Advice needed for ADHD meds in relation to alcoholic behaviour and smoking addiction
Hi lovely people ❤️
I’m looking for some understanding and honest advice about ADHD medication, because I’m feeling pretty stuck and ashamed about my situation.
When I was diagnosed in my early twenties, Ritalin worked incredibly well for me. It helped me focus, be productive, and function in ways I hadn’t before. But it also came with side effects that slowly became a real problem for me. I started smoking cigarettes regularly (which I hadn’t done before), and during a very stressful period writing my thesis, I also fell into drinking while taking my meds. Looking back, I was struggling and didn’t get great guidance from my psychiatrist at the time.
After trying to get proper help for a long time, I eventually switched to Wellbutrin. That was okay for a few years, but I missed the strong focus/productivity bursts that stimulants gave me. I also missed being able to have "off days" and basically feeling more in control of the dosages, effects and experience.
I’ve now stopped taking Wellbutrin, and in some ways I actually feel more like myself again. I am more creative, more emotionally present, and generally better overall. But while I’m currently trying to get a new prescription sorted out, I’ve occasionally taken Ritalin again (through friends) to cope with important work deadlines.
The difficult part is: it works really well for my productivity… but almost immediately the smoking and drinking urges come back too.
I guess I’m wondering:
- Has anyone else experienced stimulants triggering unhealthy habits or addictive behaviors?
- Did you find another ADHD medication that worked better for you?
- How do you balance functioning/productivity with feeling healthy and like yourself?
Mostly, I’d just really like to hear from people who relate, because I carry a lot of shame around the way I’ve been trying to manage my ADHD just to keep functioning. ❤️