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I’ve been taking Adderall since I was in high school. I remember when my mother instructed me to go into the doctor’s office and tell him that I had trouble concentrating. I asked her specifically what to say to our family doctor. I repeated her words, verbatim: “I can’t concentrate. It feels like my mind is racing. I have problems with procrastinating and I can’t complete anything that I begin.” From what I remember, it only took a few sentences and a short questionnaire for my doctor to diagnose my “condition” as being Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Over the past several years the drug most commonly prescribed to treat this condition has been in the news a lot. Adderall has been abused and over prescribed enough to have a large stigma attached to it. It’s frustrating. When people find out I take this drug, they immediately act like I don’t need it, and that I’m lucky to have a prescription. Sometimes they ask me if I have any extra to give (or worse, sell). The answer is always NO.
During my first year in college, I would make the mistake of telling people that I took this medication. There were people who would straight up harass me for Adderall, and it would annoy the hell of me. I no longer tell anyone (unless they’re close friends) that I have a prescription.
My problem with this so-called wonder drug (well, everyone else seems to think that..) is that I majorly regret my mom talking me into seeing my family doctor about ADD. I’m extremely dependent on this drug for my day-to-day function. I won’t call it addiction, simply because I’ve taken very long drug holidays before and I don’t feel as if it’s the correct term to use in my circumstance. People suffering from addiction don’t get the improved function that they need as a result of taking Adderall. I do need it; I just wish I wasn’t so dependent on it.
With drugs like Adderall, you have to constantly increase your dosage in order to get the desired result over a long period of time. When I don’t take it in the morning I’m left feeling extremely groggy and displaced. I hate this. Since TL is such a large community, I’m willing to bet there are a lot of people here who also take Adderall (or Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc) given that Adderall and its generics are so commonly prescribed now. People that abuse these medications don't understand that their beloved study drug is my "crutch." Although metaphorical crutches are typically seen as being negative, I honestly can't think of a better term to describe how I feel about Adderall at times.
If you do take any of these amphetamine based drugs - please - know you’re not alone in your struggle!
 
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Have you sought any medical help regarding this? Maybe a doctor can help ween you off the drug.
(and you can send everything you have left to me)
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On November 04 2011 15:32 Megaliskuu wrote:
Have you sought any medical help regarding this? Maybe a doctor can help ween you off the drug.
(and you can send everything you have left to me)
My problem is that I'm not really interested in being weened off... I just wish I didn't rely on it quite so much. Adderall is both a blessing and a curse.
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I don't think amphetamine prescriptions are even supposed to be indefinite. You are supposed to be stopping or tapering and prehaps having therapy at some point.
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Interesting. What are the side effects of adderall? A drug that helps you study sounds pretty cool.
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On November 04 2011 15:40 infinity2k9 wrote:
I don't think amphetamine prescriptions are even supposed to be indefinite. You are supposed to be stopping or tapering and prehaps having therapy at some point.
Technically, no. In this country, sadly, they are pretty much indefinite.
I can't afford therapy. I can easily say the average American cannot afford it either without proper insurance (which I lack).
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So, I think this is true of a lot of prescription medicines. I've never taken anything for ADHD or anything like that, but certainly it's pretty liberally prescribed. I see a lot of downsides to it, but all in all, it's mostly helpful. Comparatively, there are a lot worse off things you can be taking habitually, such as Vicodin etc.
I can speak to experience on Vicodin as I have a prescription for Migraines and I will say that I really wish there were some other option. It's a shitty medicine, but it's effective at what it's supposed to do. I don't know about the addictive properties of Adderall, but I know that Vicodin is easily one of the most addictive substances on the planet right now, so it's always difficult to decide whether or not I really want to use it to help with my headaches. If I find myself taking it a few days in a row and then stop, the withdrawl is awful.
However, I think the one thing that really separates the two types of drugs is their Legal classification. Vicodin is a schedule 3 drug and doctor's are very leery about prescribing it. I went through a number of tests with my Neurologists and other drugs before we actually went on to try it. Adderall, however, is a schedule 2 drug and is not as heavily regulated by doctors. Like I said, I've no personal experience with the drug, but I know a lot of people who have used it and still use it and the side effects / withdrawl appear to be pretty crappy at times, too. I really feel like they should consider moving it to schedule 3 and treating it similarly as they do other narcotics.
