I would like to know if your experience in being medically treated for ADD/ADHD has helped your addiction problems - drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, sex, etc...?
If you have ADD and did any of these things excessively because you were seeking stimulation (as opposed to other reasons) did the meds help?
If so, what are you using? Thanks for any feedback.

Also, if you are impulsive and restless as well did the meds help prevent relapses?

I don't have/haven't had any full blown addictions but I have used substances recreationally, done a little too much drinking when things weren't going well, and had/have a bit of a sex and destructive relationship thing.

I find that I drink less and have less problems with sex (unhealthy stimulation seeking behavior). I've also gotten myself together to the point that I no longer need the extra stimulation of dramatic unhealthy destructive relationships. And I stay away from drugs entirely because I don't want to chance any interactions with my meds. But I'd pretty much quit all that already before the meds and drugs were never a regular thing for me.

I still enjoy a few beers on the weekends, am not against a fun romp here and there, and wouldn't mind a relationship at some point but I don't feel the need to look to these behaviors for constant stimulation and distraction.

I take Dexedrine IR for my ADHD. I'm also on Lamictal for depression.

Also, I have a good therapist, which I think is KEY. And I attend a support group for my relationship problem, which has unexpectedly helped me in all areas.

Before starting Adderall I was drinking heavily and often from my late teens until recently (I'm 35 now) and smoking lots of weed as well as dabbling in various other intoxicants, but I've only gotten drunk a couple times over the last several months.....kooky...

Oh yeah, I also feel much better :p

Thanks for the replies. I know that I have to overcome my addictions with effort on my part and hopefully that will come with treatment. However, as I learn more about ADD it seems to me that I've been seeking stimulation in unhealthy endeavors and wondered if medicine would help. As I read more on this forum I think it does and so I'm hopeful.

Do you have a specific addiction or addictions or do you just generally seek stimulation through various addictive behaviors?

I have/had addictions to gambling, alcohol, and cannabis - usually doing at least one or another - since I was 15 (I'm now 35). As I've learned about ADD with my recent diagnosis I think most of the time I used cannabis as self medication to stop feeling so restless. When I've stopped smoking pot (periods from a few weeks to up to 6 months) I used alcohol - I guess this was self medicating too, but I also liked to party since my youth, and alcohol didn't become a problem for me until I stopped smoking pot. I've used other drugs recreationally with no addiction problems - cocaine, ecstasy, and GHB, so I think my problems are related to seeking stimulation and the self-medicating angle.

I'm hoping meds will address my restlessness, and impulsiveness in addition to what seems to be my need for stimulation. I also think my addictions are part of my environment + ADD. For instance I don't think I would have had any of these problems if I wasn't introduced to them at an early age. Also, if I fell into a meth crowd instead of a pothead crowd when I was young maybe I'd be a tweaker instead of a stoner. I also think I could have channeled my need for stimulation to something more productive if I was introduced to another stimulus early on - ex. adventure sports, academic pursuits I could get interested in, etc...

Or maybe I'm just kidding myself and I got dealt the addiction gene in addition to the ADHD gene and all this was inevitable.

You sound a lot like me. (Except maybe sex instead of gambling. I've never cared for gambling.)

I wouldn't call any of my experiences "addiction" but I've been dependent on certain things at different points.
I started smoking weed at 14. Was a pretty hardore stoner for a few years because 1)I was around it all the time and 2)it's the only time I felt "normal" and could function. I was really sick at one point and smoking was the only thing that made me feel better. It was also the only thing that would calm my brain enough for me to function.
I've smoked on and off through the years but never quite as hardcore as back then.

I did start drinking more though. It was more readily accessable and acceptable (smoking gets a little complicated when you're around military people a lot).

I've self medicated with smoke or alcohol on and off since 14. And sex since about 16 or 17.

Living around or with a partner kept thing a little more in check, then I moved a couple states away on my own and it was all over but the cryin. Sex, alcohol, and crazy friends were what kept me "sane." Constant stimulation. If it wasn't one thing it was another.
But the closest I've come to actuall addiction would be a couple month period before I moved back home. That was situational though. Baaaaad breakup after a baaaad relationship led to a bit of a breakdown. That was pretty much to avoid stimulation because I couldn't handle anything.

