Decline in Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants Among US Adolescents

Strategic Insights -

Despite concerns about increased prescribing of prescription stimulants, nonmedical use of ADHD drugs among adolescents has declined over the past 20 years. According to a University of Michigan study, medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD among adolescents increased slightly between 2005 and 2023, while nonmedical use declined more significantly. This reversal is attributed to public health messaging, prescribing practices, and stimulant shortages, which have contributed to a decline in nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among adolescents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that lifetime use of nonmedical stimulants in 2005 was at 10% and dropped to 6% in 2023, a decline of 40%.
  • Lifetime medical use of prescription stimulants was roughly 8% in both 2005 and 2023, showing a relatively stable trend.
  • The current study found that the lifetime prevalence of medical use was relatively stable, with a modest increase in current use, while nonmedical use decreased significantly.
  • The decline in nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among adolescents is linked to public health messaging, prescribing practices, and stimulant shortages.
  • The study's findings could help clinicians and policymakers to consider population-level trends in medical and nonmedical use patterns when weighing the risks and benefits of prescription stimulants.
  • The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • Co-authors of the study include researchers from the University of Michigan, Texas State University, University of Illinois Chicago, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Statistics:

  • Lifetime use of nonmedical stimulants among US adolescents dropped from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023, a decline of 40% (Source: DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.11260).
  • Lifetime medical use of prescription stimulants remained relatively stable, at around 8% between 2005 and 2023.
  • The study analyzed data from 19 cohorts of 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students in the Monitoring the Future Study (Source: DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.11260).

Sources:

  • Veliz, P., et al. (2025). Trends in Medical and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants Among US Adolescents. Journal of the American Medical Association, 10.1001/jama.2025.11260.
  • Monitoring the Future Study. (2025).
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025).
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025).