Medication

Hi, first off I’m so sorry all of this has happened. I can’t imagine how horrible that must be. While I didn’t have anyone in my family who used drugs or drank, I ended up getting abused and manipulated into being in a really bad social environment when I was in my late teens, surrounded by people who did those things, against my actual will. Things has gotten better since - but I still carry these memories with me. I will tell you my experience with medication in case it can help. I was myself scared of trying it for about 9 years before I eventually did, but to my big relief it was fine, and even good. It has been really helpful for me for managing my daily life, emotions and executive functions, and I ended up with no side effects at all on a low dosage. I am only on 20mg Ritalin extended release but I have no problems going off for a week or more if I feel like a break can be good for me. It does not feel addictive at all to me, no signs of withdrawal unless the dosage has been too strong for me. The worst withdrawal when I got a higher dose was getting too focused on useless things and being extremely tired in the evening, which went away after 2-3 days after reducing my dosage again. If you’re worried about withdrawal I will recommend you to say you want to be careful with your starting dose and go slow in going up in dose, so you figure out what works best for you. The risk of addiction with for example Ritalin is more about taking it differently and/or in higher doses than prescribed. If you know you can and will take it as prescribed, you should be fine. If I had any experience with non stimulants I would tell you, but I have not tried it. It should work slower, over a longer time, instead of in the same day like stimulants. Feel free to ask any questions! (This is also the first day I’m using this app! 😊)

Omg I have two dachshunds of my own. Adorable.

As a recovering addict who is now medicated for my ADHD, I can tell you that being medicated is what keeps me sober and clear-headed. My life was saved by my mental health meds and a doctor who was thorough and listened. It’s important to trust your doctors BUT have a voice too! Express your concerns, let them know when something isn’t working, and be honest at all times. Don’t be afraid to express yourself it is the only way to get better! You got this! Taking your meds as prescribed is not going to turn you into an addict. Quite the opposite! But if you sense you’re straying from the path, speak up and get yourself help and support! I’m here ☺️ I’ve lived this.

In my knowledge, generally it is easier for people with unmedicated ADHD to become addicted to different substances to try to manage their ADHD symptoms, while people who medicate (when it works well for them) gets the help through the medication and therefore doesn't feel the need to self medicate to handle their symptoms.

My uncle was an alcoholic and died in hie 40ies when I was 18. His example never let me get too cozy with alcohol, and I never did drugs. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and I started with medication because I wanted to improve my life in many areas and it made sense. My doctor tried Ritalin first for me, but it had zero effect for me, negative or positive. We switched to Medikinet (Lisdexamphetamine) and it works great for me. To address your concern: it has no effect of a "drug“ in any way. What I mean is no kind of rush or anything of that kind. It just helps me do things that I used to struggle with. Mainly boring tasks that need to be done anyway. I think it is an individual choice for everyone wether you want to take meds or not, but if it’s recommended for you, my suggestion would be to try it with an open mind and see how it works for you. Dr. Daniel Amen has a wonderful analogy for medication for ADHD. If you have bad vision you have glasses to correct your vision, because they help your eyes focus properly. With ADHD you have meditation as a tool to help you brain focus properly. Nothing more or less, just a tool to help you with what you need help with. 🍀

Just wanted to note that it's such a cool dog you are having at this photo

Thank you much appreciated. I am being over cautious, perhaps if I share this with my assessor they might be able to offer something completely different! And yeah she’s a terror though😂 ❤️

Sorry for the early loss of your mom, also 🥺 Must've been very hard for you! But whatever your belief system is, I'm sure she is still here watching over you 🥹❤️

First of all, let me welcome you to the lovely bunch of people we are in this team 😇🤗🥳 I am getting tested for ADHD just tomorrow, and I'm quite nervous too! I have lived 27 years now without having any bigger problems but since mid August I rely on Pharmaceutics for sleep, and also get antidepressants now for about 2 weeks. I am not a fan of pills either, but I decided to give everything a try that might help 😌 So yes, the pills are meant to cure the "imbalance" of neurotransmitting molecules and even if they are "stimulating", they will take your brain chemistry to a "normal" level - as an ADHD person you could do cocaine and probably not be effected as your neurotypical friends (never tried that before, but heard from others). It's very responsible from you to take preventive steps for not getting into addiction but being prescribed meds isn't the same. Also, if you don't want it, your doctor will hopefully find other ways to help! Here in Austria you can always decline the offer of therapy (which form ever) as long as you don't endanger yourself or others 🥰 P.S. Can I pet that dawg, please? 🥹❤️