ADD and the Military | ADHD Information

Hey Anon,

I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school but before I had gone in for ADHD testing.  I was in the reserves, so after about a year I went off to college.  I then "tested positive" for ADHD and got on meds.  I started out on dexedrine and went up to a pretty high dose before I switched to something else. 

Anyway, we had drug tests pretty regularly and I never popped on them.  I think that the military drug tests only test for the serious stuff.  Now I'm sure they test for Crystal Meth, which is a pretty strong amphetamine, but I think that the levels of amphetamines in crystal are higher than prescribed meds.  Or maybe these drug tests only look for certain chemical compounds. 

In any event, if at any time they would have mentioned something to me, I would have stood my ground.  I am taking medicine prescribed for my disorder, which incidentally actually greatly increases my productivity.  If they would have told me to get off of them, I would told them give my medical discharge.  Well I dropped to the IRR a while back and was finally honorably discharged last summer.

But if you are getting discharged to and talking about the civilan work force then you have nothing to worry about.  These medications (dex, adderall, stratera, concerta, etc) are all legally prescribed medications.  Thus, you aren't doing anything wrong and should "pop" a drug test.

>>> Lee <<<<

Ok,
So I dont want to reveal details about myself that could be leading to who I am, due to the fact that I am in the US Military.
Here is my story.
Growing up I was diagnosed with ADHD, and was medicated to treat it. I remember from my later years prior to joining that it helped me a lot. Now, when I joined my recruiter told me not to say anything as I had not been on meds for several years. I listened.
So now I am about to soon complete my contract, and be on my way again. Once I reach that point I will seek a Doc and get meds. I am thinking about getting my family Doc to prescribe me Strattera, but I am worried about taking it without being checked up on regularly.
Also, I don't know if Strattera shows positive for drugs on a urine screen.
Looking for support here, thanks everyone.

Please post replies under this thread in the ADD Adult Forum.Anon123438324.0348726852

Anon - I would assume that strattera would show on unine screen, most drugs do.

And the Army are paranoid enough to view employees emails and postings etc.  Just a curiosity and a worry about you.  I dont trust government much

You are amazing to have coped thus far without meds and to complete your contract.  You must be looking forward to the relief of meds for a while.