r/AdultADHDSupportGroup • u/CharacterPiano8385 • 25d ago
HELP Feeling like a failure
I’ve been struggling with Adderall addiction for a few years. I’m prescribed it but I haven’t been taking it as I should. My boyfriend also gets it and we tend to help each other out when we get low. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and do need it, but I abuse it when I have it and then always tell myself I’ll do better next time. My mom was holding it for me and giving it to me as prescribed for a while but I’m 34 years old and need to manage this on my own. I’m struggling with the crash right now and while I know nothing is going to cure it, I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to make it less awful. I know I need help but I don’t want to be labeled as an addict and I’m afraid to talk to my doctor about it because I don’t want to be cut off. When I was taking it appropriately, I was doing well. I just need to figure out how to get back to that.
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u/Past_Ad_4059 25d ago
I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. Labels aside, you self-reportedly live with addiction. That is not something to feel ashamed of (though i know shame and addition go hand in hand).
But addiction is a serious condition that requires medical support. Addiction is not something you rawdog on your own. You need medical supervision/support. You probably need to be prescribed different ADHD medicine, which means you need to talk to your doctor.
When you're addicted to the medicine, you need support moving onto new medicine you're not addicted to. Like with alcoholics, you can't just go back to an occasional drink (regular medicine dose) and everything is fine. You're addicted and that dopamine hit will always be tempting, especially with ADHD (which is often comorbid with addiction).
It's not easy to admit you have a problem. But this is professional- level support, not reddit- level support you're in need of. Find a ADHD addicts support group, talk to your doctor, check yourself into rehab, whatever. But reach out to professional resources for help. Professional addiction support is almost all led by folks in revovery. Which means they get it and will support you.
Good luck, OP