ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a prolonged period. Symptoms include distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Clinical experience has shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication, therapy, or counseling to learn coping skills. The purpose of ADHD medication is to lengthen attention span, decrease distraction, and provide more opportunity for effective learning. In recent years, the prescribing of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as an adjunct to the management of ADHD has increased significantly in Australia. Overseas anecdotal evidence indicates that the illicit diversion of ADHD prescription drugs occurs by drug thefts, prescription forgery, "doctor shopping," and illegal sales to others. From the supply perspective, the widespread availability by prescription of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine has the potential to escalate illicit diversion, abuse, and addiction among adolescents. There is little evidence, however, to support the claim that illicit diversion and abuse of ADHD prescription drugs is a major problem in Queensland or that these drugs are catalysts for subsequent amphetamine use. Still, the impact of a "drought" on the amphetamine market could influence how methylphenidate and dexamphetamine are used, especially considering the increase in the legal production and use of these stimulants. Although there is the potential for methylphenidate and dexamphetamine to become the entry-level drugs for a much larger stimulant abuse problem, the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission considers that the illicit diversion and abuse of ADHD prescription drugs currently poses a low crime risk to the Queensland public. 6 footnotes and 25 references