I walk into the doctors office, maybe the same doctor I’ve seen since I was young, or another doctor whom happens to be in the building. I sit down and begin to speak. I say, something along the lines of “ I’m trying to deal with what I told is ADHD, and I’m tired of not being able to function like everyone else. To be able to sit down and finish a task within the same amount of time as everyone else, that’s a dream of mine.” The doctor will nod and ask about medications I’ve been on and how I am dealing with things now. Then the doctor will turn to the computer and look through some medications. Suddenly, I’m thrown names like “Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse…etc.” At this point I’ve been on them all. I appear anxious with list of cures, and I pick one. They write out a prescription and I’m out the door. How is that an appropriate way to deal with a patient? How couldn’t they see how uncomfortable I was. I know these drugs are addictive and I know I like what they do for me, but at the same time they scare me. I want to be able to overcome this ADHD without having to throw my body under the bus of long term side effects; extreme cardiovascular problems, increased risk of developing more serious mental health problems, and addiction. Why is this the only solution I am given? Adderall helps me to control my impulsiveness; I don’t eat when I’m not hungry, I don’t get into relationships quickly, and I am able to work without distraction. But, an hour or so after taking the medication I feel as if I need to lay down because my heart feels like it just might jump out of my chest. I want a better a solution, where I can overcome ADHD, not Adderall overcoming me. —S.O.S.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2013.
SMOKE WEED!!!!!!!
i think this is yet another pharmaceutical gimmick. how did people manage befor all these adhd drugs came on the scene. everyone now has adhd. that and orthodics at 400 bucks a pop. another money rip off. evert other person now needs orthodics. what a bunch of bs.
Orthotics are not a rip-off. You know how old people walk around with canes, back braces, and walkers? If they did a little prevention, they might not need those.
smoke weed
regular exercise (daily)
clean up your diet (sugar / dairy / yeast)
Have adhd myself. I only needed it to get through school. If your not aware some antidepressants can also help keep it in check. Like other said exercise and the main thing that helps me keep it in check now that I’m not on meds for it is keeping busy. Good luck with it and hopefully you will find a way to keep it in check. Meds will only do so much for you. Then you need to get creative.
Try doing something that captures your attention. If your doing a meaningless job and have no hobbies that your interested in doesn’t mean you need to be medicated. Some people should try a different walk of life rather then thinking medicine is the answer to their un-fulfilling life. I can’t believe old Woggers made a good point, how did people manage before the rise of a pharmaceutical answer for every problem? Cocaine was originally marketed as a cure all, then the long term effects surfaced.
Thumbs up to lowcoaster! Weed is a much better alternative to the goddamn pills doctors want to hand you by the pound.
The Captain only prescribes one drug…
*cough* *cough*…. whoa. That’s some goood S#@&!
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfe…
Plus have lots of sex as often as you can to keep your energy and stress levels down. You’ll be unbelievably mellow
dr molly prescribes chocolate, and lots of it. eat it, bathe in it and if needed, inject it directly into one’s thighs for immediate effect. a pound of butter greases the journey, much like last tango in paris, but um, slightly different application.
the pharm companies have decided we are easily fooled, and they are prob right. they ‘invent’ a disease and advertise it like mad.
orthotics however are good. and worth the $$. i got mine couple months ago and lard a’mighty it;’s a miracle, she can walk again! had a reckless teenage stage of cross country running. fool. should have learned to smoke dope instead.
Extacy was developed originally as a weight loss pill…
which I guess it kinda is. Them plur-loving poppers are dancing the night away.
Wanna beat adhd?
Take adderall.
the whole bottle in one mouthful.
I applaud you for wanting to find alternative solutions to your ADHD, however, what the heck — why can’t you speak up and say “I’d like to avoid medications — any alternative treatments out there?” I mean you seem pretty on the ball with researching the side effects of ADHD meds….
You have to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Doctors are intelligent people, but they aren’t mind readers! Perhaps research some options and make another appointment and actually speak up!
” that and orthodics at 400 bucks a pop. another money rip off… what a bunch of bs.”
Oh fuck off, Gary. OrthoTics are saving my dad’s ankle/foot, you fucking know-nothing.
PK’s right, OB. ADHD is the sort of disorder that requires its sufferers to take agency for its management.
First, do what every human being should do but too often doesn’t: eat a healthy diet, get in some exercise, get enough sleep. If you’re self-medicating by smoking, drinking or other drugs (including caffeine), stop; at least, make an effort to cut back as far as possible.
One aspect that gets overlooked is that environment is important: a house filled to the brim with stimuli can send an ADHD mind into overdrive. There are professional organizers who specialize in helping with ADHD clients and can come up with storage solutions that will help cut down on the overstimulation whilst satisfying the need to have things close at hand. Some of those solutions can be found on the Internet.
Thirdly, ADHD patients can focus on interests for amazingly long periods of time: gathering mind-blowingly in-depth knowledge on a narrow subject. There is a value in that method of thinking that our current learning and working environments are only beginning to acknowledge. Do not be afraid to embrace what you love or who you are. Adderall will help you in those areas you’re having trouble with – dosage adjustments are inevitable with these drugs – but managing the disorder in other ways can help reduce your dependence on them.
Im on dexetrine, it works great for me.
When the doctor started naming presciptions, I wonder if the OP said I really don’t want to be on meds, what other options do I have….
OP try going to a DNM – Doctor of Natural Medicine. Worth a try.
Your GP will echo what you were told here,if you asked what natural remedies would help you.
You have to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. I remember a few times bringing in medical journal articles with highlighted parts to my doctor. You do what you gotta do and they’re the ones with the prescription pad and referral slips.
And, just as a side note: sometimes you HAVE to be on medication to treat something. Insulin has some pretty shitty side effects (it can kill your kidneys, fuck up your heart, makes you gain weight, makes you tired as FUCK, can cause brain damage if you take too much, which is easy given the sliding scale nature of the treatment), but if I don’t take that shit, I’ll die. I know this is an extreme example and you aren’t going to die if you don’t treat your ADHD with medication, but maybe the ends might have to justify the means.
Also: Boru has a great suggestion with regards to going to see a naturopathic doctor. They tend to be open to more options and are way easier to talk to.
My only “problem”(for want of a better word) with naturopathic doctors is whether theyre using medicine. If they bring up something like homeopathy, run the hell away.
Don’t substitute bullshit for real medicine though.
P
I didn’t realize Feng Shui has a practical use…
I guess it’s been upgraded from malarkey to homeopathic ADHD remedy.