New the right way of treatment

[Cjelias]

I am a 57 year old man who has lived with ADHD all my life but never took care of it. Was very successful at most things but covered symptoms with Alcohol and Drug Use for 30 years, now, due to liver among other health issues (now being resolved) am trying to properly treat my ADHD. Since the drugs and alcohol have stopped completely 8 months ago my mind is clear except for the ADHD and how bad (squrily ) I am........ my wife was on board with the treatment of vyvanse started a few days ago, but thinks it does nothing. I disagree although I am having a tough time adjusting. Need some advice, cant give up. Loving life again Day by Day, but the struggles of the ADHD make it tough.

[GracePV]

Congrats for your 8 months of sobriety, that's wonderful! Many ADHD people self medicate with alcohol or drugs or food or video games.

[SunnyClouds]

Also congrats on your sobriety! I am on vyvanse too. I started on 10 mg and went up to 20. Except for the first couple of days starting each dose I didn’t “feel” like it did anything, but I notice the difference in focus if I don’t take it. I also think of it more as an aid to making and sticking to better habits, rather than a fix on its own. That said, lots of people have to try different medications before they find something that works.

[yogacalmsme]

Wow this has related to me so much, I have just signed up to this group looking to relate and for support. I am 26 and have been battling different addictions of substance use since I was 19, again to suppress the constant noise which I am fighting with in my head. I am currently coming out of one addiction and currently coming up to one month sober, so still very fresh - but now I am working very hard to not fall into another addiction. To do that I need to understand my own head more and how to control and manage it. I am worried as the ADHD waiting list for an assessment is up to a year. So I need to self help as much as possible until then - any tips or advice on this??

[Hominid711 in reply to yogacalmsme]

Groups are great! The more the merrier!! Works for me anyway. Doctors In Distress, British Doctor and Dentist Group, a literature one, several private ones and this one for dipping in and out.

[Hominid711 in reply to yogacalmsme]

Sell something and pay for private assessment

[Hominid711]

You need to up the dose! I did it quite swiftly by 10-20mg every few days. I'm a doc so knew it wouldn't harm me. Now on 60mg daily and much better.

[Hominid711]

And starting psychoanalysis soon 🤓! So excited!! I know I'll be a victim to transference but at least he is good-looking!

[Papa-bear]

I was diagnosed at 59, almost 4 years ago. The meds were only part of my approach—it helped with focus, but it did not address the behavior patterns, internalized shame, and the internal stories I have developed over the years, either caused by ADHD, or by my reactions to my own sensitivity or other’s callousness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped with improving my communication patterns, trauma triggers, and other behaviors associated with my adult ADHD. Many of us diagnosed late have also lived with recurrent depression, and a period of time taking low-dose Wellbutrin has helped me in times of stress and change.