I've tried most all of the harder drugs at some point or another (aside from heroin) but never got much into any of that. Last thing I need is something to jack me up. Lol. I think too much/too fast as it is.


One thing I read the other day that hit home was that for many ADHD people (especially those who aren't diagnosed until later in life), chemical experimentation isn't about "escaping" like most, it more about being better able to deal.


I still smoked until pretty recently. Ok, I might still light up occasionally. But when I'm regulated on my meds, I just don't really feel like it. To the point that I can be around it and decline and not mind at all. That's a new one.

Been mostly keeping myself out of trouble with the sex and relationships as well. I just don't need the drama anymore.

I do love a few beers fairly regularly, but not like I used to and not to escape or deal or to be the only way I can deal with social situations without feeling crazy.


So I think there's hope. :)

Thanks. I believe that's what I was looking for - hope.

I'm really glad to assist with that.
I know that's what I had pretty much lost until I got treatment, and again when I fell off track. (Guess I had to remind myself or prove to myself, yes, the meds work and yes, I need to take them.) And it's key to recovery.

I really was afraid that even if I "got my s*** together" that my compulsive type behaviors would still be a huge issue. Finding that not to be true has been a huge relief. I'm not saying things are perfect but there's surely a light at the end of the tunnel again and the tunnel looks a little less scary. :)

I was drinking more that a bottle of wine every day until I started on my medication... After I started on my meds, I no longer craved wine at all. I have not had a drink in over a year and I don't miss it at all.
Before that time, I would start thinking about what I would drink that night at lunch....
You will receive the peace and control you are seeking. I did.

I have ADHD-PI and anxiety problems. I also have an addictive personality, I tend to latch onto things and then start to look for them on a daily basis, and at a certain point, I stop feeling guilty about the habit and succumb to my impulses. That makes for a longterm habit..

Maybe it's the fact that I'm much more on the inattentive end, or maybe it's that I have such trouble with socializing and anxiety.. but addiction for me is usually more about escapism.

I tend to seek the buzz and the stimulation more than the therapeutic effect for ADD/anxiety. How twisted is that?

Maybe if I could get properly medicated for ADD (not currently on an ADD med), I'd be able to stop the constant sensation seeking? What do you guys think?

No.
......and Yes.

I've only been on adderrall for three and a half years, before that, I was a meth addict...

......for 22 years.

Adderrall did not CURE my addiction,
...............however, if I did'nt have adderall
I'd be more tempted to self medicate with meth.



I'm really tired right now.
....so,this is a re post on it...
and I'll link you to some threads on the subject.



At first, I did'nt know better than to abuse my meds, and I constantly ran out weeks before the refill time.

ADHD forums has really changed how I look at my medication.

..... my adderrall abuse stemmed from 2 things.

1) thinking i could solve my problems by taking another pill

I was used to burying my emotions with a joint, or a line, or a pill
......In the beginning, if I was frazzled, or pressured, I thought another adderrall would
fix me...
.......WRONG.
it made me tired and sweaty.

2) not knowing what I was supposed to feel like on ADD meds

(that is why I came to ADD forums, to find out how I'm supposed to feel)

Because I self medicated with meth, before I knew I was ADHD, I expected adderrall
should feel the same way....
......I have taken up to 9 /30 mlgrm adderall, crushed it, chewed it, and snorted it.
trying to make it meth.
.....................I would'nt suggest it.
I learned the hard way, as usual.
............no matter how many you do or how you do it.....it's not meth.
and it does'nt serve the same purpose.


Now, I give my entire prescription to my 65 year old, psychic, side kick, roomate....
.....she has no intrest in pill taking.........
she gives me the dose daily, because I still don't trust me.
............I know when I give it to her.
I have enough to function for the entire month.

......I'm as dysfunctional off the adderrall as I was on the meth.


addicts on addictive meds, like me, is very hard, but it can be done.

