I was diagnosed
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Join Date: Jul 2022
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I was diagnosed
Hey everyone. So a while back I was diagnosed with adult ADHD. My psychiatrist thought my previous diagnosis with general anxiety was off and I really had ADHD. After doing some heavy research I think she is right. I think it ultimately may have been a huge reason I drink. Like I have mentioned before… it isn’t for fun. My question is has anyone ever struggled with this. I was prescribed medication but never took it out of fear… but I’m starting to rethink that now.
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Originally Posted by Steely 
I'd thoroughly research the drug before I took it AJ.
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Join Date: Sep 2015
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I have adult ADHD, diagnosed about 10 years ago in my 50s. I take medication, in the same way depressed folks often take anti-depressants. But it always a personal thing.
I totally stopped drinking about 7 years ago, and I have a lot of thoughts about the relationship between ADHD and addiction and other forms of shame. I will hit you back, but for now, know you are not alone.
I would suggest Driven to Distraction, but what I found really helpful is 12 steps: A Key to Living with ADHD. (Note that I would purchase the "Key" rather than the Guide, as it is work book and helpful).
I never did the Steps when I stopped drinking and did not go to AA, but I just found this book and think it is great. It is old (like 1996) and you have to pay a bit to get it, but worth it and you can find it Used as well (I paid like 50 at Amazon for a new one).
The main thing to realize is that having ADHD causes a huge amount of shame (as does drinking), and we need to work through all that.
Also, although it is 25 years old, I have read a lot, and for the most part it is not out of date in its concepts.
I highly recommend it.
I totally stopped drinking about 7 years ago, and I have a lot of thoughts about the relationship between ADHD and addiction and other forms of shame. I will hit you back, but for now, know you are not alone.
I would suggest Driven to Distraction, but what I found really helpful is 12 steps: A Key to Living with ADHD. (Note that I would purchase the "Key" rather than the Guide, as it is work book and helpful).
I never did the Steps when I stopped drinking and did not go to AA, but I just found this book and think it is great. It is old (like 1996) and you have to pay a bit to get it, but worth it and you can find it Used as well (I paid like 50 at Amazon for a new one).
The main thing to realize is that having ADHD causes a huge amount of shame (as does drinking), and we need to work through all that.
Also, although it is 25 years old, I have read a lot, and for the most part it is not out of date in its concepts.
I highly recommend it.
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Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 526
Originally Posted by Dropsie
I have adult ADHD, diagnosed about 10 years ago in my 50s. I take medication, in the same way depressed folks often take anti-depressants. But it always a personal thing.
I totally stopped drinking about 7 years ago, and I have a lot of thoughts about the relationship between ADHD and addiction and other forms of shame. I will hit you back, but for now, know you are not alone.
I would suggest Driven to Distraction, but what I found really helpful is 12 steps: A Key to Living with ADHD. (Note that I would purchase the "Key" rather than the Guide, as it is work book and helpful).
I never did the Steps when I stopped drinking and did not go to AA, but I just found this book and think it is great. It is old (like 1996) and you have to pay a bit to get it, but worth it and you can find it Used as well (I paid like 50 at Amazon for a new one).
The main thing to realize is that having ADHD causes a huge amount of shame (as does drinking), and we need to work through all that.
Also, although it is 25 years old, I have read a lot, and for the most part it is not out of date in its concepts.
I highly recommend it.
I totally stopped drinking about 7 years ago, and I have a lot of thoughts about the relationship between ADHD and addiction and other forms of shame. I will hit you back, but for now, know you are not alone.
I would suggest Driven to Distraction, but what I found really helpful is 12 steps: A Key to Living with ADHD. (Note that I would purchase the "Key" rather than the Guide, as it is work book and helpful).
I never did the Steps when I stopped drinking and did not go to AA, but I just found this book and think it is great. It is old (like 1996) and you have to pay a bit to get it, but worth it and you can find it Used as well (I paid like 50 at Amazon for a new one).
The main thing to realize is that having ADHD causes a huge amount of shame (as does drinking), and we need to work through all that.
Also, although it is 25 years old, I have read a lot, and for the most part it is not out of date in its concepts.
I highly recommend it.
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 278
Just be really careful with the medication side of things. Make sure the person who prescribed the medicine for you knows about your past with regards to alcohol and other substances, and make sure they also know about your desire to stay sober.
