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Frances Levin, MD, research and clinical psychiatrist,
Columbia University / New York State Psychiatric Institute

TOPIC: ADD and Substance Abuse

The issue of ADD and chemical dependence has been a tough one. Findings vary, but -- compared to others -- a somewhat higher percentage of ADD adults seem to abuse a variety of substances (including nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and marijuana). ADDers who start up with these can have a harder time stopping, as shown by higher dropout rates at rehab centers and more repeat visits.

For those who who seek treatment, the question of which should be dealt with first -- the addiction or the ADD -- has been a hot potato. (In part because the question of why -- is it a matter of defiance? pleasure-seeking? self-medication? -- is still up in the air.) One complication is that the front-line medications used for ADD -- the stimulants -- have themselves been abused.

Despite these obstacles, ADD adults have found ways to quit. On April 7, we'll learn more about this from one of the experts, Dr. Frances Levin.

Dr. Levin earned a medical degree from what is now Weill-Cornell Medical College, and underwent further training at New York Hospital, the University of Maryland, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (also in Maryland). She now works with the Substance Treatment and Research Center -- STARS (www.stars-nyc.org) -- and teaches addiction psychiatry at one of its sponsors, the Columbia medical school.

Dr. Levin has published widely, served on government panels, and led multiple-site research projects; while keeping a private practice in Upper Manhattan.

STARS

Our April speaker, Dr. Frances Levin, was asked so many questions she didn't get a chance to talk about her work at Columbia through the Substance Abuse Treatment and Research Service (www.stars-nyc.org).

She writes: "If anyone is in need of substance-abuse treatment -- at no cost -- they might call 212-923-3031."