Does ADHD Medication Cause Addiction? Uncovering The MYTHS & FACTS

Are ADHD medications addicting to ADHDers? And what is the link between ADHD and addiction? This is a question that many people ask when seeking ADHD treatment, and it's one that has a lot of controversies and myths surrounding it.
Always updated and added references of studies and research used can be found here:
www.welcometothewormhole.com/...
There is a lot of speculation surrounding the effects of stimulant ADHD medication on ADHDers, and this video is aimed at helping you to make informed decisions based on the facts.
If you are a person with ADHD and are using ADHD medication, it is essential to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects or if the efficacy of your medication lessens.
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - Research Advice
2:20 - ADHD and Addiction links
4:48 - Does ADHD stimulant medication cause addiction? Studies and facts
#adhd #adhdmedication #welcometothewormhole

[@welcometothewormhole]

ADHDers! If you've got a topic that you'd like to see covered, leave a comment below. I'm currently working on several interviews and videos surrounding women and girls with diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD, and a soon-to-be-released irreverent podcast talking to ADHDers and neurodivergents. If you'd like to share your story, drop me an e-mail (e-mail address in the about page, or via the website www.welcometothewormhole.com)

[@rdklkje13]

Not sure what you mean by ‘leave a comment IN the description’ so will do it here: What do the developments in ADHD research in the past decade or two mean for distinguishing ADHD from (very) intellectually gifted behaviour? E.g. in order to determine whether trying medication makes sense. Things like emotional sensitivity, hyperfocus and, perfectionism are now described as typical of ADHD in a way they weren't (widely) 15 years ago. Back then they were more considered typical of gifted behaviour, whether people were 2E or not. Was this perspective wrong and actually more gifted people than anyone realised had ADHD all along and these aren’t really issues of giftedness? Or is it more a matter of this becoming even more nuanced and difficult to determine? Plus what are some differences in this respect related to gender socialisation?

[@welcometothewormhole]

Fixed - and thank you! I've copy pasted that in my notes 👍 I'm hoping to speak to someone soon who's an expert on ADHD, so questions like these will be really well received.

[@rdklkje13]

@@welcometothewormhole Great, thank you! Especially if they’re also experts on giftedness. Not many people cover both.

[@LadyNuman]

Imagine being diagnosed at 48. And being female. Insurance doesn't cover meds, because "You can't be diagnosed as an adult, has to be as a child, and you're a girl, it's a boys thing" . So I pay out of pocket only for my Adderall. When you hear it said to you, you are ADHD, suddenly you look back and your entire life makes sense. Your vids are wonderful, especially for sharing with my neurotypical loved ones. If I can get them to watch some of these it helps. Thank you for these. Maybe others are forced to pay for meds out of pocket? I advocate for Adult ADHDers, but still insurance won't pay. Maybe an episode? Lori

[@RobertGottlieb]

I always find these arguments for ADHD meds being addictive somewhat funny (sorta as it's sad at the same time). I have to put on a timer to remind myself to take my second dose! I don't think addicts need a reminder! For me, finding out at 24 allowed me to graduate with a Computer Science degree which has gotten me quite far in my 54 years on this planet. And stimulant medication has had a role. There was a time where I doubted using it and was off of it for too long, meaning I was struggling with all that goes with ADHD symptoms. Once I got back on them a few years back, I immediately saw a difference. And videos like this and from other ADHD channels on here helped me understand more about how ADHD works (or doesn't work). I'm surprised at how much I never bothered to find out. I did read a lot but never about the brain chemistry and all that goes with it. So thanks for creating this video! I hope it helps others who are making a decision feel more confident either way.

[@welcometothewormhole]

There it is! I had to leave it out as I wanted to just keep it factual for this one, but considering how many times I've forgotten to order my meds, or forgotten to take them sorta gives a clue to the addictive side 😂 How did you find the assessment and treatment process 30 years ago? Thanks Robert for taking the time to come t and share - means a lot!❤️

[@RobertGottlieb]

Yeah the due app on my phone is my nag to take my pills! 30 yrs ago it was more formal, but still similar to today. This is in the US so I’m not sure what it’s like the UK and elsewhere. But I did get the tests in both Maryland and California and both docs were in total agreement with me.

[@AllenLamb]

i didnt start taking my adhd medication until i was 26, its almost frustrating that i finnaly was able to see clearly so late in life. on one hand i wish i never knew how much it could help me so i didnt have to take it because ive become so dependent on it to get through my day. on the other hand its made a huge positive impact on my life, allowing me to work and function as a normal person. i dont drink or smoke weed, but i have a pretty large dependency on caffeine and nicotine as well. i wish i was diagnosed when i was younger, but at the same time i wish i never knew it exested at all, almost like that "blissfull ignorance" i was able to get this far in life without it. there are some unfortunate side effects, for me, poor hand circulation, so i often have really cold hands, and the fact that your day has to be very structured, as in wake and eat and take medication at the same time so i can sleep at night, its hard to balance. but all in all its really helped me in life.

