Adderall & Addiction | ADHD Information

Hello all,
I have a feeling my situation isn't all that uncommon considering the affects of adderall but I may be wrong. I began taking ritalin for ADD when I was in the 3rd grade and then stopped taking medication after 8th grade. My junior year of high school I requested medication for my problem with ADD again and my doctor(the same as before) prescribed me adderall saying it was the best med he could offer. I saw an immediate improvement and for the first time in high school my grades were awesome. I went from grades of c or d's to a's & b's in college prep classes. Some where along the line I became addicted and was taking more and more to get the affects and do even better in classes. It was an obsession. When I went to college it was soon out of control and I was staying up 2 days at a time. It took a year until my doctor realized he was giving me too much meds and that I was taking them way faster then I should have been. In fact it wasn't him that realized... my dad had to call the doctor and tell him that he was aware that there was a problem seeing as I came home that summer 30 lbs less and with the same habits. Going back to school now I have found it IMPOSSIBLE to get work done or even complete simple reading assignments. I know I can't take adderall again because I have seen what it does to me and now I wonder... can I take any of these other stimulants or will I have the same problem? I have taken strattera and it doesn't work(btw). Does ritalin have the same affects or will it not put me back on that course?

Unfortunately for you, ritalin is also a stimulant and addiction would be a huge concern. After a person has had previous addictions to stimulants, most, if not all, physicians will refuse to prescribe any such drugs. Some people find that changes in diet/exercise, herbal remedies, anti-depressants, etc. help them alleviate some of their symptoms. I highly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor.

Best of luck!

 there's always stratterrra... and I'd suggust you check out an NA meeting. Addiction never really goes away  it's either active or inactive. Pickles cant  become cucumbers  after becoming pickles even if you take the vinegar away. GL, sorry for your troubles  I hope  you  find the help you need. Your post is why I wonder why DR's START  with Adderal  rather than try it if RITALIN doesn't work. ADDERAL is a stronger drug and hell, it sounded like you had a history of ritalin working