Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 2/11/2010

Question
Dear Dr. Levin,

My boyfriend was diagnosed ADHD as a child, and is now 29 years old. He has not been treated for it in a few years, and I suspect he has other conditions as well (depression and substance abuse).  I want him to go back on some type of medication, but here lies the big problem: I suspect that recently, he has been experimenting with methamphetamine. He is now in jail for several months for theft charges, so I am hoping he is not able to use it there! But my question is, with someone who is so prone to substance abuse, with the possibility of him using meth, would stimulant medication even be a safe option for him? I am guessing it would not be, but I don't know much about this. And obviously, I realize that he needs treatment for his substance abuse problems as well.  Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Maggie

Answer
unfortunately he should never have stopped his treatment. He has currently all the complications of non treatment of ADHD as an adult. When he comes out he should see an expert urgently to restart. Ritalin can curb addiction not foster it provided the treatment is strictly controlled by the doctor. He might also need antidepressants. However this is what the doctor will decide. Your support and encouragement would be important to him. His abuse is caused by neglect of ADHD. Good luck!