minobu 0 #1 May 27, 2005 hey all, I was just curious if anyone had had experience with either knowing someone or taking Ritalin, or anything for ADD, themselves and if it helped? I seem to have alot of trouble focusing on coding at work now when I am doing something like reading or something I can get lost and not look up for 8 hours but at work the slightest thing can totally throw me off and it takes a few minutes to actually get back to the flow. So I was just wondering if anyone on here has taken Ritalin and what affects it had as in did it help? Thanks Only skydivers know why the birds sing! Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 May 27, 2005 ADD or ADHD isn't really a selective thing. If someone can't focus, they can't focus most of the time not just during certain activities. Here is a website about adult ADD that you can check out. As far as your question about the medication, my daughter takes Concerta and my dad takes Ritilin. My daughter was diagnosed in kindergarten and took the medicine through 7th grade when she asked to stop taking it. By the middle of the 9th grade, she asked to be put back on the medication because she could really tell a difference and her grades had dropped. It's interesting to listen to her conversations with the doctor now as they are adjusting her medication and trying different ones. She is really aware of when it starts to wear off. Be aware that some of the medications may have side effects for you such as loss of sleep and loss of appetite. My dad started taking it when he was 55. He's always exhibited the symptoms but got used to living with it. A doctor noticed his behavior and suggested he try it. He's a builder and does a lot of design work and he says he can design a house so much quicker when he takes the pill which helps him focus. My best advice is to talk to your doctor about your concerns. It could be something as simple as you being bored at work if you don't have the symptoms all the time.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
unformed 0 #3 May 27, 2005 Umm, if it only takes a few minutes to get back into the flow, that's absolutely normal ... just try to remove the distractions ritalin would definitely help you stay focused .... but do you want to dope yourself up daily just to be able to function? i'd say try other methods first ... usually when i'm very easily distracted and can't stay focused, it's because there's something else in my life really bothering me ...This ad space for sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #4 May 27, 2005 usually when i'm very easily distracted and can't stay focused, it's because there's something else in my life really bothering me ... ...then you probably don't have ADHD. linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaryP 0 #5 May 27, 2005 My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD when she was a high school freshman, after years of visits to the school psychologist all through grade school for inability to concentrate in class, excessive talking, etc. Once she was diagnosed and prescribed Ritalin, her behavior and grades (from struggling C's to straight A's) improved dramatically. Her "forgetfullness" also drastically improved. (I can't tell you how many coats, shoes, books, etc. were lost when she was young because she would just forget them -- even in the dead of winter when you needed a coat when you went home from school...) During high school and college, she worked summers as a server at various restaurants and when she forgot to take her medication, she was unable to keep the customers' order straight, she couldn't make correct change, she would forget which days she was scheduled to work, she would forget to wear part of her server's uniform, etc. She also played competitive tennis in high school (she was #11 in the state and also had a regional ranking) and went to college on a tennis scholarship. I went to most of her matches and it was EXTREMELY obvious when she forgot to take her medication -- she was unable to focus on the match to the point where the opposing player would ask her if she was ready or if she was ok, etc. Like many ADD patients, she did not want anyone to know that she was ADD and taking Ritalin and often would be beligerent if I tried to remind her to take it. Also, like a handful of ADD patients, she tended to be extremely combative and destructive when she was not on medications -- a couple of times to the point that I had to take extraordinary measures to keep her under control. However, when she was on Ritalin, her behavior was always normal and acceptable. Almost 14 years later, at the age of 28, she is still on a strong dose of Ritalin twice a day and even she can tell a difference when she does not take her medication. The doctor has said that children normally "outgrow" ADHD by 18 years old -- but those that do not, will more than likely have it for a lifetime. Also, ADHD is normally inherited (her Dad has it). At 28, she is extremely successful and driven in her career (earns 6 figures) -- but she has finally accepted that she MUST take her Ritalin every day if she wants to function at all! Ritalin has been a lifesaver for her (and me). I would be afraid to think about where she would be right now without it. You hear of how it is