription ADHD medications among adolescents has significantly declined over the past two decades, despite a rise in the medical use of these drugs. While the medical use of stimulants for ADHD in teens has increased slightly from 2005 to 2023, nonmedical use has decreased more sharply. Specifically, lifetime nonmedical use dropped from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023, whereas medical use remained steady at around 8%.

The study highlights that concerns over an increase in misuse may be overstated, as evidence suggests that while medical use has seen a modest rise, nonmedical use continues to decline. This trend is considered encouraging by experts, as it aligns with overall reductions in the misuse of other prescription drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

Researchers analyzed data from 19 cohorts of students—grades 8, 10, and 12—collected through the Monitoring the Future Study, an annual survey tracking adolescent substance use. The findings indicate that the proportion of teens reporting lifetime nonmedical stimulant use has decreased from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023, while medical use remained largely unchanged.

Experts believe that public health campaigns, cautious prescribing practices, and drug shortages may have contributed to this downward trend. The results offer valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of balancing medical necessity with efforts to prevent misuse.

The comprehensive study underscores a positive shift in adolescent behavior towards prescription stimulants, providing reassurance that efforts to curb misuse are holding up amid increasing awareness and regulation.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-nonmedical-prescription-adhd-drugs-teens.html