Folks, who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are more likely to take up smoking than the rest of the population. However, a new study from Duke University has shown that children and adults who are treated on a regular basis with ADHD with stimulant medication are least likely to take up the habit of smoking.
Furthermore, it is understood that adults with ADHD are twice as likely to smoke when compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. In addition, adults with ADHD also show signs of smoking at an earlier age than those who don't, which is far from surprising
Smoking is usually a comfort for young people with ADHD, or the ones who are socially awkward. However, good news is on the horizon, as children who are treated for ADHD tend to function better in school, and even in their social life.
"The treatment for ADHD addresses a lot of these things," says lead author Scott Kollins."It helps kids function better academically. It can help, in some cases, kids to function better socially."
Treatments have also been shown to help deal with ADHD symptoms that sufferers try to cope with by depending on nicotine for self-medication. The treatments for ADHD can replace ADHD patients' dependence on smoking on several levels. The study shows that 11 percent of American children ranging from ages 4 to 17 show signs of ADHD. Children with this condition can be very impulsive, show lack of concentration along with other behavioral activities. Of the 11 percent, up to 70 percent show positive changes when given the stimulant medicine and therapy.
These findings are good news for parents who might fear their child might one day turn to smoking. Scientists may not be able to eradicate the problem completely today, but with every study and research, parents can be certain that the day will come where they might never have to worry about their child picking up the smoking habit to ease their pain.
We all know by now how dangerous smoking is, especially for children since their bodies have yet to fully mature. We hope to see more progress in the future where ADHD treatments are concerned.
