A psychiatrist has rebutted the remarks made by former Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil regarding the Don Spike methamphetamine incident.
On the 28th, a video titled "Responding to the Nonsense that Drug Addiction Starts with ADHD Medication" was released on the YouTube channel 'Brain Experts (hereafter 'Brain Experts').'
Dr. Kim Ji-yong stated, "Recently, a prominent politician has been discussing ADHD medication in a way that reflects some misunderstandings, leading many people to be influenced by these incorrect facts. Therefore, I want to correct these misconceptions."
He continued, "That person mentioned Don Spike, saying, 'He became addicted to ADHD medication and ended up using methamphetamine. This is how parents recommend ADHD medication (drugs) to their children.' This is an unfounded and incorrect statement."
He added, "ADHD medication is not a drug. In fact, patients with well-managed ADHD have a lower risk of drug addiction."
He also stated, "I agree with the statement that 'due to a performance-oriented atmosphere, parents recommend ADHD medication to adolescents.' However, the claim that 'this leads to drug addiction and abuse' is truly incorrect," and criticized, "This goes beyond being unfounded; it is a wrong statement. Unfounded remarks by public figures or influential individuals can have serious impacts on patients."
Previously, former Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil stated on MBC's 'News Today' aired on the 16th, "The increase in drug use among our country's youth is very serious," and added, "The demand and supply of drugs are increasing, and it is easy to commit fraud. The fundamental reason is the societal atmosphere that prioritizes grades."
He further stated, "(ADHD medication) is a drug that doctors prescribe very restrictively for children with significantly reduced attention, yet it is being abused," and said, "Parents unknowingly recommend it, but it contains drug components, and as they continue to take it, they become addicted."
He also mentioned composer Don Spike, who was sentenced to two years in prison for drug use, claiming, "Don Spike also initially became addicted to ADHD medication, and as the dosage increased, he eventually resorted to methamphetamine."
In response, Dr. Kim Ji-yong stated, "If ADHD medication is taken according to the prescribed medical guidelines, the likelihood of leading to drug addiction is very low, and it actually reduces the risk of addiction."
He expressed concern, saying, "Due to the influence of unfounded claims, individuals currently receiving treatment may refuse treatment out of worry or avoid treatment due to stigma. This could lead to parents of children who need treatment missing the critical time for intervention due to anxiety."
He also emphasized, "When children with ADHD grow up without treatment, the likelihood of violent behavior or illegal drug use may increase. However, various studies have shown that children who receive early treatment have a lower risk of drug addiction in adolescence and adulthood."
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