[@welcometothewormhole]

Thanks for sharing Lambeaux! Hummmm...now thats a perspective I've never considered. For me, I was in 'blissful ignorance' until I couldn't take life anymore...I was almost out of options and if it wasn't for a video that popped up which began describing me to a t, I'm not sure where I'd be now. ❤️

[@AllenLamb]

@@welcometothewormhole just think about all the ways you were able to develop coping mechanisms in your life without it. its pretty impressive that people with adhd pre diagnosis are able to make it as far as we have, but i agree, at a certain point, life gets to hard, the skills that you developed to get through life stop working, and seeking help is the only option. im glad that you have found it, how long have you been taking them now? also just be careful, make sure you take sufficient tolerance breaks because some days will feel like its not as effective, but in reality its your body's serotonin and dopamine receptors that are just depleted. take your rest days when you can.

[@harrietcoombes5015]

The worse part of taking ADHD medication is when I run out and have to exert executive function and try to get more

[@M2Mil7er]

26 is still relatively young. Imagine how much more frustrating it would be to not get diagnosed until 50 plus!

[@GoADHDGo]

I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 35ish. 35 years. My whole life I had been a professional ADHDer and didn’t even know it.

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

...aaaaaaand THERE it is! I was waiting for you to mention the glaring fact that untreated ADHD folks tend to fall into alcoholism. Spot on! Also, teens with untreated ADHD are more likely to start smoking/vaping.

[@welcometothewormhole]

yup! Substance abuse of pretty much any kind is a lot more common for the untreated....and even food and irregular eating. Anything for that good ol dopamine 😂 or as my friend called it - dopamining 😂 I left it out, but one very strong point too....if the meds were addictive....how come I keep forgetting to take them

[@GoADHDGo]

Wow. Looks like they’ll let anyone in here. HIYO!

[@foshizle121]

I got diagnosed two years ago. I still haven’t gotten any meds. I’m on the end of my rope tho honestly. I’m watching this to try to motivate me to try meds because I’m so depressed right now it’s my last chance

[@Platizza]

Getting past the fear of being or becoming "dependent" on a pill was a huge obstacle in getting help for my son. The opioid crisis surely didn't help. He takes his medication and feels such relief now, but still says he has that watchful eye in case if dependence. I think dependence means NOT having a clinical diagnosis while still being dependent on medication.

[@welcometothewormhole]

I don't know any details, but if there is a history of addiction with your son, there are some wonderful and insightful videos, lectures and research on this topic and the use of stimulant medication treatment. I'm trying to take little steps so I don't do my usual 'all or nothing' but I'm hoping soon to have the references and research page of the site sectioned off into topics like these so people can easily access this information. I'm so glad he's getting the relief he needs and deserves ❤️

[@kaufmanat1]

I was always afraid of being dependant on a pill...I made it through grad school, earned my doctorate without taking medications By the time I was doing my real job (physical therapist) I was so bogged down in repetitive boring oaperwork, I was starting to fail at my job. Not for lack of ability, but sheer lack of focus. I COULDN'T get myself to sit down and just do the papwrwork. It was mental agony. So I finally allowed myself to seek out a psychiatrist and start on medication. I'm now kicking myself wondering what I could have done with my life had I been taking this medication the whole time. I can sit down and knock out two hours of paperwork. I can only imagine the grades I'd have gotten if I'd actually been able to sit and study like a normal student.

[@SouthernBell86]

Thanks for making these videos!!! I really appreciate how to the point and factual they are. I think another reason that the myth of addiction gets perpetuated is that if you take away ADHD meds from a person with ADHD, they are going to be less productive, more erratic and have other "personality changes" based on an outsiders perspective, simply because they are a person with ADHD who is now unmedicated, but who the world knew as medicated. Without my meds I go back to how I was before, and I guess that might look like someone in withdrawal, but it's really just me.

[@sje8089]

So insightful, I really appreciated your balanced and thoughtful summary. Thank you so much 🎉

[@RealityStudiosInc]

Really useful info to have on hand, thank you

[@maniacslayer1521]

I watch your every video. Keep making.

[@taron6858]

You will develop a physical dependency (not an addiction) meaning if you were to stop the medication you would experience withdrawals if you take the correct dosage and if you need to stop taking the medication taper off (DO NOT DO IT COLD TURKEY) there is a huge misunderstanding between physical dependency on a needed medication and being addicted to said medication I abused any drug that increased dopamine in an attempt to self medicate not knowing i had adhd once i was put on adhd medication i no longer had any desire to abuse any drug at all since my mind felt normal and balanced

[@aplpi16]

I'm really enjoying all your videos. Very informative for people thinking about getting a diagnosis and trying medication for the first time. You do a good job of destigmatizing the condition and reducing anxiety about treatment. Thank you!

