Final answer:
ADHD medications such as amphetamines and methylphenidate have therapeutic benefits that calm patients, despite their potential for abuse. These medications increase neurotransmission in impulse control-related brain areas and are not commonly abused recreationally. However, the risk of stimulant abuse exists because they act on the dopamine system associated with reward and craving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stimulants prescribed for ADHD treatment, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, have therapeutic effects that increase neurotransmitter activity in brain areas associated with impulse control, which paradoxically brings a calming effect to patients.
Despite their potential for abuse, these medications have a well-established therapeutic role. For example, methylphenidate enhances focus, alertness, and decreases impulsivity at therapeutic doses, and is not usually used recreationally due to these effects.
However, when abused, its effects mirror those of amphetamines. Concerns about substance use arise from the fact that stimulants can have abuse liability due to their effects on dopamine neurotransmission, which is often associated with reward and craving.
Studies have highlighted risks with these medications, including risky driving behaviors in youths with ADHD and a correlation between childhood ADHD and later substance abuse. The therapeutic use of stimulants under medical supervision is designed to minimize risks, but the potential for stimulant abuse must be taken into account.