Medication Diversion

Medication diversion is a medical and legal concept involving the transfer of a legally prescribed controlled substance from the individual for whom it was prescribed to another person for illicit use. Such activity can range from pills consumed by another family member, to giving a friend a single pill, to selling one’s prescribed pills to others. In particular, college students with ADHD may not be prepared for the social pressures placed on them to share their medication or the adverse legal and academic consequences.

Ongoing and age-appropriate education about handling and taking stimulant medications safely is essential and a necessary component of transition planning.