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Should I Be Honest About Past Misuse of Stimulants? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, it is very important to be honest with your doctor about any past ADHD stimulant misuse. This information helps your healthcare provider make safer and more effective decisions about your treatment. While it might feel uncomfortable to talk about, doctors are trained to handle sensitive topics without judgement. 

If you’re seeking treatment for ADHD and have a history of misusing prescription stimulants or other substances, sharing this allows your doctor to consider alternative medications or non-medication options. Being truthful supports better care and helps avoid risks, especially when managing substance concerns ADHD related. 

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How It Helps to Be Honest with Your Doctor 

Openness about ADHD stimulant misuse can strengthen the quality and safety of your treatment plan. 

Builds Trust 

Being upfront shows maturity and allows for a more open doctor-patient relationship, especially around honesty with doctor ADHD discussions. 

Leads to Safer Treatment 

Your doctor might recommend non-stimulant medication or other forms of support to reduce the risk of misuse or dependency. 

Supports Long-Term Success 

Acknowledging the past helps you focus on sustainable, healthy strategies for managing your symptoms moving forward. 

Talking honestly about substance concerns ADHD focused ensures you receive support that matches your history, needs, and goals without compromising your safety. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.