over-prescribed, and that is probably true, but when those that need it, use it, it is the difference between day and night. If you truly do have ADD, I would give serious consideration as to whether or not you should be jumping because, as we all realize, a few seconds of distraction (the primary symptom of ADD) at the wrong time can be disasterous. ADD is not something that you can control -- it controls you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #6 May 27, 2005 QuoteIf you truly do have ADD, I would give serious consideration as to whether or not you should be jumping because, as we all realize, a few seconds of distraction (the primary symptom of ADD) at the wrong time can be disasterous. ADD is not something that you can control -- it controls you NOT true.. adrenalin tends to make an add person focus.... focus ALOT more. hence stratterra. it slows the breakdown of addrenalin in your brain so it last longer.. then you have more focus. i have been working with a doctor for years on this stuff and trying different things... skydiving will only HELP somone who is add... the ability for me to slow things down and FOCUS so intently on any one thing comes from adrenalin... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjhdiver 0 #7 May 27, 2005 Quote If you truly do have ADD, I would give serious consideration as to whether or not you should be jumping because, as we all realize, a few seconds of distraction (the primary symptom of ADD) at the wrong time can be disasterous. ADD is not something that you can control -- it controls you. Actually, the reverse is true. For ADHD people, risky behaviour is a form of self medication. It's why so many ADHD people wind up in the sport. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjhdiver 0 #8 May 27, 2005 Quotehey all, I was just curious if anyone had had experience with either knowing someone or taking Ritalin, or anything for ADD, themselves and if it helped? I take Concerta, which is basically time release Ritalin. If you're just having trouble concentrating, you probably don't have ADHD. If you find yourself outside in the street when the last thing you remember was coding, you probably do. That's the difference for some people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
repeter 0 #9 May 27, 2005 i'm also on concerta.. i was diagnosed about a month ago with adult addhd (2 weeks before finals).. i guess they just call everything addhd now.. i just had problems sitting down and studying as well as finishing the details on assignments.. i was getting C's and D's in all my classes.. after taking concerta and studying i got an A on every final.. that stuff is amazing! btw.. it does help me with coding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites grue 1 #10 May 27, 2005 Quote Actually, the reverse is true. For ADHD people, risky behaviour is a form of self medication. It's why so many ADHD people wind up in the sport. Ding ding ding, so very true.cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MaryP 0 #11 May 27, 2005 My point is, if you're ADD -- and you not taking your meds -- you could be putting yourself and others at risk. Having been around ADD people (children and adults), I know that it is not unusual for an ADD person to forget (or neglect) to take their meds. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MaryP 0 #12 May 27, 2005 Risky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites gjhdiver 0 #13 May 27, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. I'm sorry, but you are totally incorrect on that assumption. A good starting reference foryou would be the book Driven To Distraction. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0684801280/qid=1117216452/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-8502573-1184819?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 I actually tend not to take my medication at weekends when I jump because I don't need it. Excitement produces enough of the endorphins and andrenaline to get me into the state that is the other side of the ADHD coin, which is hyperfocus. Anyone who is ADHD knows that hyperfocus allows us to get things done that none ADHD people have problems with. Many of the best thinkers, inventors and sportsmens have displayed ADHD hyperfocus. (Where do you think that the stereotype of the absent minded genius comes from). Basically, your average AHDH skydiver will be more focused and faster reacting. We ain't dozing off up there. We're there because we are driven to be there. For the time we are in the air, skydiving IS our medication. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MaryP 0 #14 May 27, 2005 A better starting point is the website www.chadd.org. CHADD( Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1987. A few of the direct quotes from this website (recommended by doctors, educators, etc.) is: SYMPTOMS include: 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work. 2. Poor attention; excessive distractibility 3. Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking. Etc. Another quote: "Although individuals with ADD can be very successful in life, without identification and treatment, AD/HD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, RISK FOR ACCIDENTAL INJURIES, and job failure." You are right when you reference "absent-minded geniuses". It is a fact that many ADD / ADHD people are EXTREMELY intelligent - hence, the reason that their grades tend to be straight A's when they get on their meds. In other words, the meds don't make you any smarter...they just allow you to access the "smarts" that are already there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites gjhdiver 0 #15 May 27, 2005 Quote Another quote: "Although individuals with ADD can be very successful in life, without identification and treatment, AD/HD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, RISK FOR ACCIDENTAL INJURIES, and job failure." Pretty much describes my pre-diagnosis life and career. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites minobu 0 #16 May 27, 2005 I am definitely going to be talking to a doc soon but 1. 2. and 3. pretty much describe me to a T ... I don't know if that means anything or not but we shall see ... Thanks for the replies they have answered quite a bit for me .. I had talked to a few people that said there was a night and day difference in there performance pre and post ritalin. Believe me I would rather not medicate myself but if it would help me learn to focus and then I could wean myself off of it maybe that would be good as well. thanks guys Only skydivers know why the birds sing! Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #17 May 27, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. adrenaline is the CURE for add. thats why all the meds that are made for it directly effect the similar chemicals in your body. i cant even explain to you the attention to detail and the extreme calmness and focus i have in a high stress high adrenaline environment... now if you had add or adhd, you would understand this. Quotetend to live for the moment ONLY partly because of the calmness and focus you recieve from it. Quoteand do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. true. that is because they are bored...but when it comes to a sport like this, it brings you to a level of pureness and calmness and focus that your average person doesnt feel. i can promise you also, that most true add or adhd person out there knows more about it than any article or doctor does, we are where they get there info. from case studdies, trust me. ive been studied. more than once.. QuoteSYMPTOMS include: 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work. 2. Poor attention; excessive distractibility 3. Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking. Etc. all these come from bordom, lack of stimulation.... ask any doctor.! hell they figured that out because we told them!..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #18 May 27, 2005 We have OLD . If we remenber the next time we see the Dr we'll ask him about Ritalin.As long as we can still take our mid day naps. R.I.P. BTW Watch out for tha Viagra stuff We stoped that stuff after we had to start wearing tri focals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bobsled92 0 #19 May 27, 2005 QuoteQuote Actually, the reverse is true. For ADHD people, risky behaviour is a form of self medication. It's why so many ADHD people wind up in the sport. Ding ding ding, so very true. I'm rather hi-strung and distracted from my own train of though while I talk even. (I talk a lot) Jumping makes me feel at peace and calmer after each jump._______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Zenister 0 #20 May 28, 2005 Quote So I was just wondering if anyone on here has taken Ritalin and what affects it had as in did it help? yes, and it did 'help' with the hyperactivity (aka ADD)... and interfered with everything else about who i am... Ritalin sucks... i'm sooooo glad my mother had the sense to take me off it.. QuoteADD is not something that you can control -- it controls you this is crap... you CAN control nearly everything about yourself, it simply takes awareness and discipline... drugs may help, but they are a crutch not a cure.. there are many non medicative methods for dealing with ADD. For me the best thing is to engage in either one activity that REQUIRES complete focus... (skydiving, freeclimbing, fencing etc have all worked well for me.) and in non critical endeavors to have several things active at once so that when my attention wanders it wanders to something else I also need to accomplish... fortunately i've been able to find jobs and situations that fit my needs and still allow me to be a very productive worker... just dont let me get bored... the only time ADD is really a problem for me is when i have a single 'mindless' (or nearly so) task to accomplish... then i find i tend procrastinate until the deadline forces me to focus or fail... but its better to find something else i can do at the same time when my attention divides... our society has become FAR to dependent on chemical means to solve personal problems... there are better solutions for 90% of the populace.. unfortunately that 90% is generally to lazy to seek them and wants the 'take a pill feel better' way out.. ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MaryP 0 #21 May 28, 2005 Obviously you and a couple of others replying in this thread know more about ADHD - a recognized and legitimate learning disability -- than the Mayo Clinic, the National Health Institute, neurologists, psychologists, educators and other professionals in the medical field! It must be nice to be a know-it-all without ever studying or researching anything. Good luck with your life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Zenister 0 #22 May 28, 2005 hmm ever think living with it your entire life, dealing with it daily gives you a perspective those who profit from it dont have?? absolutely its a recognized learning disability.. however there are other methods of handling it than taking drugs that affect every other thought process as well... i've been there, and done that, and i am simply not the same person under medication... i (and many others like me) have made the conscious choice to deal with it without dulling the rest of our senses and abilities.. must be nice to assume we HAVENT studied, researched it and been subject to, the so called 'experts', who's answer was to drug us into submission... if you take your blinders off and do some REAL research you'll find there ARE other medical professionals who completely disagree with your assertions as well... but hey 'better living thru chemistry' keeps the pharmaceutical CEOs in their beach houses and BMWs........ why work, develop and teach self discipline skills when a pill can make it all go away for you??? ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #23 May 28, 2005 although i agree with you on your assesment of to many drugs. i felt the same way for YEARS... dropped out of school, couldnt goto anywhere unless i created it on my own, so i did. but sometimes medication is needed, i dont think i could live comfortably without it. although i did for years. it was VERY dificult. changing jobs all the time, impulsiveness that would REALLY hinder my life, and i could be in a middle of a sentance with you and be very serious about it then completly forget what we were talking about.. hell i still do that, just not as bad... but skydiving, and alot of other things take it all away!.... but that is very short lived... and maryp. if you think there is one doctor out there that thinks they know me better than me., then i would love to meet them.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Zenister 0 #24 May 28, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! absolutely it is, the chemical reactions it causes internally have the same (if not better) effect as the pills the MDs push without the nasty side effects..... it just doesnt bring any money into the coffers of the drug companies and causes fear in those who live in a risk-adverse society, so will never be recommended by the medical community ever ask your doctor about skydiving at all? many (not all there are some who understand) will list hundreds of minor medical conditions that ITO are reasons why you shouldnt jump... but for the most part they are simply making excuses for their basic 'wuffo' fears____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Zenister 0 #25 May 28, 2005 Quote but sometimes medication is needed, i dont think i could live comfortably without it. although i did for years. i'm not saying the drugs are useless, particularly for young children who are learning basic discipline skills in the first place. But most MDs seem to treat it as a 'here is your pill come back when you run out, every month, for the rest of your life' as opposed to teaching and training non-pharmaceutical methods so that the drugs become the LAST resort for the individual affected instead of the first.... there are some days when i wish i was on meds as it would certainly make some simple tasks easier, but i'm very sure i'd rather not trade that chemical stability for my creativity and energy....and i can certainly feel the difference drugs (of any kind) can easily become a crutch, one that it is hard to leave behind once your used to 'walking' on it____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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grue 1 #10 May 27, 2005 Quote Actually, the reverse is true. For ADHD people, risky behaviour is a form of self medication. It's why so many ADHD people wind up in the sport. Ding ding ding, so very true.cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaryP 0 #11 May 27, 2005 My point is, if you're ADD -- and you not taking your meds -- you could be putting yourself and others at risk. Having been around ADD people (children and adults), I know that it is not unusual for an ADD person to forget (or neglect) to take their meds. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaryP 0 #12 May 27, 2005 Risky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjhdiver 0 #13 May 27, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. I'm sorry, but you are totally incorrect on that assumption. A good starting reference foryou would be the book Driven To Distraction. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0684801280/qid=1117216452/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-8502573-1184819?