Substance abuse and Mental Health

To whom it may concern,
My recent ex-girlfriend has ADD and GAD. She takes a prescription Methamphetamine for
her ADD and prescription Tranquilizers for her GAD. I am worried about her abusing her medication.
She recently left me last Thursday and I have had a hard time dealing with her leaving on account
that I care for her deeply and am worried about her substance abuse of the drugs that she is supposed
to be taking to help her disorders, but it is evident that she is not taking her medication as she should be.
She is a topless dancer and will get drunk at work. She will then take her prescription for her ADD to use
it's "Speed" to kick out her intoxication. I know that it is bad for her, but when I would confront her, she
would get upset and then get mad at me. She needs help, but won't listen to me. I need to get a doctor's
insight on the effects of this kind of abuse. She also will use the medication to stay up all night, just
"speeding", being happy, and when she finally goes to sleep, she has to take the tranquilizers to get to
sleep. She usually takes two 30 mg pills, and has been known to take more than that to get to sleep.
Once she took 14 pills of, I believe the prescription was dexadrine over a one night period. I am worried,
very concerned for her well being and was wondering if there was anyway for a professional to respond
to me on this issue as I am very worried about her the way she is heading. She also has a 4 year old
daughter and I am concerned for her as well, with her Mother who needs help. If you can help me,
please tell me what the long-term effects are for this kind of abuse. It has already cost my relationship
temporarily until she can figure out whether or not she wants to get back together or not. Also, is there
a better drug for people with ADD and GAD that won't have the seriously negative side effects that the
current prescriptions that she is taking now have? Thank You for your time.

Sincerely,
Jason

[HFHS-M.D.-HG]

Dear Jason,

I can understand your concern about your girl friend. Stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall (adderrall),Cylert were shown to be more effective  in the treatment of ADHD (Attention-deficit Hyperactivity disorder).  Other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants,SSRI,s (Serotonin-specific Reuptake inhibitors), Wellbutrin, clonidine were shown to have some effect in the treatment of this condition. Eventhough stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD they carry the risk of  abuse. Amphetamine(stimulant) abuse can  cause headaches, fever, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, tremor,heart attacks,severe hypertension,Psychotic symptoms and several others

GAD (Generalized Anxiety disorder) can be treated with SSRI,s, Benzodiazepines (carry the risk of abuse with long term side effects such as cognitive deficits, liver problems, depression etc ).A person has to voluntarily agree for substance abuse treatment. People who misuse the medications or illicit drugs  do not usually recognize the problem and so defer to treatment  initially which in turn makes it difficult for family members and friends. You may try talking to your girl friend about this issue and if she agrees accompany her to her next appointment with her psychiatrist for an extensive discussion and for a possible change in treatment plan.  I wish you Good Luck.

Sincerely
HFHS-M.D.