Study Highlights Confusing Information Regarding ADHD

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on April 27, 2016 under Addiction Trends, Prescription Drugs | Comments are off for this article

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common mental illness diagnosis for children in the United States. so common that many people do not even consider it abnormal. However, like most potential problems with children, there is plenty of information that parents can research if they suspect or have just learned that their child has ADHD.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has published this type of information for parents, however it has been discovered that the information provided is not only confusing, but contradictory. A study was conducted by researchers in Sweden that examined the type of information that parents receive on the subject. Not only is the information confusing to parents, but making the diagnosis parameters more concise might help to eliminate the increasing amount of ADHD medication available for abuse.

Adderall and Ritalin are the most common medications given to those that suffer from ADHD. They are designed to help with the inability to focus, complete tasks and have healthier relationships. They are also extremely addictive, popularly abused, and often sold to addicts by people with legitimate prescriptions.

“Although ‘ADHD’ is characterized as a floating spectrum of symptoms, it is transformed into a distinct entity that appears clearly defined solely by its name. While it is difficult to define the dividing line between normal and abnormal, the label ‘ADHD’ appears sharp and exact and explanatory in itself,” explained the researchers.

The study specifically states that the wording of the NIMH can confuse parents and make it difficult to determine if a child is actually displaying ADHD symptoms, or if they are just experiencing typical frustrations and assertions that children go through. Misdiagnosis of ADHD is common and can lead to the influx of medications available for non-ADHD users.

Narrowing the definition and making the symptoms clearer is the first step in preventing more ADHD medication abuse. Being able to discern between normal child behavior and true ADHD symptoms is crucial when it comes to properly treating children and adults.

Substance Abuse Issues Get Presidential Candidate’s Attention

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on April 23, 2015 under Addiction Trends, Opiate Abuse, Prescription Drugs | Comments are off for this article

The 2016 race to become the next President of the United States has officially begun with multiple hopefuls announcing their candidacy recently. Hillary Clinton is one of those seeking the office of Commander in Chief. As she began a tour throughout the U.S., she admitted that she was unaware that substance abuse issues were so extreme in the country. She explained that she understood that drug use was a continuing problem throughout the nation, but up until she began meeting with constituents, had no idea that people felt so strongly and that so many people were affected by the drug epidemic in the United States.

“I want to hear from people of New Hampshire what’s on their minds. I have to tell you, before I went to Iowa last week I wasn’t aware of the depth of feeling people had about substance abuse issues, so here again, I heard it in New Hampshire, so I want people to know that I’m listening,” explained Clinton during her stop to New Hampshire. Like other candidates, she will be covering areas that are considered key for primary elections.

Clinton discussed that she wants to see more resources allocated for people to be able to get the treatment they need. There may be more things that can be done to stop the drug problem in our country from escalating to epidemic proportions though. Educating doctors and healthcare providers that prescription narcotics are not the only solution to pain management and helping them understand the signs of drug abuse and drug seeking behavior are all important topics to tackle.

Hillary Clinton went on to say that she wants to make drug abuse and mental health problems a serious focus of her campaign. Will other candidates step up to speak in favor of substance abuse treatment and prevention? They should take some cues from the fact that there are record numbers of overdose-related deaths in our country. Saving lives is way more important than foreign trade or economic issues.