Why do people with ADHD who need stimulants get prescribed a safe version of amphetamines instead of a safe version of something like cocaine?

Question

There are so many kinds of chemical stimulants why are amphetamines the thing ADHD patients need?

In: 553

Answer 1

I typed this out and realized this might not be the answer you are looking for, but here is the ELI5 for why we use stimulants to treat ADD/ADHD:

Low dose amphetamines are used to target the brain’s executive functioning. The executive function of the brain is essentially the part of the brain that tells you *what* to think about. Executive functions of the brain is how we switch from one task to another and how we stay focused.

Imagine your brain is a classroom. The executive function is the teacher, making sure the kids (other mental processes) are doing their work and staying on track. In a brain with ADD/ADHD, the teacher is asleep at their desk. The rest of the kids are still active, but they are disorganized and not as productive because of it. The medication prescribed acts as a cup of coffee for the teacher so they can better keep things focused and organized.