Posted by shar on August 4, 2000, at 18:49:47
In reply to Re: Newly diagnosed ADD. Help!!! » lea, posted by Greg on August 4, 2000, at 12:35:50
Lea,
Another recovering alcoholic here. In AA we abstain because if we don't we self-destruct and harm others in the process. With medical treatment (for anything) the point is to use substances to heal.So, surely feeling better is double-plus good, and your medical treatment wouldn't be working if you didn't feel good.
I can understand how odd it is to feel better--I had much the same reaction on Zoloft: What is this? Am I manic (hah, probably still less than normal speed)? Do people really feel like this? You mean everyone doesn't want to commit suicide all the time? It was quite amazing to me.
Good luck to you! I agree with what Greg said, esp. about keeping good touch with your doc.
Shar
> 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:shar
thread:42157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42174.html