Pharmaceutical Stimulant Use Reaches Record High Among Unprescribed Users

Strategic Insights -

A recent national drug trend report has found the use of pharmaceutical stimulants by individuals who haven't been prescribed them has reached its highest recorded level, with 54% of a sample of 740 people reporting non-prescribed use of stimulants like dexamphetamine and methamphetamine. The report, released by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, suggests that the increasing recognition and diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the subsequent increase in prescribing of ADHD medications may contribute to the diversion of these drugs into the illicit market.

Key Takeaways:

  • The use of pharmaceutical stimulants by individuals who haven't been prescribed them has reached its highest recorded level, with 54% of 740 people reporting non-prescribed use.
  • The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre's report found that the use of non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants, such as dexamphetamine and methamphetamine, is a significant issue among individuals who regularly use ecstasy or other stimulants.
  • The lead researcher of the report, Dr. Rachel Sutherland, noted that the reasons for non-prescribed use are varied, including the use of stimulants to help study, focus, self-medicate, and experience an energy boost or high.
  • Dr. Michael Kohn, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Western Sydney and a former chair of ADHD Australia, emphasized that the report's findings only apply to a select population and are not generalizable to the general community.
  • The report's findings suggest that the increasing recognition and diagnosis of ADHD and the subsequent increase in prescribing of ADHD medications may contribute to the diversion of these drugs into the illicit market.

Statistics:

  • 54% of 740 people reported non-prescribed use of pharmaceutical stimulants, such as dexamphetamine and methamphetamine.
  • The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has been conducting research on drug trends since 1998, making this the highest recorded level of non-prescribed use.
  • 740 people were interviewed for the report, which is designed to identify trends but is not representative of the Australian population.

Sources:

  • "A National Drug Trend Report" by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
  • Interview with Dr. Rachel Sutherland, lead researcher of the report
  • Interview with Dr. Michael Kohn, professor of pediatrics at the University of Western Sydney and former chair of ADHD Australia.