A Child Psychiatrist Schools Me on ADHD Meds in the Treatment of Addiction
A Child Psychiatrist Schools Me on ADHD Meds in the Treatment of Addiction

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Dr. Casey Grover and Dr. Justin Mohatt discuss the role of ADHD medications in treating stimulant addiction, highlighting the importance of patient history and medication choices.

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49:49•2 Dec 2024

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About this podcast

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Casey Grover, MD, FACEP

A practical and evidence-based podcast on how to think about, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders in the Emergency Department and Acute Care. Why? One American dies every 6 minutes from a drug overdose, and one American dies every 5 minutes from excessive alcohol use. As many as 64% of adult Emergency Department (ED) patients meet criteria for problematic substance use. Patients with untreated substance use are 81% more likely to require admission when they come to the ED. We need to learn more and do better in treating substance use in the acute care setting.

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Episodes: 174

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ADHD Meds in Addiction Treatment: Insights from a Child Psychiatrist

Episode Overview

ADHD medications can be effective in treating stimulant addiction.
Understanding a patient's history is crucial for accurate ADHD diagnosis.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are less addictive and can be used immediately.
Stimulants should be considered when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Untreated ADHD can lead to self-medication with substances like methamphetamine.

“If the risks don't outweigh the benefits, you should use stimulants to treat ADHD in patients with stimulant use disorder”

Ever wondered how ADHD medications can play a role in addiction treatment? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Made Easy' is a must-listen as Dr. Casey Grover chats with Dr. Justin Mohatt, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, about using ADHD meds to combat stimulant addiction. Dr. Mohatt sheds light on various medications like guanfacine, clonidine, and atomoxetine, explaining their potential benefits in treating adults with ADHD and substance use disorders.

The conversation dives into the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in adults and the importance of understanding a patient's history. They discuss how untreated ADHD can lead to self-medication with substances like methamphetamine and explore the pros and cons of stimulant versus non-stimulant medications in these cases. Dr. Grover and Dr. Mohatt also touch on the importance of taking a detailed history to differentiate ADHD from other conditions like anxiety and depression.

The episode is packed with practical advice and insights, making it a valuable resource for healthcare providers and anyone interested in addiction medicine. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that could change the way you think about ADHD and addiction treatment.

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