I have had the problem in the past. What would you like to know. I used to self medicate to try to slow me down. So I used prescription pain meds. I never thought that a stimulant could slow me down. Then again I didn't know that I have ADHD. Once the doctor was able to diagnose me then I got on the right meds and was then able to stop self medicating.

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Hello:

ADDitude has some really insightful and well researched stories about ADD adults with addictions - I hope these are helpful to you!

Addiction and ADHD Adults: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1868.html

When Too Much Isn't Enough: Ending the Destructive Cycle of ADHD and Addictive Behavior: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/874.html

Can Addicts Safely Take ADHD Meds?: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/617.html

Substitute Good Habits For Bad: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/1469.html

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I worked with chronic alcoholics/addicts for years who struggled with staying clean. I'm also a recovering alcoholic and then -- at the age of 60 I was diagnosed with ADD. I was a good clinician but had trouble keeping up with paperwork and documentation. Being incessantly curious, I started to research ADD and addiction. There are various numbers, but it is probable that 30 - 40% of substance abusers have undiagnosed ADD. And now, when any teen or adult is newly diagnosed as ADD, questions should also be asked about substance use or other addicitions like gambling, over spending, etc. You can find information about this in the Ned Hallowell books, Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction. I like Wendy Richardson's book, ADD & Addiction. Unfortunately, AODA treatment programs know very little about ADD and may even object to patients taking stimulant medications. However, the fact is that those addicts who take their prescribed stimulants are less likely to use or relapse. This information is all out there online and in several good books. Hope this helps.

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