Why do psychiatrists prescribe stimulants first when treating ADHD

Why dont they prescribe non-stimulants (which are apparently safer first?

Examples of Medications for ADHD
Stimulants: Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and Vyvanse
Non-stimulants: Strattera and Intuniv

I understand that stimulants may be a good business because they are more addictive. But other than money, there must be another reason why psychiatrists prefer to prescribe stimulants over non-stimulants. Psychiatrists can't be that inhuman!

The efficacy of stimulants medications for the treatment of ADHD is far greater than the efficacy of non-stimulant FDA approved medications which are Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release), and Kapvay (clonidine extended-release).

Actually you are somewhat wrong about stimulants being "good business because they are more addictive."

All of the non-stimulant medications are very expensive and drug companies make far more money. A large number of stimulants have gone generic and cost much less than brand name drugs.

Stimulants sold as a generic include Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts extended-release), Desoxyn (methamphetamine), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Dexedrine Spansules (dextroamphetamine sustained-release), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Ritalin SR (methylphenidate sustained-release), and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate).

The three stimulants I most prescribe Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Dexedrine Spansules are all much cheaper than something like Strattera.

In addition although stimulant medications do have the potential for abuse it does not mean that a person is guaranteed to become addicted. Actually people who have a legitimate need to take stimulants rarely become addicted. In addition taking stimulants by mouth rarely leads to addiction. Nearly all stimulant addicts snort, smoke, or inject the drugs. Any half good doctor will evaluate a patient for risks of substance abuse problems, drug seeking behaviours, and will continuously re-evaluate patients taking controlled substances for indications of addiction, abuse, or drug diversion. It is also becoming more common for doctors to have patients sign a controlled substance contract and even undergo random drug tests (to both make sure the patient is taking the medication and is not taking any other unauthorized controlled substances) or potentially to have random pill counts to ensure proper compliance. I personally require patients to sign a controlled substance contract and may require drug tests/pill counts.