[IchbinkeinTeufel]

We used to hang out, years ago. I knew him all the way back since school, since we were around 16. (now in late 20s) He's always been odd, quirky, just like me, really.

I think my difficulty understanding him might be because I don't know a huge deal about ADHD, other than it means Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, causing someone to struggle to maintain attention to something, struggle to focus or concentrate, as well as being particular hyperactive. I guess I'm just looking for insight. He's not overly knowledgeable of it, either, I believe, for lack of trying to get help.

One thing I've always never agreed on, with him, is that he takes drugs (weed, and I believe tried other things in the past, like speed) to "calm down" or something. I just think it's a bad excuse to do something questionable, but maybe there's more to it than I know.

This friend and I recently got back in touch again, and so it just occurred to me that my understanding/knowing more about his ADHD, could help me accept him the way he is. (drugs, the friendship being kinda one-sided, like it always was, never really having meaningful conversations, because more often than not, he'll just "ADD" to something else, and what I said falls flat, plus some other, more personal things)

How bad is it, really? Do you take drugs to calm yourself? Is there more to it than struggling to pay attention, and being hyper, now and again?

Thanks.

[ZehR]

"Speed" is what calms most of us down. People with ADHD can still be stimulated by speed but most are like me and have a gene hat causes stimulants (speed) to do the opposite and actually calm us down. And I mean really really calm us down depending on how high the dosage is.

Speed is prescribed to people with ADHD by a doctor or psychiatrist to help manage hyperactivity and increase focus and attention, irritability, etc.

I'll write more later cuz I'm on my coffee break at work.

[yellowfrog268]

A little late to the party but here's a great resource:

ADHD Adults: "What It Feels Like to Have ADHD" | Psychology Today

[Miswimmy1]

Originally Posted by Zwangsstörung

How bad is it, really? Do you take drugs to calm yourself? Is there more to it than struggling to pay attention, and being hyper, now and again?

It is really common from what I've read about/heard that people who are not properly treated for ADHD have a high potential to abuse other stimulants. This sounds like it may be the case with your friend. However, the prescription drugs that people who are diagnosed take are monitored closely by a psychiatrist and are given in the proper dose to ease the ADHD symptoms. Instead of the high given by abused stimulants, prescription medication for ADHD works in the opposite way, calming down people with ADHD in the right doses.

As for the symptoms- there is way more to ADHD than just not being able to pay attention. There can be memory problems, comorbid learning disabilities, disorganization, forgetfulness, emotional disregulations, sleep problems, etc.