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 I actually tend not to take my medication at weekends when I jump because I don't need it. Excitement produces enough of the endorphins and andrenaline to get me into the state that is the other side of the ADHD coin, which is hyperfocus. Anyone who is ADHD knows that hyperfocus allows us to get things done that none ADHD people have problems with. Many of the best thinkers, inventors and sportsmens have displayed ADHD hyperfocus. (Where do you think that the stereotype of the absent minded genius comes from). Basically, your average AHDH skydiver will be more focused and faster reacting. We ain't dozing off up there. We're there because we are driven to be there. For the time we are in the air, skydiving IS our medication. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaryP 0 #14 May 27, 2005 A better starting point is the website www.chadd.org. CHADD( Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1987. A few of the direct quotes from this website (recommended by doctors, educators, etc.) is: SYMPTOMS include: 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work. 2. Poor attention; excessive distractibility 3. Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking. Etc. Another quote: "Although individuals with ADD can be very successful in life, without identification and treatment, AD/HD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, RISK FOR ACCIDENTAL INJURIES, and job failure." You are right when you reference "absent-minded geniuses". It is a fact that many ADD / ADHD people are EXTREMELY intelligent - hence, the reason that their grades tend to be straight A's when they get on their meds. In other words, the meds don't make you any smarter...they just allow you to access the "smarts" that are already there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjhdiver 0 #15 May 27, 2005 Quote Another quote: "Although individuals with ADD can be very successful in life, without identification and treatment, AD/HD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, RISK FOR ACCIDENTAL INJURIES, and job failure." Pretty much describes my pre-diagnosis life and career. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
minobu 0 #16 May 27, 2005 I am definitely going to be talking to a doc soon but 1. 2. and 3. pretty much describe me to a T ... I don't know if that means anything or not but we shall see ... Thanks for the replies they have answered quite a bit for me .. I had talked to a few people that said there was a night and day difference in there performance pre and post ritalin. Believe me I would rather not medicate myself but if it would help me learn to focus and then I could wean myself off of it maybe that would be good as well. thanks guys Only skydivers know why the birds sing! Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #17 May 27, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! It may be a reason why ADD people gravitate to skydiving -- but ADD people (according to doctors, ADD authorities, etc.) tend to live for the moment ONLY and do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. This is a fact, not an opinion. adrenaline is the CURE for add. thats why all the meds that are made for it directly effect the similar chemicals in your body. i cant even explain to you the attention to detail and the extreme calmness and focus i have in a high stress high adrenaline environment... now if you had add or adhd, you would understand this. Quotetend to live for the moment ONLY partly because of the calmness and focus you recieve from it. Quoteand do not always tend to think about or put alot of weight on the ramifications of their actions. true. that is because they are bored...but when it comes to a sport like this, it brings you to a level of pureness and calmness and focus that your average person doesnt feel. i can promise you also, that most true add or adhd person out there knows more about it than any article or doctor does, we are where they get there info. from case studdies, trust me. ive been studied. more than once.. QuoteSYMPTOMS include: 1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work. 2. Poor attention; excessive distractibility 3. Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking. Etc. all these come from bordom, lack of stimulation.... ask any doctor.! hell they figured that out because we told them!..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #18 May 27, 2005 We have OLD . If we remenber the next time we see the Dr we'll ask him about Ritalin.As long as we can still take our mid day naps. R.I.P. BTW Watch out for tha Viagra stuff We stoped that stuff after we had to start wearing tri focals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobsled92 0 #19 May 27, 2005 QuoteQuote Actually, the reverse is true. For ADHD people, risky behaviour is a form of self medication. It's why so many ADHD people wind up in the sport. Ding ding ding, so very true. I'm rather hi-strung and distracted from my own train of though while I talk even. (I talk a lot) Jumping makes me feel at peace and calmer after each jump._______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #20 May 28, 2005 Quote So I was just wondering if anyone on here has taken Ritalin and what affects it had as in did it help? yes, and it did 'help' with the hyperactivity (aka ADD)... and interfered with everything else about who i am... Ritalin sucks... i'm sooooo glad my mother had the sense to take me off it.. QuoteADD is not something that you can control -- it controls you this is crap... you CAN control nearly everything about yourself, it