Sharing ADHD Medication
With a rise in kids taking ADHD medication also comes an increase in illegal possession and distribution of those prescriptions when kids start sharing their medicine with friends.
Increase in prescriptions
According to the Center for Disease Control, “approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011.” They also note that each year there is an increase of kids needing medication to treat their ADHD symptoms. While the medication can be beneficial to those who need it, it should never be shared with others.
Stimulants
The types of medications to help treat symptoms of those suffering from ADHD are typically amphetamine stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall. ADHD medication can make kids feel jittery and can also create sleep problems like insomnia. Kids who do not have a valid prescription for ADHD medication may want to take the prescriptions illegally because they can produce a similar high as other amphetamine “uppers”.
Monitored by a doctor
Sharing ADHD medication with friends is extremely dangerous. Those who are taking ADHD medication under a doctor’s care are monitored closely for signs of serious side effects such as heart problems or depression. When a prescription is shared with a friend, that friend may develop chest pain, seizures, or other serious or life threatening complications and not have the information they need for medical care.
Sharing ADHD medication is against the law
Even if no side effects are noted, sharing ADHD medication can carry criminal penalties for both the person sharing the pills and also for the person taking them illegally. Most ADHD medications are a schedule II, classified in the same category with other dangerous drugs such as cocaine. Sharing, known as distribution even if no money is exchanged, is a 2nd degree felony and can result in one to fifteen years in prison. Before sharing prescriptions with a friend, be aware of the health and criminal consequences. For more information on charges related to sharing prescription drugs, contact a juvenile criminal defense attorney.