Whoops....sorry, didn't mean to write so much:X
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I wish I didn't rely on food so much.. when I don't eat in the morning I have really low energy and have a hard time thinking about anything else. But food is so delicious.
A blessing and a curse.
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yeah whats the problem here? you have side effects or something? Or are you just angsty about the idea of taking it?
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im tired in the morning and have really low energy and have a hard time thinking when im tired every single day
i took adderall before and its amazing, i churned out a 40 page paper in like 3 or 4 hours
but i also grind through life and its tough as balls to work more than 60 hours a week between jobs and school and side projects, not counting a social life or hobbies
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so you complain about it but you don't want to change anything.. am i missing something? first of all, complaining for no reason has .. well, no reason. so are you sure you don't want to get off that stuff? and secondly, if you don't want off, is it really your plan to spend the rest of your life taking it on a more or less daily basis? sounds like a bad idea.
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On November 04 2011 16:25 sob3k wrote:
yeah whats the problem here? you have side effects or something? Or are you just angsty about the idea of taking it?
The side effects for me include appetite suppression, the ability to stay awake and functional while doing extremely boring shit, and causes me to drink a lot of water.. I have been taking the drug for about 6 years now and have no problems halting my intake for months at a time. I don't have cravings for the drug, nor do i feel a need to take it. Sure, my body requires additional sleep and food for about two days after i cease intake of the medicine, but that is really the only bad part about stopping.
When i started taking the medication i was obese (198 pounds at 5 foot 11), but the drug allowed me to drop 30+ pounds in a very short period of time with no effort. I really don't understand Porcelain's complaint..
I read a recent study indicating adolescents that take ADD meds tend to be more susceptible to addiction later on in life, so maybe i am impacted differently by the drug since I didn't start until I was already an adult. My dosage has never needed to be increased even though my psychiatrist offers to do so every few months. If you want to know anything more specific about the drug just let me know.
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I completely get where you're coming from. The ability to actually focus and get shit done is a good feeling, but you kind of wish that you didn't need to take meds for it. =|
I really hate people who casually consume Adderall for a high or to study better. They don't get that the meds just allow us to be able to focus like they can whenever they feel like it.
The dependence on the meds to be able to do what anyone else can normally do sucks, but at leas it's something. Thanks for writing this, you're not alone either! =D
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On November 04 2011 18:37 ulaw wrote:
I completely get where you're coming from. The ability to actually focus and get shit done is a good feeling, but you kind of wish that you didn't need to take meds for it. =|
I would honestly welcome it. I'm 29 in about a month and I've honestly grown tired of only doing things at the last moment. I am in awe that I managed to be self sufficient with the way I function. I am surprised I was never fired from a job until now but I suppose the fact that I can churn out code at surprising speeds when deadlines burn is one reason. Good thing I've been coding since I was 8.
But I always leave everything for the last moment, anytime I try to get some time management working, be it written or just in my head, it fails, badly. I can't even remember the amount of times I've missed a train cause I was too late packing.
So far I've only found about 4 things I can do for extended periods of time without breaks/starting to feel physically bad. Reading, watching movies, playing games on normal, doing research for random interesting subjects I bump into. Can do any of those for hours and hours (even had 24h+ sessions of reading books) without any breaks but when it comes to reading a document, trying to learn something, after a few minutes I just phase out, if I force myself I start feeling sick.
I have only one issue, I kind of like the way I am outside of work issues, mind racing around, makes for some interesting images. Does that feeling go away? Does the ability to randomly come up with stupid ideas that sometimes pan out diminish due to Aderall? I've always attributed the ability to solve shit, at the last moment, when others that worked a lot harder couldn't, to the way I am, unfocused, but don't know.
Then there's the requirement of actually getting myself to a doctor ... haha.
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This is why I never used adderal two days in a row. Although I did powder and snort it so I guess I'm not the best example. Btw shit tastes like orange/cherry medicine when it drips down your throat. It's gross until you identify the taste with Bull Adrenaline.
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I'm not sure what to say man... From the first part of your story sounds like your mom convinced you that you had ADD, and that the doctor gave it to you with no further consideration.
At any rate, whether or not you really NEED it, I can imagine you've become dependent on the positive effects it has on you. Perhaps psychological counseling and self-motivated therapy and your will to lay off the drug might get you to become less dependent and/or drop it.
