Med Page Today issued a report focusing on this new research from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. According to Jennifer Setlik, MD, calls to poison centers regarding the use of ADHD drugs jumped 76 percent between 1998 and 2005.

“The sharp increase, out of proportion to other poison center calls and general poison center use, suggests a rising problem with abuse, teen abuse, and particularly teen ADHD stimulant medication abuse," the researchers said in Med Page Today. "It may be that abuse is rising, or it may be that increased calls are a result of the escalating severity, perhaps reflecting the shift toward amphetamine use."

Part of the increase is blamed on the belief that these drugs are safe to use for anything and at any time because they are prescribed by a physician. Teens will often use these medications to relieve pain and anxiety, to aid sleep and to help them concentrate.

According to researchers, amphetamine exposure rates rose faster than amphetamine sales. Within the ADHD category, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine-related calls experienced a 476 percent increase over the study period. By comparison, prescriptions jumped 133 percent for persons age 13 to 19 years old.

Of those teens that made the calls to the poison centers, 42 percent experienced moderate or major effects. Some eventually experienced death. Researchers did highlight that previous studies had shown prescribing stimulants for ADHD did not lead to drug abuse or addiction. This study suggests other research ignored important variables and that this is a major problem that must be addressed immediately.

Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Professor Daniel Shek said there were 8,916 drug users reported in the first six months of the year, 1.7% more than the same period last year. The number of drug users under 21 years old rose from 2,106 to 2,175. Shek said he is particularly concerned about drug users aged 12 to 15, the number of which has grown 25% from 204 to 256.

The number of newly reported female abusers under 21 increased 19.3% from 409 to 488. There were 47 drug users under 21 found in schools during the first half of the year, exceeding the 46 found for all of last year.

Shek said more young people have been identified because the popular drug ketamine is cheap and more users are willing to turn themselves in. He said there are more female users as it is easy for them to get free drugs, and some have the misconception that they can lose weight by taking amphetamines.

Committee members endorsed the trial scheme on school drug testing in Tai Po at their quarterly meeting today. It was agreed that a consultant will be hired to study the trial, due to start in December. The consultant will suggest long-term anti-drug strategies. A report is expected by August 2010.

Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong said the government is looking to increase sites for community drug rehabilitation. Non-governmental organizations will also soon be invited to express interest in providing the service.