Posted by Angielala on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:39
In reply to Re: Adult ADD and drug abuse, posted by FlintCassidy on December 10, 2003, at 6:02:53
Wow- you just explained a group of three friends.
they were all diagnosed later- because they weren't causing trouble ans such- all the ADD2 symptoms- but later on in their mid 20s everything seemed to be getting worse for them- in different ways. One friend could NOT have a conversation about one subject for more than I'd say on average- 5 minutes. Another was more of could not for the life of her follow a routine, couldn't pay bill son time and such. The third was sort of mixed- it seemed that the older he got (I have watched these three for 4-6 years go through all this) the more aggitated and ADHD he got.
They all ended up on Concerta (ritalin) I can't even tell you the success they each of them has gone through. Two of them had quick respnses and totally felt a difference. They were actualyl calm and steady THINKING- they were amazed with themselves that they could concentrate SO well. My friend that turned more ADHD needed a higher dose- but the improvement in him has been wonderful to watch too. Now they put their energies into some really great things- two of them throw a music festival together and the other has started his own practice in muscle therapy. The biggest thing I could see is that they finally had control over daydreaming. And the weirdest part was that they could all sleep well for the first time... depsite taking a stimulant.
Now I must mention, the ADHD and one of the ADD2 friends were substance users. The drugs ranged from pot, coke, speed, Xanax, crystal meth... it was a large range, as where I live you can get your paws on anything. While I can't say that both of them stopped the pot (they still occassionally have some at a party, but nothing like before) they have not felt the need for anything that they craved before (mostly cocaine). I remember asking one of them if it was because they know they shouldn't, and they answered, "I just never feel the impulse, or the need for it, because I feel good now"
It was great to see three friends battle this with ritalin. I know that not everything works for everybody, but if your doc is mentioning ritalin, think about it. Do some research about it online. Post in http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/ and ask what people what they have gone through with ritalin and going with no meds- see what they say. Once you've heard some true-life experiences, you may feel more comfortable knowing that a large amount of adults have to deal with what you are, and that there is so much hope at the end of the tunnel.
> Squids, I had a childhood much like yours. I never thought anybody experienced the same kind of daydreaming/non-regular-ADD thought pattern as me. I have always been a MAJOR daydreamer. All through school I would become very bored with the subject matter (unless of course it was tech or soemthing similiar) and would begin to space out. I never had a problem sitting still or keeping attention as long as the content was somewhat interesting. I was never officially diagnosed as ADD, but always thought that some part of the disorder might be true for me. At the age of 14 I discovered self-medication, and finally felt happy about myself, until of course the drugs and booze stopped working. I have always been my own worst enemy. I thrive on others validation, but only recently became aware of the exact degree to which this validation drives my daily life. At 16, I joined the ranks of the sober crowd, and remained so until approximately 6 months ago. Since then I have tried every drug I could get my hands on. There have been many good times, and a few VERY BAD times. I don't think this post has been very helpful for you, so I guess what I am saying is that YOUR post has given me some sort of consolation that I am not alone in this crazy world. I am a professional internet programmer and have no desires in destroying my life. I am generally okay these days, and believe that I do not have to become sober again in order to be a successful, well balanced individual. However, I do believe that this other form of ADD, or the low self esteem issue at least, should be given some focus. Thank you for your honesty and desire to help yourself.
poster:Angielala
thread:286932
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20031208/msgs/301250.html