Adderall Risks: Much More Than You Wanted to Know

I've used it to get ahead in software for the past ~8 years. I recently gave it up, but it was hard to realize that it was time. It might be time for you, too.

The thing holding me back was fear. Fear I wasn't enough, that I couldn't be efficient. That I would get fired from my high position. Or even if I could make it work, that I still wouldn't get enough done on my startup (which has its own list of fears itself).

What finally pushed me to quit was realizing I wasn't as compassionate anymore; it was impacting my relationships. I had three separate people tell me in my coworking space that I look too busy and unapproachable so they never came to chat. I had a SO tell me that I'm emotionally unavailable too often. All within the time span of a month. I'm naturally an optimistic, compassionate person. This wasn't me, and being a robot (as mentioned in the article!) wasn't who I wanted to be, at any cost.

Indeed, three days after I quit I felt like a new person. I felt silly, fun, again. I had a week of "brain fog" where I wasn't productive. Afterward my efficiency went back up. Nowhere near the Adderall levels, but to a very acceptable level.

So in summary, you might not need it anymore if it's causing you grief. Sorry for the lame motivational things I'm about to say (Taken from the book, Daring Greatly):

You are enough.

You are worthy.

This is actually a major problem. I was diagnosed with ADD as a child but gave up the medication in my late teens because it had side-effects I didn't enjoy.

Late last year, I thought it might be worth trying it again, maybe with a milder dose. I booked an appointment with a doctor, who referred me to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist told me there was a two week waiting period and that they'd call me back in a few weeks, and never did. It was two months before I remembered to follow it up.

I don't bore you with the rest of the details, but the short version is every medical professional I spoke to (and I spoke to about 5 during this saga) told me to wait and that they would organize something for me, and then didn't. Turns out if you lie to someone with ADD and leave the organization ball in their court like that, they'll never get treatment, because they struggle with the very thing you're asking them to do. It's pretty much the worst thing you can do for them.

Anyway, I've just realized I was planning to talk to the doctor about it again 4 months ago to try to get the ball rolling again. It's Christmas now, they won't be back at work until mid January. I'd better send myself an email, wish me luck.

Also, what are the supposed benefits exactly? Can you link to scientific studies validating them?