Comment by null000 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by null000 | Hacker News Reader

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Counter-anecdote: I was diagnosed sixish months ago, prescribed medication about 3 months ago. The meds don't have the same high of alcohol or weed, but there's definitely an occasional deep sense of calm and wellness - one that's hard not to want, being my chronically depressed self. Definitely enough to set off my "never abuse this, it will end badly" mental alarm

Otherwise though, it checks all the usual boxes - way easier to sit still and be quiet, way easier to do the thing I intended to do when I sat down to do it, way easier to get in and out of focus. Also improved my sleep schedule a surprising amount - between it and melatonin, I've moved from 6am-3pm to ~12am-8:30am, which is wildly outside any of the expectations I've seen set for pharmaceutical remedies, and puts me firmly in 'able to hold a normal adult job without killing yourself through sleep deprevation' territory.

Honestly almost annoying it has such a positive effect since the practical difference between that and addiction are pretty minimal on a short-term basis. I'm deeply uncomfortable with the idea of having to go without it or something filling the same brain-holes for a long period of time precisely because I'm basically worthless without it, in a way I didn't really come to appreciate until after starting medication.

> occasional deep sense of calm and wellness

I've always assumed that this is the "right" response?

When people talk about stimulant medication and ADHD, the reactions tend to fall into two categories: Hypes you up, stimulates you, makes you talk fast and move fast, etc... Or calms you down, soothes you, allows you to think clearly, methodically, etc....

I bring this up because it's concerning to me that the "right" response is setting off "never abuse this" alarms. Is it the right response, or is it not?

Personally, I get that same sense of calm and wellbeing. It's why the drug works. My mind quiets down, my ability to hold attention increases dramatically, and my sense of well being ensues. I speak slower and calmer. I am less likely to argue with my spouse. Yes, I feel "good" but I've always assumed that's what its like to feel normal. Normal people get their prefrontal cortex for free, mine is unlocked through a drug.

I think film and TV are partly responsible for this idea. From experience/observation euphoria (sense of wellbeing) is the primary effect of stimulants, not acting hyper. The rest are just a soup of possible effects that vary wildly.

That kind of makes me question the entire dogma of ADHD medication that stipulates a calming effect is indicative of a true ADHD patient, while a hyperactive effect is indicative of abuse / non-label use.

I’ve always assumed that because I receive a sense of calm, well being, and presence of mind that I must actually be ADHD since everyone else takes these meds and bounces off the walls.

Now I’m thinking maybe that isn’t true, and maybe I’ve rationalized taking meds because it’s easier than forcing myself to sit for hours and get quality work done. Uhg.

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