I was diagnosed with ADHD eleven years ago. At the time I was prescribed Vyvanse 50mg and Adderall 15mg as needed. I am a nurse and sometimes my 12 hour shifts turn into 16 hour shifts so the booster was helpful. In 2021 I became a COVID ICU nurse in a metro area where we kept getting hit hard with surges in cases. When I couldn't handle the intensity anymore, I slipped into alcoholism in 2023. Took a break from nursing altogether during that time. I received treatment for alcohol abuse in 2024. Relapsed this year and am back in treatment and doing well. When I relapsed my MD's stopped all ADHD medications. We recently restarted me on Vyvanse 50mg, and I am under what they call a "contract" for the next six months where basically I am going to be subject to random urine and blood tests to ensure I am not drinking. There is also absolutely no short acting ADHD medication prescribing allowed during the next 6 months.
Is this sort of thing common for people taking ADHD medications and have a history of a substance use problem? I understand the alcohol use tests to make sure I am not drinking, but I do not understand the taking away my Adderall part of it. When I asked about it, my PCP said something about a policy or best practice thing, and that my psychiatrist and her have my best interests and health in mind as we move forward with this plan. Still does not make sense to me. I have never abused my medications. Honestly it just adds to the shame feeling I already have... I am nervous about returning to work after treatment as it (wondering if people will ask me where I have been, etc). Returning to work with only Vyvanse and no additional coverage for ADHD symptoms adds to my anxiety.