I think I’m addicted to Adderall but I’m not sure. What’s the difference between recreational use and an addiction? I started using because it helped with depression and motivation issues related to depression. I dont know now.
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In terms of behavioral dependency, I guess the question is: what happens if you stop taking it. If you’re able to just continue on as normal, then it’s recreational. If you find yourself constantly thinking about it and craving it, it’s a dependency. If so, the next question is: is that a problem? If it helps, it helps.
Thank you for your input, definitely some things to consider.
Full addiction is marked by doing damage in the person’s life and yet the person keeps using whatever the substance is. At that point for something as strong as adderall the only option will likely be inpatient rehab, which is pretty expensive.
Early dependency is more likely what you’re talking about. If you feel a need for the substance it isn’t recreational. Of course the dependent mind will rationalize regardless, “I don’t need it, I can stop whenever I want.” The way to prove that is to stop and stay clean for an extended period of time.
If you are prescribed it though, know there are better options. I used to take stimulants for ADHD and depression and found a non stimulant that works much better. Stimulants are a roller coaster I was glad to get off.
Thank you for your response. I think I’ll experiment with sobriety and see if I have those urges that’s been mentioned. Maybe I am rationalizing. We’ll have to see. I appreciate you relating to me your own story.
I’m addiction you can’t function without it or that might be dependence or maybe just that your prefer to take it than not take it.
As you can see, it’s a very complicated simple question. I’m of the somewhat unpopular opinion that only you can really decide. There are cookie-cutter definitions for addiction but they don’t fit everyone. Put simply, if using a substance adequately meets a need you have, and using/obtaining it doesn’t result in any financial, personal or legal hardship for you or those close to you then I don’t consider it harmful. As with necessary pain meds, this includes any risk of physical consequences – meaning reducing my chronic and severe pain is well worth the risk of shortening my life or potential overdose because my life isn’t worth shit without it.
If you find that you are using it and taking inordinate risks obtaining it, chasing a “high” you can’t ever seem to achieve or get into trouble with people when you use it then you should probably think about whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze. Maybe I’ve just repeated the stock addiction test, IDK. Just figure out who’s in charge – you or the drug.