Posted by squids on December 19, 2003, at 1:46:43
In reply to adderall abuse, posted by 1980Monroe on December 15, 2003, at 10:23:30
I've had quite a history of drug abuse, mostly opiates, coke, and methamphetamine. I recently got clean and found out the probably reason for my addicive behaviour was undiagnosed adult ADD (I'm in my 30s now and was diagnosed last year).
My doctor knows all of this and has put me on ritalin for ADD and klonopin for anxiety. This is supposed to keep me from going back to the hard drugs. Only been taking the mix for a week but I feel more functional than ever and have no desire to return to my old addictions.
My doctor WILl STOP the ritalin if I abuse it, but abuse is a somewhat relative term. Right now he wants me to experiment with my meds to find the right dosing. I'm currently prescribed 5mg focalin (the dexmethylphenidate d-isomer, supposed to be more active) 4 x a day. But he wants me to play with the dose, going higher if I think it might help. To him, abuse is saving up several days worth, crushing them, and snorting them at once. I did try that a couple of times and got all jittery and nervous - not high or euphoric in any way. Now I just stick to the prescription.
If you really have ADD, chances are you won't get high (like normal people do) off the stimulants. If you feel the need to do more than what's prescribed, perhaps you really do need a higher dose for it to be effective. Something that you might want to consider bringing up with the doctor depending on how he views such behavior.
Individuals have different biochemistries and what works for one may not be enough for someone else. I don't think I'd mention abuse though. Maybe try something more tactful like "when I accidently took an extra dose the other day, my ability to concentrate was greatly improved; so maybe my dose needs adjustment"
Just my $.02
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poster:squids
thread:289995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20031208/msgs/291530.html