Published on ADDitudeMag.com

Desperately Seeking Stimulants

Health-care reform that helps me pay for COBRA? A relief, but no cure for what ails an ADDer.

by Jane D.


It's been almost two months since I've been pink slipped from the full-time job. The health benefits will be expiring soon, and I am fretting!

The cost of continuing health insurance coverage on COBRA is going to cost me an arm and a leg. There are many days I’ve wished that adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was considered severe enough a disorder that I could claim Medicaid and afford the treatments I need. Until then, I make do.

Lately I've been trying to ration the medications by cutting the Lexapros (an antidepressant) in half, and by taking the Adderall every other day. The psychiatrist, AKA the Buddhaman, would kill me if he knew, but he'll never know. :)

Without medication though, my spark surfaces. On a recent icy New York night, the sister pointed to a young woman in tights and a thin jacket, and asked how some people could wear so little in this weather.

"She's an equestrian," I said, matter of fact. The girl’s taut and lithe legs reminded me of the equestrian girls in the Hamptons.

The sister burst into laughter. "That's funny," she said. "And brilliant."

I cracked a smile.

To be or not to be on medication, that is the question.


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Source: Desperately Seeking Stimulants