If I were in your situation I'd probably start by lowering my standard consumption of it and try to become comfortable with having it less and less.
Good Luck I guess...
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On November 04 2011 18:37 ulaw wrote:
I completely get where you're coming from. The ability to actually focus and get shit done is a good feeling, but you kind of wish that you didn't need to take meds for it. =|
I really hate people who casually consume Adderall for a high or to study better. They don't get that the meds just allow us to be able to focus like they can whenever they feel like it.
The dependence on the meds to be able to do what anyone else can normally do sucks, but at leas it's something. Thanks for writing this, you're not alone either! =D
I knew I wouldn't be alone in feeling this way! Which was why I made a blog about this... I felt the need to vent my frustration to people who could potentially be in my situation. It's far too common. :/
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how can i know if i need adderal/if itd benefit me? ive asked before but i still dont understand . i put my racing thoughts down to things like anxiety & depression. i really wanna try it for like 2 days :s i dont know how id bring it up at a doctors in the UK without fearing that im sounding like a junkie
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I have only one issue, I kind of like the way I am outside of work issues, mind racing around, makes for some interesting images. Does that feeling go away? Does the ability to randomly come up with stupid ideas that sometimes pan out diminish due to Aderall? I've always attributed the ability to solve shit, at the last moment, when others that worked a lot harder couldn't, to the way I am, unfocused, but don't know.
I never felt that it diminished my creative ability. Mostly it just makes me feel like I don't want to kill myself when doing mundane and unchallenging work. I can focus all day on something that I am interested in off of Adderall (interesting material, engaging project, video games), but when it comes to the grind of memorization, I absolutely swear by it.
There are people who need Adderall. I know very few of them unfortunately. Most of what I see is rich kids with helicopter parents using drugs to help their child focus and be successful, regardless of need and health implications.
Am I prescribed Adderall? No. I do have means of getting it that are mutual between me and the other person. I take it about twice a month when I really need to sit down and get something done, but I just can't find a way to get motivated. Many people will say that is drug abuse, but I'm not really concerned about the long-term implications of taking Adderall ~20 times a year. There are people who do far worse.
On November 05 2011 02:08 FFGenerations wrote:
how can i know if i need adderal/if itd benefit me? ive asked before but i still dont understand . i put my racing thoughts down to things like anxiety & depression. i really wanna try it for like 2 days :s i dont know how id bring it up at a doctors in the UK without fearing that im sounding like a junkie
Honesty is the best way. Don't go into your doctor's office saying "Hey I need medicine to make me feel better." Talk to him about your problems. "I have trouble sitting down and doing work" "My lack of energy is causing me to feel depressed".... Don't go in looking for a prescription. Ask for actual help, and see where your doctor wants to go from there.
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On November 04 2011 15:29 Porcelain wrote:
I’ve been taking Adderall since I was in high school. I remember when my mother instructed me to go into the doctor’s office and tell him that I had trouble concentrating. I asked her specifically what to say to our family doctor. I repeated her words, verbatim: “I can’t concentrate. It feels like my mind is racing. I have problems with procrastinating and I can’t complete anything that I begin.” From what I remember, it only took a few sentences and a short questionnaire for my doctor to diagnose my “condition” as being Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Over the past several years the drug most commonly prescribed to treat this condition has been in the news a lot. Adderall has been abused and over prescribed enough to have a large stigma attached to it. It’s frustrating. When people find out I take this drug, they immediately act like I don’t need it, and that I’m lucky to have a prescription. Sometimes they ask me if I have any extra to give (or worse, sell). The answer is always NO.
During my first year in college, I would make the mistake of telling people that I took this medication. There were people who would straight up harass me for Adderall, and it would annoy the hell of me. I no longer tell anyone (unless they’re close friends) that I have a prescription.
My problem with this so-called wonder drug (well, everyone else seems to think that..) is that I majorly regret my mom talking me into seeing my family doctor about ADD. I’m extremely dependent on this drug for my day-to-day function. I won’t call it addiction, simply because I’ve taken very long drug holidays before and I don’t feel as if it’s the correct term to use in my circumstance. People suffering from addiction don’t get the improved function that they need as a result of taking Adderall. I do need it; I just wish I wasn’t so dependent on it.