Some (not all) of the medications prescribed for ADHD can be addictive. Just like this website (SR) is geared primarily for people looking to move past alcohol addiction, there are entire websites and forums for helping people who have found they got themselves into trouble with ADHD medications.
It helps to have a doctor who is literate about the complexities of ADHD and doesn't treat it like a "simple" disorder that "simply" needs stimulants. If you can't choose a doctor who has a wealth of expertise here, then at least make sure you are open with your doctor about your past issues with substances.
Also, speaking as someone who has been there, you may hear yourself thinking something like "well, the medicine is safe because I was legitimately diagnosed, and even more so because I was actually prescribed the medicine by a doctor." At least consider that some part of that maybe the AV talking. (Plenty of people with totally legit pain find their AV doing the happy dance when their doctor gives them totally legit opioids. They can be helpful and harmful at the same time, if you know what I mean.)
I'm not saying anything about you personally here, and I'm not making any statements about whether anyone with ADHD should or should not take medicine. I am just recommending that you have a thorough conversation with your prescriber, so you and they can both look at things from all needed perspectives.
All the best.
Some (not all) of the medications prescribed for ADHD can be addictive. Just like this website (SR) is geared primarily for people looking to move past alcohol addiction, there are entire websites and forums for helping people who have found they got themselves into trouble with ADHD medications.
It helps to have a doctor who is literate about the complexities of ADHD and doesn't treat it like a "simple" disorder that "simply" needs stimulants. If you can't choose a doctor who has a wealth of expertise here, then at least make sure you are open with your doctor about your past issues with substances.
Also, speaking as someone who has been there, you may hear yourself thinking something like "well, the medicine is safe because I was legitimately diagnosed, and even more so because I was actually prescribed the medicine by a doctor." At least consider that some part of that maybe the AV talking. (Plenty of people with totally legit pain find their AV doing the happy dance when their doctor gives them totally legit opioids. They can be helpful and harmful at the same time, if you know what I mean.)
I'm not saying anything about you personally here, and I'm not making any statements about whether anyone with ADHD should or should not take medicine. I am just recommending that you have a thorough conversation with your prescriber, so you and they can both look at things from all needed perspectives.
All the best.
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2,937
There are newer ADHD medications that have a safer profile than the old medications.
Much safer.
In the UK there has been a massive surge in adults being diagnosed with ADHD.
Some patients are in their 70's and are getting a first time diagnosis.
This is because ADHD is/was seen as a a disease that only affected children and that they grew out of it.
This is incorrect as you can identify differences in an ADHD brain and a non ADHD brain.
Those differences are not resolved by becoming an adult.
They are life long.
There are massive misconceptions surrounding adult ADHD.
Speaking to an adult ADHD psychiatric specialist is the right move.
I agree about the concerns of taking medication prescribed a year ago - safer to have a review and express your concerns about safety and your background with drink.
Often patients self medicate with alcohol or drugs to try and control or silence the symptoms of ADHD and unfortunately end up addicted.
Thats well known in the medical community.
Once you take the drugs and drink away, there are other options.
There are lifestyle changes too that can help if you decide medication is not for you.
I hope you manage to see your prescriber again, be tested again or have a medication review.
I wish you the best
Much safer.
In the UK there has been a massive surge in adults being diagnosed with ADHD.
Some patients are in their 70's and are getting a first time diagnosis.
This is because ADHD is/was seen as a a disease that only affected children and that they grew out of it.
This is incorrect as you can identify differences in an ADHD brain and a non ADHD brain.
Those differences are not resolved by becoming an adult.
They are life long.
There are massive misconceptions surrounding adult ADHD.
Speaking to an adult ADHD psychiatric specialist is the right move.
I agree about the concerns of taking medication prescribed a year ago - safer to have a review and express your concerns about safety and your background with drink.
Often patients self medicate with alcohol or drugs to try and control or silence the symptoms of ADHD and unfortunately end up addicted.
Thats well known in the medical community.
Once you take the drugs and drink away, there are other options.
There are lifestyle changes too that can help if you decide medication is not for you.
I hope you manage to see your prescriber again, be tested again or have a medication review.
