Does Treating ADHD Help Increase Cocaine Abstinence?

It often does, according to a secondary analysis of a treatment study of patients with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cocaine use disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cocaine use disorder are often comorbid. Treatments targeting ADHD might improve cocaine use outcomes by improving executive function and reducing impulsivity. Although most studies of stimulants used for treating ADHD have had negative or mixed results for promoting cocaine abstinence, one study using a robust dosing regimen found that extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (60 or 80 mg) reduced ADHD symptoms and cocaine use in 126 adults with both disorders (JAMA Psychiatry 2015; 72:6). Now, researchers have conducted a secondary analysis of the first 6 weeks to see whether improvement in ADHD symptoms preceded cocaine abstinence.

Twice as many participants improved in their ADHD sympto…

Reviewing Author

Claire Wilcox, MD

Disclosures

EquityMannkind Corporation

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Claire Wilcox, MD

Disclosures

EquityMannkind Corporation

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Does Treating ADHD Help Increase Cocaine Abstinence?

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Reviewing Author