Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be described as a disorder of the brain that causes people to present inattentiveness and hyperactive behavior that affects their development (WebMD). Fortunately, prescription stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall can be taken to improve one’s attention span and behavior. However, speculation has circulated on whether or not these stimulants can become addictive and become gateway drugs to more serious drug abuse problems down the road. Some professionals have also stated that maybe medication is being dispensed to those who don’t even require it at all and doctors are simply estimating the problem when diagnosing people with ADHD. As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD and has been taking stimulant medication for the majority of their life; I can credibly express the necessity of these treatments and the beneficial impact they can have on one’s life. The use of prescription medication during adolescence does not affect drug abuse in adulthood.

Due to the fact that ADHD is not a specific virus or visible mutation on the human body; it can be difficult to diagnosis someone for fitting the specific criteria of the disorder. Psychologist Peter Breggin states, “ The driving force behind the over-diagnosis is a system that is out of control. Teachers want compliant, well-behaved children. Parents eager to see children succeed take them to mental health professionals who are quick to diagnose ADHD and seek drug treatment. Under an insurance system that favors drugs over therapy, ADHD is an easy label to apply to undesired behavior; drugs are a quick fix…”(150). This opinion relates to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s findings, where they concluded that ADHD diagnoses are increasing at 11%  between the ages of 4-17. Some of the reasons for misdiagnosis include not visiting a licensed medical health professional for diagnosis. However, what Breggin is unable to comprehend is what life is really like for a child with ADHD. The inability to focus on a specific task long enough to finish homework or chores, being frequently late and procrastination are obstacles that those who live with ADHD struggle with everyday. To deny someone the option of medication because there could be another therapeutic treatment that may or may not work is simply an act of stupidity. Studies conducted by UCLA researchers demonstrate how medication allows patients to focus on individual tasks and remain in a calm state throughout the day (Miller). 

Caroline Miller presents evidence in her article that supports the notion that taking prescription medication will neither cause one to be more likely or less likely to form an alcohol or substance abuse problem. “We found no association between the use of medication such as Ritalin and future abuse of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine.” This information was concluded from the researchers of UCLA who also detested the claim that by taking medication treatment during one’s childhood they lower the risk of later substance abuse. 

 In general, some of the basic characterisitcs for those who fit the criteria for diagnosis of ADHD include having a difficult time paying attention or having a greater hyperactivity level than other people of the same age. This particular pattern of behavior usually becomes present within the first seven years. Although some people’s ADHD symptoms may improve as they get older, for the majority of the population the disorder will follow them into adulthood. 

There has been various case studies performed over the years in order to try to determine if there is a connection between medication treatment and dug abuse. Stimulants function by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain; which control movement, attention and pleasure. Physicians first start patients off with a low dose of medication in order to get their bodies used to the change in processing, and then they will gradually increase the amount until they reach a therapeutic result. A study conducted at UCLA in 2013, did not find a connection between later substance use for children with ADHD who receieved medication treatment and those who didn’t. The researchers analized fifteen long term studies that included the participation of thousands of children from the ages of eight to twenty. “We found no association between the use of medication such as Ritalin and future abuse of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine” (Miller).  

Since kindergarden, I have been diagnosed with ADHD and have taken prescription medication as treatment. Due to the fact that I was at a very young age when diagnosed, I did not have a say in the type of treatment I would use. However, if I were to go back now and be present on that day I would not change the decision made by my parents. Everyday, I find myself struggling to focus on individual tasks without getting distracted and the amount of mental strength needed to keep myself attentive can sometimes wear myself down. Thus, prescription medication gives myself an extra boost to help me perform to the best of my ability. Although I have known some who chose to not take medication but try therapeutic exercises to control their ADHD. This technique may have kept their hyperactive behavior mellow, but it did not focus their minds to allow them to concentrate on a single task. Also, since concentrating on something individually can easily tire out the brain; stimulant medication gives one a little extra boost of energy to keep them going. Personally, I have not found prescription medication to be addictive but it allows me to process information and perform tasks at a regular rate. 
