i have always had a very strong addictive nature to everything. Addiction goes way back on both sides of the family. I can easily get addicted to anything and I do! To be honest I am sick of it and really want to change, however I just dont know how to do it!
Since my life spiralled even deeper over the last 12 months, I finally sought help from docs/psychs - mainly for depression, anger & mood swings. I have just been diagnosed with ADHD. This explains some of my traits - those traits that I am ashamed about!

I seem to go OK for a while and then something happens in life, big or small and BANG! im back into abusing/binging what ever is available at that time! I have regular sessions with the psych who I am totally open with - he is helping but I have come to realise that the help has to come within!

All the advice about kicking the cycle, getting on top of things just seem crap to me - they mean **** when you have that internal urge that just takes over! I've tried a lot of methods - even some weird hippy hypnosis mumbo jumbo! all a waste of time...

I need to hear from peeps that have actually done it - actually succeeded.....how do you do it?

Due to my substance abuse the psych first started me on strattera - great for the mood swings but the side effects were bad! So i stopped them. He wants to try me on stims, however I need to go through a process to give the authorities assurance that I wont abuse them!!!!! HAHA! I cant even give myself that assurance........but hell! I honestly want to take control of my ADHD and if it works then fantastic! Im in two minds whether to try and trust myself......

it's all doing my head in...

R2-

Do you live with anyone or otherwise have anyone that could dispense the stims to you? That works very well for some folks who've had addiction issues. Also - you may find that when your ADHD is effectively treated, your overwhelming urges and cravings diminish. For REAL!!! It's been documented to have happened for some people.

Actually - you are doing well in that you not only RECOGNIZE that SOMETHING about your life ain't workin' for ya but you also know WHAT that something is (your ADDICT tendencies). If you can find someone to manage your stim prescription and only dispense to you the amt prescribed - well, it seems you'll have nothing to lose. And again - ADHD INCLUDES impulsive behaviors - such as addictions. So you may find your dilemma seriously aided by medication treatment for ADHD.

Make sense?


All the best,
Sue

A lot of mental health clinics have services available to dispense medications like that initially for people with substance abuse issues (like up to a year or so, usually all that is necessary, if you adapt to taking it daily you will become used to that method)

re: Impulsivity affecting safe pill-taking

I can see how ADD's impulsivity could make someone take too much.

e.g. "I took one pill, and waited 10 minutes. It's not working! *takes another pill*



In some OD situations, a person has taken a sleeping pill or two, and then forgets that they have already taken a dose (consider the amnesia from the pills can be like alcohol or benzos) and then they take ANOTHER pill or TWO (or more, if their thinking is really impaired).

cheers for the input guys!

still waiting on approval of stim meds - meanwhile I continue to self medicate :(

it's a merry-go-round!!!!

I just fear, that once you feel something as good as Adderall.. how you will ever go back..:(

I just fear, that once you feel something as good as Adderall.. how you will ever go back..:(

Well, you have to accept that its physically IMPOSSIBLE to feel that good when sober.