[@harrietcoombes5015]

ADHD medication is life changing and nothing to be ashamed of. You are simply giving your brain back something it is short of! :)

[@welcometothewormhole]

Thanks so much Allison! Thats a big old hit of dopamine right there!😂 That's the bit I'm really fired up about at the moment - the stigma and shame surrounding a pretty everyday treatment. I'm not medication-centric, but I felt those were good topics to cover to kick start the discussions around all this.

[@GoADHDGo]

Never be ashamed to do whatever you need to do to make life suck less. :)

[@rdklkje13]

@@welcometothewormhole I sure hope you keep getting enough dopamine from making these videos to keep going, they really are great!

[@sophiedelavelle5958]

Thank you for these well formated subtitles

[@welcometothewormhole]

Thanks Sophie - I'm trying really hard to make things accessible. I know there's a few typos, but I've given myself a goal of trying to improve one thing with each video. Any suggestions are very much appreciated ❤️

[@Lele-Nora]

Thanks you for these videos. I would like to hear more about the topic of being on the med as a person with ADHD. Fx. What are the things, behaviors or challenges you still feel quite strong even on Med. Thanks in advance. Also, I recently learned that the med (due to increasing the focus) some times take a bit of the creativity out of your mind (which is a part I truly love), why some uses the short term pill to really plan when to stay focused and get certain done and when not to, to still allow moments for the brain to go wild with innovation. What’s your experience on that?

[@rachaelreczenski7270]

I am loving your content. Every word. ALSO! I LOVE the name of the channel. *perfection*

[@welcometothewormhole]

hehehehe - thanks Rachael! That really means a lot ❤️

[@kaufmanat1]

Also, when testing rats, when you see a rat in a cage engage in a certain behavior, it's important to remember it's a rat in a cage. It's not a happy rat. It's going to influence their psychology and their behavior. A rat in a cage will sit and do cocaine basically until it dies. A rat in a giant terrarium will do cocaine until it gets bored, and then it will go do something else, something rats in a cage can't do. Summary, rats in a cage don't always translate to humans, and humans should take care not to act like rats in a cage. Go outside. Take a walk. Get out of the house.

[@siggevibes]

Given how many times I can forget to take my meds I'd say that at least in my case, as some mere anecdotal evidence, it's not leading to any sort of addiction at all.

[@jreding132]

Where do you go for ADHD diagnosis? Regular family practice M.D.?

[@TrustPax]

The website sadly is not working anymore. :/

[@GoADHDGo]

Saying that amphetamines (ADHD med) is the same as methamphetamines (meth) is like saying that cheddar cheese is the same as cheesecake. :)

[@welcometothewormhole]

Woah there! Hold on just one cotton picking minute! I have first hand experience of eating a cake made of cheese….and thinking about it, eating cheddar cheese like a cake 😂

[@GoADHDGo]

@@welcometothewormhole I do like cake icing on my cheddar cheese.

[@welcometothewormhole]

Filth!

[@GoADHDGo]

@@welcometothewormhole Actually, icing on cheddar cheese is terrible. I know from experience. It happened the same night we decided to see what foods mixed good in vodka shots. Lol. Vodka + pickle juice = no. Vodka + gravy = no. Vodka + mustard = no. Vodka + maple syrup = yum. You prolly figured out that the icing on cheddar experiment came way after the vodka experiment.

[@kaufmanat1]

Don't they use methamphetamine in some adhd meds?

[@octopiinthesky44]

My adhd meds are so non addictive that I routinely forget to take them.

[@welcometothewormhole]

hehehehe - exactly!...or forget to order them...or forget that I've taken them or not 😂

[@reversefulfillment9189]

This rings true.

[@gracecochran4559]

Personally, someone with ADHD and Autism - the adhd meds don't work for me. I can only tolerate a low dose of an ADHD med. Unsure if that is just me or my ADHD plus Autism. I've tried the non stimulants, too and they work better than the ADHD med for me but has side effects :-/

[@megforrestart2710]

Interesting. I am also Autistic + ADHD. Just started vyvance and was told that this is the stimulant that tends to be most helpful for Autistic ADHDers. I’m on day 4 of taking 20mg, had HUGE improvement on days 1, 2 and 3. Today I am noticing it is not doing quite as much for me but that is expected and my dose will go up to 30mg on Thursday. I’m just curious which stimulant(s) you tried?

[@marmararraj76]

Anyone else get distracted by his glasses? 🔲🔘

[@godofgamerzindian]

Not distracted but I noticed.

[@covidcarl7480]

pretty sure he is the crab from Moana.