...I have to be responsible enough to admit, I'm an addict, but I'm not functional without
these meds, it gives me the will to live


the prescribed dosage of adderrall improves the quality of my life...
....doing 10/ 30 mgl pills a day.......does'nt.


http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57382

I would not recommend Ritalin


http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49494

SuzzanneX,

I read your thread on Ritalin and found it interesting. I posted in another thread that I don't think I would abuse Dex if prescribed because I kind of tried and didn't do anything for me - granted it was at a low dose. Ritalin, I'm not so sure about. Also, after reading your threads as a former meth addict I'm thinking perhaps abuse potential is different for addicts based on their preferred substances. Here is the post I'm referring to:


I was diagnosed recently and for the first week I was given 7 x 5 mg of Dexedrine. Of course I had to check it out for its potential and I crushed two to snort and ate one. I didn't get high at all I just felt more clear headed and my thoughts slowed down. When I did the rest of them as I was supposed to 1 5 mg pill in the morning after breakfast I felt the therapeutic benefits - even at that low dose.

My addiction history though is alcohol, cannabis, and gambling. I never abused stimulants although I recreationally used ecstasy, cocaine, and GHB without problems. However, I'm not sure if I'm going to get Dexedrine going forward - my shrink is doing her fellowship, and after her supervisor reviewed my case it was suggested that I go on Straterra. I've read up on it and I don't think I want to go that route because of the side effects and it's so bloody expensive.

My point though is I don't think everyone with addiction problems will necessarily abuse stimulants if prescribed. Personally, if I want to get high I'm not going to pop my Dexedrine pills (if I do end up getting a scrip for these ones). I do however wonder if I wouldn't abuse Ritalin. I've heard crushing and snorting these give you a mild coke like high - and that's one of the things I liked about coke. I never liked snorting so much that I was high as a kite - I just liked doing little bumps and getting that mild awake feeling. Anyway, I just want to say in my limited experience with stimulants I don't think abuse potential is there, but for others it may be different.

Meriellyn,

I very much identify with this statement you made and it's pretty much the reason why I started this thread:

I really was afraid that even if I "got my s*** together" that my compulsive type behaviors would still be a huge issue. Finding that not to be true has been a huge relief. I'm not saying things are perfect but there's surely a light at the end of the tunnel again and the tunnel looks a little less scary. :)

Thanks again for the feedback. As I learn more about our condition it seems the meds help to 'normalize' our function, but then it's up to us to move forward in whatever endeavour we pursue - just like normal people.

When I tried Concerta, the best way I could describe the releases during the day was "like involuntarily doing a line of dirty coke." It was awful. I don't respond well to methylphenidate because it makes me feel icky. Was never a big coke fan either (only did it occasionally when I was drinking. On it's own, wouldn't touch the stuff.)
If you do have a liking for coke and end up trying a methylphenidate med, I'd suggest giving Concerta a shot because that way you won't be tempted to crush up IR tablets and snort them.

I very much prefer amphetamines for my ADHD. Having taken both, I honestly feel that, although it carried more stigma from having been abused widely decades ago, Dexedrine carries less risk of abuse than Adderall. Dexedrine doesn't give the peripheral nervous system stimulation, or "body buzz" that Adderall does so I don't see it as being as tempting to abuse at all.

If you're worried about your ability to take amphetamines properly, I'd suggest trying Vyvanse. It's the same active ingredient as Dexedrine (d-amphetamine) but it is a pro-drug and the way it releases by being broken down into the active ingredient + lysine by the intestional tract, rather than being absorbed in the stomach, allows it to be completely inert in its original form. Basically that just means that snorting it won't do jack.

If you do end up with any sort of IR med, the key is remembering: This is for treatment. To help me live better. If I abuse it, I will no longer have that option.
I feel absolutely no desire to abuse my stims, just as I never had any desire to abuse my Xanax (for GAD and PD). I value the theraputic benefits of these medications and would hate to not have them for that. The benefits for me strongly outweigh any "fun" potential of abuse.