With drugs like Adderall, you have to constantly increase your dosage in order to get the desired result over a long period of time. When I don’t take it in the morning I’m left feeling extremely groggy and displaced. I hate this. Since TL is such a large community, I’m willing to bet there are a lot of people here who also take Adderall (or Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc) given that Adderall and its generics are so commonly prescribed now. People that abuse these medications don't understand that their beloved study drug is my "crutch." Although metaphorical crutches are typically seen as being negative, I honestly can't think of a better term to describe how I feel about Adderall at times.
If you do take any of these amphetamine based drugs - please - know you’re not alone in your struggle!
I'm glad your worst problem with the drugs you take is that people give you funny looks.
I tried adderall but it either gives me massive headaches after 2 hours or I don't notice any difference. Even if I take enough the effect is rather underwhelming, akin to taking a caffeine pill or two. Also, I drink tons of water anyways so when I'm on adderall I have to drink so much fucking water that I might as well carry around a backpack filled with a dozen water bottles on me at all times, along with some strapped to my arms and legs so I don't forget to drink. Oh and it ironically makes me tired b/c of the headaches, isn't that something ^^? And of course Ritalin makes me want to kill myself lol let's not go there.
The only thing that seems to be wrong with you is your mentality. If it improves the quality of your life then there is no reason for you to not utilize it, correct? Just because it is an incredibly misunderstood and misused drug does not make it of any less use when taken legitimately and for a good purpose. Just think of eyeglasses; you could think of it as a crutch, people like me need to use them just to be 'equal' with others, and some people might think everyone who wears them is either old or a nerd (Said people are probably obsessed with skateboarding, wearing leather jackets and have mullets) but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use them if they do what they are supposed to.
On November 04 2011 23:10 Cr4zyH0r5e wrote:
I'm not sure what to say man... From the first part of your story sounds like your mom convinced you that you had ADD, and that the doctor gave it to you with no further consideration.
At any rate, whether or not you really NEED it, I can imagine you've become dependent on the positive effects it has on you. Perhaps psychological counseling and self-motivated therapy and your will to lay off the drug might get you to become less dependent and/or drop it.
If I were in your situation I'd probably start by lowering my standard consumption of it and try to become comfortable with having it less and less.
Good Luck I guess...
If you don't have ADD or aren't professionally studying it/drugs/etc. then you have absolutely no right to even have an opinion on matters concerning it. This applies to the majority of those on the Internet; just because you have Wikipedia open on one of your times and you are a self-styled psychologist does not give you the authority to make judgement calls or suggestions for someone you don't even know.
On November 05 2011 02:08 FFGenerations wrote:
how can i know if i need adderal/if itd benefit me? ive asked before but i still dont understand . i put my racing thoughts down to things like anxiety & depression. i really wanna try it for like 2 days :s i dont know how id bring it up at a doctors in the UK without fearing that im sounding like a junkie
Go to a doctor and either list out your symptoms or say that you think you might have ADD. He'll either test you or (Preferably, most general practitioners are idiots) send you to someone specializing in ADD stuff and get tested there.
On November 04 2011 15:46 red4ce wrote:
Interesting. What are the side effects of adderall? A drug that helps you study sounds pretty cool.
Wikipedia:
Physical effects of amphetamine can include hyperactivity, dilated pupils, vasoconstriction, blood shot eyes, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, bruxism, headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypotension, fever, diaphoresis, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, aphasia, dizziness, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, arrhythmias, tremors, dry and/or itchy skin, acne, pallor, convulsions, and with chronic and/or high doses, seizure, stroke, coma, heart attack and death can occur.[5][6][7][8][9] There is also significant[weasel words] research which highlights the changes amphetamine produces in the dopaminergic system, even in clinical doses.[citation needed] One possible interpretation is that neurotoxic effects exist even with doses approved for medical use.[10]
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Psychological effects
Psychological effects can include euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, alertness, concentration, energy, self-esteem, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychosomatic disorders, psychomotor agitation, grandiosity, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, paranoia, and with chronic and/or high doses, amphetamine psychosis can occur.[11][12]
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Withdrawal effects
Withdrawal symptoms of amphetamine primarily consist of mental fatigue, mental depression and increased appetite. Symptoms may last for days with occasional use and weeks or months with chronic use, with severity dependent on the length of time and the amount of amphetamine used. Withdrawal symptoms may also include anxiety, agitation, excessive sleep, vivid or lucid dreams, deep REM sleep and suicidal ideation.[13][14][15]
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EPT
