Hi I’m 67-year-old male diagnosed five years ago ADHD and alcoholic in recovery for 11 years.
Has anybody with adult ADHD experienced nothing using Ritalin and switched to try Adderall?
I have not experienced any benefit from Ritalin 40 to 60mg during the past 8 months. My psychiatrist wrote me a new Rx for; Adderall, 10 mg twice a day.
What’s your experience been on Ritalin and switch to Adderall.
I would appreciate your comments!
Thank you all to this wonderful support and community for adult ADHD.
None if you were or have a history of substance abuse no stimulant medications will be good for you it will lead to more addiction.
I think your comment was out of concern... Still, I think the questioner stated that he is in recovery and is working with a qualified healthcare professional, so his choice to pursue medication as one option to address his ADD should be respected. I think he has come here to learn from other people’s experience if they choose to share and not for judgement.
Wasn’t judgmental I was just stating what it says on all research from those medications that I did for 5 months or more all the controlled substance 2 are extremely addictive and have be very very supervised for peeps with history it’s more out of concern because even if he’s in recovery it can damage it on the long term adderall is addictive on the long term as long as he’s on low dose with of course supervised by his neurologist or psychologist it’s fine I’m just saying what it says on the medications guide I got and also on all research your free to do won’t say anything different than what I’ve said.
Yes. Ritalin, Alderall and other stimulants CAN BE addictive IF it is used by those who do NOT require them for conditions that may be treated by their use under the careful supervision of a qualified medical professional. It seems this member IS under such supervision. Therefore, I think he likely is wanting to learn from the experiences of others as PATIENTS so he could consider them and discuss them with his qualified healthcare profession. Perhaps I am mistaken, but that is how I took his post...
Yeah that’s all I was trying to say at first well hopefully, and yeah judging not really my thing I’m more caring but yeah you understood got the point so good have a good day hsouter
I’ve tried Strattera but that didn’t do anything for me the Ridellan didn’t do anything for me so I’m starting on Adderall
Giancarlo97,
Thank you for your reply and I respect your comments. Yes, ADD “ controlled substance” meds can lead to addiction.
I am an alcoholic - in Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step recovery program. I have 11 years sober, an AA home group I attend and a sponsor and a God of my understanding. During this time I have experienced many AA’s share about there alcoholism and (ADHD self diagnosis.)
For this alcoholic in recovery, I have a daily reprieve from alcoholism based on my spiritual connection and Practicing the spiritual 12 steps of AA.
Your response is greatly appreciated
Thanks John
I know this post was 7 months ago but I had to applaud you on your recovery. A lot of the time people have an addiction problem due to undiagnosed ADD. If only they would have known and could have had treatment, their life may have been different. Keep taking it one day at a time my friend. Sincerely, a friend of Bill's.
If taking a stimulant medication for diagnosed ADHD (those who truly have ADHD), it can actually lower rates of substance abuse (including alcoholism). It affects impulsivity and the need to self-medicate.
When I was diagnosed with ADHD, I began taking Adderall IR. Over the course of a couple of months, and I stopped drinking soda and I quit smoking. These were both unintentional (but positive) side effects that came with the medication. Every day I craved these things less and less. I might not be an alcoholic, but I was certainly self-medicating with 6-7 Diet Cokes and 10 cigarettes per day.
Read peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss studies showing that addiction rates are much lower when one takes the proper stimulant medication to help ADHD symptoms.
Just because this person is an alcoholic doesn’t necessarily mean that stimulants are off the table. They could actually help with the alcohol addiction.
Please consult your doctor and make sure he/she knows about any medical history, including alcoholism.