ADHD in Children Health Center

ADHD at 6, Alcoholic at 16?

Does ADHD Treatment Cut Alcoholism Risk? continued...

Molina says it's difficult to separate out the effects of ADHD treatment. That's because treatments vary, as does the severity of a child's ADHD. Some studies show that early ADHD treatment protects kids from later substance abuse -- but some don't, she says.

The Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study group is looking at the issue and expects to report new findings this summer, Molina says.

Meanwhile, Molina advises parents to remain involved as their ADHD kids reach adolescence.

"What we now know is that two-thirds of kids with ADHD will still have ADHD in adolescence -- and even more of them may be suffering academically," she says. "Parents and teachers cannot back off because academic performance does play a role in risk for alcohol abuse. So one thing must be to keep them on a good track in school."

That is more easily said than done. But Molina insists that it's worth it.

"When ADHD teens complain that they need more independence, the message to give them is yes, you do need to learn to become independent -- and we will manage that change with you," she says. "It is important for parents, pediatricians, and teachers to monitor not only ADHD symptoms but how well a child is doing in school and how well a child is doing socially."

Parents should also keep an eye on their own drinking. In a separate study, Molina and colleagues find that when their parents' alcohol use creates a stressful family situation, kids with ADHD are particularly likely to self-medicate with alcohol.