I wish you the best
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 526
Thank you everyone for your feedback. It’s really appreciated. As far as becoming addicted to substances I never have been. I have a full bottle of Xanax that was prescribed to me for anxiety sitting in my medicine cabinet untouched … I also had surgery and only took the pain meds the first half of day 1 and then switched to advil so those sit in my medicine cabinet. I smoked pot 3 times my whole life and hated the out of control feeling. The reason drinking got ahold of me is it slowed down my brain… I wish my insurance could cover a diagnostic brain scan … that maybe would show for sure the adhd diagnosis… if that even exists? I’m all for taking medicine IF it really is the real deal. I guess I’m just concerned on diagnosis that come from seeing a psychiatrist (there have been 2 that have given me the adhd diagnosis)…. It seems these days there are so many disorders that mimic one another. That is my main fear on taking the adderal. Or even trying it. I’m more like “what if the psychiatrist was wrong and the speed like feeling sends me into a panic attack” vs thinking I would get addicted to it. It is not my AV trying to get some drugs. It’s wanting relief from what I feel caused me to turn to alcohol in the first place. I truly believe I have a very over active brain. What that stems from I don’t know. I do know it interferes with everyday functioning in my life and that I do need help for it. Our insurance systems suck in US and it takes weeks if not months typically to get any type of real help. I don’t want to spend the next 3 years going from dr to dr and spend my only days off work in appts. Just to have different diagnosis given (sorry that’s just a quick rant)… I could have adhd, anxiety or a hormone Imbalance. Those are what I most relate to. I have been diagnosed with adhd as well as anxiety so far … also vertigo. So it gets frustrating. I thought I made take one day (that I don’t have work) to test the adderal out. Like 1/2 of one or something to see how it effects me. For me anyway , and this is just me… I personally am all for medication used correctly. ESP if I struggle with something daily that I genuinely just want to feel normal from. I know someone who has 8 amputations (leading to 8 separate surgeries) that were very painful. They are on pain meds and I see why. I would be too. I guess what I’m saying is for me if I found a medication that calmed my brain but didn’t turn me into a train wreck (like alcohol does) I have no problem taking it. I am in my 40s and I want to live a life worth living. When you are on edge or your brain is overactive (like mine feels all the time) it is impossible to get to a place of peace for more than a short period of time. I’ve tried it all.
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Location: UK
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I understand.
Sometimes my brain races and I wish I could find a dimmer switch for it.
I have an unbelievable memory and I feel assaulted by it most days, especially if I am feeling a bit down.
So many things trigger it - something on the TV, a place, a situation, a photo, an anniversary. I can get really angry if people can't remember the same way as me.
I understand having a bit relief from symptoms so you can enjoy everyday stuff.
It might be this is not a cure, but it takes away some the bad points of your ADHD and makes life more livable.
It might take a few tries of different medications too.
I am also really sensitive to any medication that makes me feel high or out of control since I stopped drinking.
If you feel that way you don't have to continue.
I had high potassium levels a few months ago and I felt drunk. I wouldn't drive, or be alone, or go outside. So straight away I said no more of that medication thanks. I can't function on it.
You will know yourself.
Sometimes my brain races and I wish I could find a dimmer switch for it.
I have an unbelievable memory and I feel assaulted by it most days, especially if I am feeling a bit down.
So many things trigger it - something on the TV, a place, a situation, a photo, an anniversary. I can get really angry if people can't remember the same way as me.
I understand having a bit relief from symptoms so you can enjoy everyday stuff.
It might be this is not a cure, but it takes away some the bad points of your ADHD and makes life more livable.
It might take a few tries of different medications too.
I am also really sensitive to any medication that makes me feel high or out of control since I stopped drinking.
If you feel that way you don't have to continue.
I had high potassium levels a few months ago and I felt drunk. I wouldn't drive, or be alone, or go outside. So straight away I said no more of that medication thanks. I can't function on it.
You will know yourself.
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,438
Hi AJ
Noone can be telling you here to take or not take meds.
That's a conversation between you and your dr/s.
Nevertheless there's been some great shares of experience here
If the prescription was a year ago or more, it stands to reason to go back and get opinions again.
I assuming you've been honest about your alcohol addiction with them too, cos that will probably have a great bearing on what they may or may not prescribe?
