how did you feel on the Adderall? what made you decide to come off it?
ask your Dr. about what part of the meth you got addicted to ---
if part of meth worked for you, then perhaps you need to find a stimulant that has similar chemical properties but without the 'high' and other addictive elements that are present within meth. as i understand it, adderall etc. have the psychotropic elements that are present in speed, meth, cocaine in them but with the co-existing negative addictive properties removed or ironed out.
however it does seem to me that you have an 'addictive personality-type' this might be just a result of ADD but if i were you, i would consider a LOT of counseling and CBT to go along with taking the medication --- or even perhaps consider counseling before going on medication to help deal with some of your addiction problems and fears. good luck.
The Doc that diagnosed me is associated with the Amen Clinic. Before becoming an expert on ADD he was an expert on Bi Polar. He lectures freqently.
He told me that my addiction to Meth was self medication. When I took Meth I would be able to consentrate on things I would never have had the patience to work on before. I honestly felt like it made me smarter. My history in school was that I was considered bright but an under acheiver. Always being asked to stop talking in class.
I'm now seeing another psychiatrist because the original Doc doesn't accept my insurance.
My father just died a few weeks ago after a life time of prescription drug and alcohol abuse at the age of 67. I sent him the Amen online questionare because after I got diagonosed I felt like he may also have ADD. He wrote me back and the results were postive. If only he had known sooner he might not have destroyed himself the way he did. I am very much like him, so that is why I'm trying to figure this all out.
Hi all,
I think I posted on the wrong board so I cut and pasted here. Maybe I'll get a response here.
Here's my story: I'm 41 now, started abusing alcohol since I was 15, switched to Meth when I was 24, no booze, for 2 years. Quit Meth, back to booze, then at 28 quit booze, cigs and all other vises. Eight year later, back on booze off and on. Finally got diganosed with ADD, the I can't read, focus or remember stuff cuz my mind races. Tried Adderall XR, Concerta, reg Adderall, and am now on Ritalin. All very small doses. I usually quit the meds after about a week because I don't like the way they make me feel, edgy, anti social, and just all around not myself. Is this normal and it will wear off after a while? Should I just stick with the meds for....how long before I stop?
Plus I also have a HUGE fear of addiction. I seriously was addicted to Meth and never what to be a slave to drugs again. Earlier this year I had to break my addiction to Ambien and I was only on it for 5 months. I think I psyc myself into addiction. I'm currently off the booze and am hoping the ADD meds will keep me from being bored and help me focus.
Thanks
What kind of doctor diagnosed you with ADHD? Do you think it might be something else, perhaps a mood disorder? Two red flags come screaming out of your post -- alcoholism and your edgy reaction to small doses of stimulants. Alcoholism in combination with bipolar disorder is quite common. And anytime someone reacts in an idiosyncratic way to a stimulant, a dx of bipolar should be considered. I strongly encourage you to go for a second opinion, preferably by a good psychiatrist who treats patients with bipolar disorder.