SuzanneX-
Kudos on aknowledging your problem and finding a safe way to take your meds properly. Some people just need someone to regulate their access to tempting meds. Doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to take them if they work well at theraputic doses, they just shouldn't be left to their own devices with risky substances.
I think it's great that you found a way around it and that you have a supportive person who can help you out there. :)

Meriellyn,

I very much identify with this statement you made and it's pretty much the reason why I started this thread:

I really was afraid that even if I "got my s*** together" that my compulsive type behaviors would still be a huge issue. Finding that not to be true has been a huge relief. I'm not saying things are perfect but there's surely a light at the end of the tunnel again and the tunnel looks a little less scary. :)

Thanks again for the feedback. As I learn more about our condition it seems the meds help to 'normalize' our function, but then it's up to us to move forward in whatever endeavour we pursue - just like normal people.

Exactly. :)
I thank God regularly for my Dexedrine. Things would be so much harder without it. Things aren't "easy" with it but man does it help give me a leg up on dealing with my ADHD. And that makes me want to do more on my part to get even better. :)
Just as I am so very thankful for my other meds, Lamictal in particular. Nothing has handled my chemical depression like that (without side effects). They can pry that one out of my cold dead hands. I never plan to be without it. It allows me to be more me. To start off at ground level instead of trying to dig myself out of a hole all the time. I still have lows and highs, still have more lows than neurotypical people, I still feel like myself... I just don't lug around the burden of completely irrational depression I can do nothing about.

Both of these meds allow me a more even playing field to put in the legwork just like everyone else has to. There is no "magic pill" to fix everything but there are some that can give you the extra help you need in ways that I just can't manage to do on my own. With that help, I feel like I CAN do what needs to be done to help myself beyond that and function on a decent level. Now I don't need to self medicate the feeling of understimulation and dispair that seemed insurmountable before. :)

hey related very much to this thread, im trying to find the same answer myself, as my addictions have also got outta hand. and like you am looking for an answer/treatment, what i would like to add though ,is, should us people who are trying to get medication admit our addictions to our doctors, or would this sabotage any hope of being prescribed treatment, causing the doctor to assume were addicts and just after meds, i keep pondering on this and wondered if anyone could enlighten ???? all the best to you funksoulbrother. whitestripes x:)

Whitestripes fan,

The jury is out on this one for me. I see my shrink today to see what med I'm going to get. As I said earlier the first time she gave me 5 mg doses of Dexedrine and I responded to those, but her supervisor suggested moving me to Straterra last week because of my substance abuse history. I never picked up the Straterra because I can't afford it - would run me $300-$500 a month - and the side effects I read about are downright scary. I also should mention I went into this first seeking treatment for gambling and substance abuse issues. I'm working with a center specializing in mental health and addiction disorders.

If I did this all over again I still think I would mention my addiction history because it has been and probably will continue to be a problem if I don't get that treated. The problem though is they want to prescribe non-stimulant meds first in cases like ours which may or may not be effective. If they are effective then that's good and no big deal. But, in my case I did get Dexedrine first and it worked, but now they want to put me on non-stims which may also work though I can't afford them and they have nasty side effects. However, I've read generic Wellbutrin is another non-stim alternative that might work and is affordable and if they want me try it instead of stims I'm willing to do so.

My advice to you Whitestripesfan is if you've got loads of cash or insurance it's probably better to admit your addiction problems and get those treated as well as your ADD. They'll probably start you on non-stims like Straterra and if it works then all is good. If not, I'm not sure how doctors feel about prescribing stims to people like us - probably depends on the doctor - afterall, SuzzanneX is an admitted long term meth addict and gets Adderall. Other people are probably better sources for advice than I am right now and hopefully you'll get some responses.

SuzzanneX,

after reading your threads as a former meth addict I'm thinking perhaps abuse potential is different for addicts based on their preferred substances.


ABSOLUTELY! ..If you have a gambling addiction, it won't raise your speed tolerence, or "preset" any pre conconcieved notion of how you are supposed to feel.

My husband is an alcoholic in recovery. He has been in specific treatment with a psiquiatrist for quiet drinking. He is taking a pill called Ethilex.
Next week the doctor will place under his skin a pill to keep him far from alcohol. It is a new pill for alcoholism. A new invention. Check it out in the internet.
He also takes Modiodal, an stimulant, and hopefully will help him with his gambling.
He was first treated for his alcoholism and then for his depression and his ADHD.
He has improved a lot, he is doing great.