simply takes awareness and discipline... drugs may help, but they are a crutch not a cure.. there are many non medicative methods for dealing with ADD. For me the best thing is to engage in either one activity that REQUIRES complete focus... (skydiving, freeclimbing, fencing etc have all worked well for me.) and in non critical endeavors to have several things active at once so that when my attention wanders it wanders to something else I also need to accomplish... fortunately i've been able to find jobs and situations that fit my needs and still allow me to be a very productive worker... just dont let me get bored... the only time ADD is really a problem for me is when i have a single 'mindless' (or nearly so) task to accomplish... then i find i tend procrastinate until the deadline forces me to focus or fail... but its better to find something else i can do at the same time when my attention divides... our society has become FAR to dependent on chemical means to solve personal problems... there are better solutions for 90% of the populace.. unfortunately that 90% is generally to lazy to seek them and wants the 'take a pill feel better' way out.. ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaryP 0 #21 May 28, 2005 Obviously you and a couple of others replying in this thread know more about ADHD - a recognized and legitimate learning disability -- than the Mayo Clinic, the National Health Institute, neurologists, psychologists, educators and other professionals in the medical field! It must be nice to be a know-it-all without ever studying or researching anything. Good luck with your life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #22 May 28, 2005 hmm ever think living with it your entire life, dealing with it daily gives you a perspective those who profit from it dont have?? absolutely its a recognized learning disability.. however there are other methods of handling it than taking drugs that affect every other thought process as well... i've been there, and done that, and i am simply not the same person under medication... i (and many others like me) have made the conscious choice to deal with it without dulling the rest of our senses and abilities.. must be nice to assume we HAVENT studied, researched it and been subject to, the so called 'experts', who's answer was to drug us into submission... if you take your blinders off and do some REAL research you'll find there ARE other medical professionals who completely disagree with your assertions as well... but hey 'better living thru chemistry' keeps the pharmaceutical CEOs in their beach houses and BMWs........ why work, develop and teach self discipline skills when a pill can make it all go away for you??? ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #23 May 28, 2005 although i agree with you on your assesment of to many drugs. i felt the same way for YEARS... dropped out of school, couldnt goto anywhere unless i created it on my own, so i did. but sometimes medication is needed, i dont think i could live comfortably without it. although i did for years. it was VERY dificult. changing jobs all the time, impulsiveness that would REALLY hinder my life, and i could be in a middle of a sentance with you and be very serious about it then completly forget what we were talking about.. hell i still do that, just not as bad... but skydiving, and alot of other things take it all away!.... but that is very short lived... and maryp. if you think there is one doctor out there that thinks they know me better than me., then i would love to meet them.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #24 May 28, 2005 QuoteRisky behavior is NOT a form of self-medication! absolutely it is, the chemical reactions it causes internally have the same (if not better) effect as the pills the MDs push without the nasty side effects..... it just doesnt bring any money into the coffers of the drug companies and causes fear in those who live in a risk-adverse society, so will never be recommended by the medical community ever ask your doctor about skydiving at all? many (not all there are some who understand) will list hundreds of minor medical conditions that ITO are reasons why you shouldnt jump... but for the most part they are simply making excuses for their basic 'wuffo' fears____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #25 May 28, 2005 Quote but sometimes medication is needed, i dont think i could live comfortably without it. although i did for years. i'm not saying the drugs are useless, particularly for young children who are learning basic discipline skills in the first place. But most MDs seem to treat it as a 'here is your pill come back when you run out, every month, for the rest of your life' as opposed to teaching and training non-pharmaceutical methods so that the drugs become the LAST resort for the individual affected instead of the first.... there are some days when i wish i was on meds as it would certainly make some simple tasks easier, but i'm very sure i'd rather not trade that chemical stability for my creativity and energy....and i can certainly feel the difference drugs (of any kind) can easily become a crutch, one that it is hard to leave behind once your used to 'walking' on it____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
