Posted by Greg on August 4, 2000, at 12:35:50
In reply to Newly diagnosed ADD. Help!!!, posted by lea on August 4, 2000, at 11:38:41
Hi Lea,
This really touched home for me! I am a recovering addict and alcoholic of almost 13 years and I've struggled with the same issue. Is feeling better going against what I've learned in the program? Being taught abstinence is a difficult concept at this time in our lives.
I finally came to the realization that taking meds for depression and anxiety doesn't mean that I'm throwing everything away, it means I want to live. That's what the program teaches us, how to live. I think that taking care of yourself now despite your conflicts about says a lot about you. It means you want a better life, and no one can ever tell you that's wrong.
I'm not at all surprised that you're feeling anxious with the dexies. I still have a hard time undrestanding that type of med therapy. I'm sure it has it's purpose but it seems like it would trigger anxiety. Oh well, Im not a doc, what do I know? I really hope this levels off for you soon. I can imagine it's pretty rough for you. Try to get some food in your stomach even if just some bread or crackers. Not eating is not a good idea.
I hope some of what I said here helped and makes some sense. I'm glad you're here, means I have a new friend!
Have a peaceful day,
Greg> I am the one who posted the thread a couple of weeks ago about Addiction and ADD. I have been a chronic MJ smoker for about 15 yrs. I realize now that I did this to calm myself because I have a severe case of ADD.
> I was completely honest with my Pdoc as you all advised me to do, and she agreed to start me on dexidrine as long as I quit smoking. I am now subject to random drug tests in order to be treated for my ADD.
>
> I am now on 10 mg of dexadrine 3 times a day. I have been at this dose for 4 days. Yesterday I felt a huge amount of anxiety and irratibility. I understand that I shouldnt be experiencing a "speedy" type of buzz from this treatment, however yesterday I did. It has caused me much concern. Is this normal when just starting out? Will this level off. I also think it is related to my lack of appetite and not eating much.
> I think I will have to drink ensure or something.
>
> One other question, As an addict, we are taught in 12 step programs that no substance should make us feel better. I am struggling with whether I am getting a buzz off the medicine, I feel so much better. I am able to focus and actually feel motivated to do the things I have been withdrawn from all these years.
> I am having a problem with feeling good!!!! I feel guilty like I am not supposed to feel this way. How do I differentiate between effectively being treated and the feeling of using a drug to feel better? To me simply feeling better feels like a buzz. Am I supposed to feel this way?
>
> I also take 40mg of paxil and 100 of trazadone of which I had been taking prior to my discover that I am the posted child for adult ADD!!
>
> I do miss the MJ and have smoked a couple of times since the meds started. I realize now that it is very bad for me to smoke since it seems to make the ADD symptoms much worse.
>
> I am sooo happy I found this site and thanks to all of you wonderful people for your great help.
poster:Greg
thread:42157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42158.html