What would you say if we told you that 54 per cent of Australians who took part in a recent survey admitted to taking pharmaceutical stimulants, such as ADHD medication, without a prescription? Before you get too concerned, there is a catch.
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW Sydney conducts annual surveys to track drug use trends in Australia. In 2024, they surveyed 740 individuals from major Australian cities who regularly use ecstasy or other illicit stimulants. A key finding from this year’s report is that 54% of respondents admitted to using pharmaceutical stimulants, such as ADHD medications, without a prescription in the past six months.
So, while the number is high – in fact it’s the highest rate recorded since 2007 when the survey first began tracking this trend – it’s at least somewhat understandable because the survey only involves regular stimulant users. However, we should still be concerned. And that concern should flow through to workplaces and workplace drug testing.
A closer look at pharmaceutical stimulants and ADHD medication
In simple terms, pharmaceutical stimulants are a class of drug that increases the activity of the central nervous system. When used as prescribed, they play an important role in helping people lead their best lives possible.
For example, when we look at ADHD, pharmaceutical stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), are commonly prescribed. They are also used to treat narcolepsy. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline to improve focus and manage symptoms of these conditions.
The issue is when these medications are misused. Studies have shown that non-prescribed use of these stimulants is common among students aiming to improve alertness and memory, while others use them recreationally to experiment or experience a high.
This misuse is on the rise. In fact, according to a recent article in The Conversation:
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre survey has noted a large rise in non-prescribed use of pharmaceutical stimulants since monitoring began. In 2007, only 17% of those surveyed used the stimulants, while in 2024 it was 54%.
- The figures were also high in the previous two years: 52% in 2022 and 47% in 2023.
- While the percentage of users is high, frequency is relatively low, which is better news. People surveyed typically used non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants monthly or less frequently.
- In the most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2.1% of the population admitted to taking non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants in the previous year. This is a similar percentage of people who reported use of ecstasy.
What’s the issue with pharmaceutical stimulants?
When used as prescribed, pharmaceutical stimulants including ADHD medication is relatively safe. However, that’s not always the case when people use these stimulants without a prescription. There can be adverse side-effects and potentially overdose and death, particularly with higher doses than those typically prescribed. These risks can increase when pharmaceutical stimulants are used alongside other drugs, including alcohol.
As we also highlighted in a post from earlier this year (see ADHD and workplace drug testing collide) many ADHD medications can sometimes show up in workplace drug testing, as they are essentially amphetamines. Integrity Sampling regularly tests for amphetamines because they can cause serious side effects like paranoia and confusion, posing a significant risk in safety-sensitive workplaces.
Again, it’s worth highlighting that when taken as prescribed, ADHD medications are generally safe, with most people being able to work and drive without issue. It’s the non-prescribed use of the medications that are the main concern. And as we now know, that use is on the rise.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
The use of non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants, such as ADHD medication, appears to be on the rise. Why is this a concern for workplaces and workplace drug testing?