If you are looking for a cure for addiction, my understanding it is like adhd no cure just methods and treatments for them. I have noticed that since taking adderall xr 30 mg. I have had no interest in playing comuter games and smoking pot. I have been smoking pot daily (ounce a week for 5+ years) when my last ounce was out 3 days ago. The real difficulty was trying not to make the phone call to resply. So i think when you start to get some meds that are helping with the adhd it can help remove the need to self medicate.

History of both addictions

Computer addiction ( counter-strike,halflife and World or warcrack!)
started playing when i was about 16 and have used them to completly isolate myself over the years.

Pot first exeriance when i was 11 i have the scars to prove it. then was reintroduced in grade 8 and i enjoyed having an excuse for me spacing out. as well as the feeling able to be more patient and slow down the thoughts.

after quiting for 9 months back in nov/07, i started back up and like i never quit was right back at my peak of addiction.

Wish you Luck in your future.

yes add meds have help me get off a four year dextromethorphan addiction opiate addiction partial stop smoking weed and cut down tha ciggys

Before and after meds for me was like night and day.

Before: I would do any drug that I came across, looked for opiates every day and did them about 1/3 of all days in stupidly high dosages by the end, I used to take 12 or more percocet in a day when I couldn't get anything else which is a disgusting amount of acetaminophen to put into your body and I bet my liver is not in pristine condition (understatement of the century), you name it I've taken it.

Immediately after starting meds (adderall xr, &we're talking first day): I don't have any thoughts of doing drugs, not even opiates (!!). It was like a switch was flipped in my brain from one day to the next. I mean, I'm not saying if somebody offered me something free I would definitely turn it down, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I'm even at the point where I consciously know I can get free opiate medication from a condition I have & my insurance, but I don't because I realize now how dangerous that route can be.

It's only been a month since I stopped using pain meds recreationally and I haven't had cravings at all.

I would like to know if your experience in being medically treated for ADD/ADHD has helped your addiction problems - drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, sex, etc...?
If you have ADD and did any of these things excessively because you were seeking stimulation (as opposed to other reasons) did the meds help?
If so, what are you using? Thanks for any feedback.

Also, if you are impulsive and restless as well did the meds help prevent relapses?

For me personally...
NOTHING will ever cure my addictions. I have a daily reprieve and that is it. I chose not to act on addictive behaviors one day at a time. My experience is that I am hard-wired with these addictions and no pills or medication can stop or slow that. I have something within me lusting for drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling etc that cannot be controlled by meds. Sure they can put me on a heavy dose of thorazine and i can shuffle along in life like a zombie. But that isn't living either. I just cannot live without a program of recovery. Some can and do well...and that is great for them, I just cannot. I need AA/NA to keep my mind and spirit focused in the right direction.
Just my thoughts
greg

I would like to know if your experience in being medically treated for ADD/ADHD has helped your addiction problems - drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, sex, etc...?
If you have ADD and did any of these things excessively because you were seeking stimulation (as opposed to other reasons) did the meds help?
If so, what are you using? Thanks for any feedback.



Well, doing something excessively and being addicted are two different things.

I drank and ate a LOT pre-meds. I understand now that that was because those things increase dopamine levels. Once I started Adderall, no more excessiveness. It's even a bit of a challenge to eat enough, and for the most part the idea of drinking is completely uninteresting.

I know one thing for certain:
When I'm taking dexedrine I have no desire to have some weed.

Nothing "cures" addictions,just as nothing "cures" ADHD.

However,there's longitudinal ( long term) data supporting the use of stimulant medication (with ADHD individuals) reducing the risk of a Substance Use Disorder.

The reason given is reduced impulsivity.

tc

mctavish23

(Robert)

I was drinking more that a bottle of wine every day until I started on my medication... After I started on my meds, I no longer craved wine at all. I have not had a drink in over a year and I don't miss it at all.
Before that time, I would start thinking about what I would drink that night at lunch....
You will receive the peace and control you are seeking. I did.
This brought tears to my eyes. You describe me perfectly and I'm going to the dr. tomorrow to get meds in hopes that it will reduce my dependence on the wine. Thanks for giving me hope.