D
Noone can be telling you here to take or not take meds.
That's a conversation between you and your dr/s.
Nevertheless there's been some great shares of experience here
If the prescription was a year ago or more, it stands to reason to go back and get opinions again.
I assuming you've been honest about your alcohol addiction with them too, cos that will probably have a great bearing on what they may or may not prescribe?
D
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Originally Posted by Dee74
Hi AJ
If the prescription was a year ago or more, it stands to reason to go back and get opinions again
D
If the prescription was a year ago or more, it stands to reason to go back and get opinions again
D
you might have high blood pressure or blood sugar or something that you didn't have back them.
It' s better to have the doctor give you a check up before you get a (new) prescription.
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Location: Sonoran Desert & Southeast Asia
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I have adult ADHD also, AJ, the inattentive type - only recently diagnosed. I have carried so much guilt and shame over the years, just like Dropsie said, over all the failures to complete things, wasted opportunities, huge procrastination, impulsivity, etc. I have developed techniques to cope over the years that help.. and I will also add that in some respects it can serve us well and I had a few lucrative careers in my life, so there is a certain creativity and focus that can come from it when we latch onto something we really enjoy. That part is key.
But the recent discovery of it, and subsequent awareness THAT THERE IS A CAUSE has been a godsend in relieving so much of the guilt and shame. Like you, I drank to self-medicate and ease the constant shame and frustration, not to get drunk. Never really liked getting drunk but liked my nightly drinks.
Anyway, no meds for me personally - but I do find aerobic exercise and structure helps, plus breaking everything into small tasks, and lots of electronic reminders. Getting some things done daily really helps me, even if they are small things.
And.. enjoy life. You may also have a strong awareness of and appreciation for the beauty in nature. I find most of my peace and spirituality there.
But the recent discovery of it, and subsequent awareness THAT THERE IS A CAUSE has been a godsend in relieving so much of the guilt and shame. Like you, I drank to self-medicate and ease the constant shame and frustration, not to get drunk. Never really liked getting drunk but liked my nightly drinks.
Anyway, no meds for me personally - but I do find aerobic exercise and structure helps, plus breaking everything into small tasks, and lots of electronic reminders. Getting some things done daily really helps me, even if they are small things.
And.. enjoy life. You may also have a strong awareness of and appreciation for the beauty in nature. I find most of my peace and spirituality there.
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Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Mid-Atlantic states
Posts: 993
I agree with Dee and others who have echoed about fully being in tune with your doctor. I had ADHD as a child but mainly outgrew it, but it caused me much, much frustration. I first realized it when I could not take timed exams (like the SAT) without freaking out and didn't do as well as my ability had proven in my studies. That said, I never took medications but it became a non-issue later in life. Research and deal with experts who are not general practitioners. I have a background in psych and multiple degrees, and am an educator. Be informed, be aware, and it sounds like you are doing that.
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3,163
AJ,
Ping me anytime.
The only thing I would add to what others have said is that if you take the medication and it makes you speedy, you either don't have ADHD, the dose is wrong, or you need to try another med.
Take care!
Ping me anytime.
The only thing I would add to what others have said is that if you take the medication and it makes you speedy, you either don't have ADHD, the dose is wrong, or you need to try another med.
Take care!
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 244
As usual, the advice here is great. I feel your pain. I don't have personal experience with ADHD, but I had my first panic attack when I was 13 years old. It took 3 years to even get diagnosed (they assumed it was something physical). Finally diagnosed, I was put on meds that are now not prescribed to anyone under 18 - they made me manic. Then I discovered alcohol, the ultimate cure lol.
Being up front and honest with your medical team is 100% important! I also never abused my antidepressants or the benzos I was prescribed over the years, but it's still important to remember that they are addictive. My team put together the perfect combo for me of therapy, meds, and lifestyle changes. Meds are tricky as we all respond to them differently - communicating with those prescribing them to you is key!
Good luck!
Donnylutz
Being up front and honest with your medical team is 100% important! I also never abused my antidepressants or the benzos I was prescribed over the years, but it's still important to remember that they are addictive. My team put together the perfect combo for me of therapy, meds, and lifestyle changes. Meds are tricky as we all respond to them differently - communicating with those prescribing them to you is key!
Good luck!
Donnylutz
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