How hard is it not to abuse Stimulant Medication?

[Draga]

OK I admit it...when I was on Ridalin....I was an addict and it got so bad to where i used up 60 pills in a week. So i took myself off of it and was put on Adderal(on my doctor's not so infanet wisdom) but it seemed to help me just as much as Ridilin and helped me get through Work and college back to back for two years....but having those long days I would always take more than what I was suppposed to. Even now that I am off both Adderall and Ridilin... I am on something milder(Dexadrine) and now my life is not so rush rush....I still feel the urge to take more than I need. I have tried non stimulants but they helped me not at all. Dexadrine is working great for my thinking and it's helping me alot and so maybe my low selfesteem makes me feel like I need more to keep going.

[Wheel1975]

Not a problem at all.

I "abused" Pepsi for the sugar and caffine to keep me awake, not as a source of water.

The "reason" you used 60 pills, the dosage of each, is important, as well as your experience of the "effect." These are telling issues in addiction.

I do not crave my medication at all. You may be different.

I forget a dose, or two, or three...

i like levels of drug low enough that I miss out on all the side effects.

Different people respond to the same drugs differently.

[Draga]

I think the craving for it that i have is because i have low self esteem and i think I can not be better unless i am on it. If my selfesttem was better i would not crave it soo much I feel like i have to keep on going and I can not stop,.

The person I was before when I took ridalin doesn't really exist cause I find ways to fight temptation. Hope no one thinks less of me being an addict.

[Tara]

Even if you were an addict that doesn't make you any less of a person. We all have our issues.

Just the fact that you are aware that there could be a problem with the medication is a huge step.

Self esttem csn be tricky thing. I have a feeling that getting support from people here who have similar expereriences will help that.

[Wheel1975]

Being in a program can help with self esteem, honesty recognition, and self acceptance, as well as self assurance (security) in what you do or try.

Attraction, not promotion.

AA, NA, Alanon, Etc.

[Draga]

thanks wheel will look into

[Gregster]

I think the definition of "addict" is important here. 60 pills a week does sound like a lot, but the doseage of each pill is important too. Remember that the pills provide more dopamine to your brain, something that it is lacking naturally. The fact that you could stop indicates to me that it may not have been an addiciton. My guess would be that the ritalin was not working as well with your brain chemistry as the dexadrine does. I don't think that dex is "milder" than ritalin - but I have no direct experience with either yet. The dosage for almost any drug needs to be adjusted for the person - you may not be at the correct amount yet. I wouldn't worry too much about addiction. As with any controlled drug your Doctor should be watching your usage, and should notice if your pattern of usage indicates abuse.
I'd leave worry about stimulant addiction to him!
As for AA, NA or other 12 step programs - they will flat out tell you to stop taking anything that has addiction potential, but that is because often a substance abuser will switch from one substance to another. A good therapist on the other hand can help you with your self-esteem, without adding to your guilty feelings or finding it necessary to convince you that you are "powerless to control your addiction, so therefore you must give yourself over to a higher power". I believe 12 step programs have their place, but I'd wait untill your Dr suggests you go.
Best of luck.

[biker]

Mellie,
Just wanted you to know that I do not think anything less of you and like Gregster said it might be an addiction. I am on Strattera and I have taken an extra 20mg on days that I am really tired. I have just added Adderall TR to the mix. I am going to take 80mg of Strattera and 30mg of the Adderall. I found Strattera helped to focus, but I still procrastinated. My doc thought the Adderall would help with the procrastination.
Sorry I got off track.

[waywardclam]

I am a caffeine addict, I know that is not as serious a stimulant, but Dr. Amen detests it... I have taken Hydroxycut when I was in college too, for the ephedra in it (banned now).

It is VERY hard for me to cope without stimulants in my life, at an addictive level or not.

Right now I am addicted to Barq's root beer. Might seem bubble-gummy to some, but it is the only pop that has caffeine in it that does not also have phosphoric acid, which is responsible (along with ADD failure to brush) for huge holes and occasional pains in my back teeth.

[Wheel1975]

Originally posted by Gregster
The dosage for almost any drug needs to be adjusted for the person - you may not be at the correct amount yet. I wouldn't worry too much about addiction. As with any controlled drug your Doctor should be watching your usage, and should notice if your pattern of usage indicates abuse.
I'd leave worry about stimulant addiction to him!

I agree and support the above statements, outlooks and propositions. below, however, is a different matter.

As for AA, NA or other 12 step programs - they will flat out tell you to stop taking anything that has addiction potential, but that is because often a substance abuser will switch from one substance to another.

You will certainly find groups that will do as is stated above. But they are NOT correct, not supported by the tenants of the founders, the program, or good sense. There are groups where appropriate medication of any kind, properly taken is endorsed. In fact, as far as such things go, This later position is the official position published in Conference Approved Literature.

A good therapist on the other hand can help you with your self-esteem, without adding to your guilty feelings or finding it necessary to convince you that you are "powerless to control your addiction, so therefore you must give yourself over to a higher power". I believe 12 step programs have their place, but I'd wait untill your Dr suggests you go.
Best of luck.

It is my personal opinion that this statement and its intended implication are in error in material and significant ways.

"Take what you like, and leave the rest"

is not compatible with convincing anyone of anything, or of proposing anything out of context, either.

If you have any interest in 12 step programs for your addiction I would encourage you to visit some first, yourself. they are "free", none is there to convince you of anything, and if they are, move on.. they have the program wrong. You are not obliged to accept any doctrines, and you are not committed to anything that you may feel is inappropriate or for which you may not feel you are ready.

Finally, it is specifically AGAINST the programs tenants to give medical, or other advice. If anyone does, ignore it.

again, these are my opinions alone. i do not speak officially on behalf of or with any endorsement from any particular or general program what so ever. the opinions expressed are solely those of the person who offered them - mine.

Your millage may vary!

[Draga]

I appreciate the advice everyone i see the point about not having proper dosage the dexadrine is 10mg. and I find they work better when I take 10mg twice a day like prescribed but very close together and sometimes at the same time...and that is it for the day....well...errr sometimes. It's a working progess to fight temptation. As for my doctor is concered, he is the best and I have not really told him of my temptations with dexadrine although I have told him about the ridalin and adderall problems.
I think that could be why he keeping at a lower dose cause he can see I am doing well with it.

[Wheel1975]

depending on your body weight and the particular effectiveness of a specific drug, the right amount may vary considerably.

discuss it with your doctor, your pharmacist, and never ignore your own sense of need for caution, but don't isolate, talk it out with someone else whom you trust.

[Tara]

Actually Strattera is the only ADD med in which the dosage is related to a person's weight.

[biker]

Tara,
Is that for kids on Strattera? I am on Strattera and my doc mentioned nothing about weight. This is the first I have heard of this. Can you let me know.
Thanks,
Jim

[Draga]

I took stratterra for a month and did nothing but make me ill and did absoultly nothing for me. Could the be realted to my weight? My doctor never mentioned that either...but of course with my weight I don't think they would make so high a dosage..hehehe!