The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner has just diagnosed a 10-year-old boy with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She advises the mother that stimulants are first-line treatment for ADHD. The mother voices her concerns that her son will become "addicted" to the stimulants and this will cause him to have problems with drugs and alcohol later in life. What is the most appropriate response by the PMHNP?

Choice A reason: While stimulants do not inherently cause addiction, providing reassurance without context does not address evidence that they may reduce later substance abuse. Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect; stimulant treatment is not associated with increased substance use rates. Choice C reason: This is also incorrect; there is no specific increase in alcohol addiction due to stimulant use. Choice D reason: Evidence demonstrates that properly managed stimulant therapy in children with ADHD may reduce the risk of later substance use disorders, making this the most evidence-based and reassuring response.