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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jscottb on December 3, 2001, at 20:29:36
I have been dealing with narcotics addiction for about two years and have been in some low places. Rehab twice, jail twice (prescription fraud), loss of job, auto, shelter, bank account, etc. My problem with hydrocodone began a couple of years ago. I had been a "casual" user of pain medication for a few years and was seeing a psychiatrist for my ADHD when the prescription fraud began. The insanity of calling in prescriptions as a doctor fed my addiction. I actually got a rush from pulling off this insane stunt and before I knew it, hydrocodone had its hooks in me. Eventually I lost my job and could not afford to continue seeing my doc who was prescribing Ritalin. Now that I have been clean for about 4 months I am considering going back on Ritalin. While I abused Lortab, I took my Ritalin as prescribed for the most part. I would go through a month's supply in three weeks, but perhaps my doseage was not high enough. I have been told by many people and fellow addicts that I should not take drugs like Ritalin if I have a history of substance abuse, so I must decide what to do.
Posted by JohnX2 on December 3, 2001, at 20:45:47
In reply to hydrocodone addiction ADHD, posted by jscottb on December 3, 2001, at 20:29:36
I assume you've tried the non-addictive routes
to treating stimulant addiction/adhd?
The gold standard is the anti-depressant Wellbutrin.
Next in line is Effexor, possibly Zoloft.-John
> I have been dealing with narcotics addiction for about two years and have been in some low places. Rehab twice, jail twice (prescription fraud), loss of job, auto, shelter, bank account, etc. My problem with hydrocodone began a couple of years ago. I had been a "casual" user of pain medication for a few years and was seeing a psychiatrist for my ADHD when the prescription fraud began. The insanity of calling in prescriptions as a doctor fed my addiction. I actually got a rush from pulling off this insane stunt and before I knew it, hydrocodone had its hooks in me. Eventually I lost my job and could not afford to continue seeing my doc who was prescribing Ritalin. Now that I have been clean for about 4 months I am considering going back on Ritalin. While I abused Lortab, I took my Ritalin as prescribed for the most part. I would go through a month's supply in three weeks, but perhaps my doseage was not high enough. I have been told by many people and fellow addicts that I should not take drugs like Ritalin if I have a history of substance abuse, so I must decide what to do.
Posted by leonard60 on December 6, 2001, at 10:13:03
In reply to hydrocodone addiction ADHD, posted by jscottb on December 3, 2001, at 20:29:36
I think that your chances of relapsing on hydrocodone is much greater if you do not
Take and do what works for your AD/HD
Posted by paxvox on December 7, 2001, at 12:57:01
In reply to hydrocodone addiction ADHD, posted by jscottb on December 3, 2001, at 20:29:36
I cannot subjectively answer questions regarding addictions, however, having OCD tendencies, I know how strong an impulse one can feel to "need" to do something. Also, as "border-line ADHD", I know THAT feeling too.
My suggestion is to consider Wellbutrin for your ADHD. It works similarly to Ritalin and Adderral, etc... but is not addictive, or abusable (nor does a dose-related tolerance develop).
I agree with those that have suggested that you should avoid controlled substances (and even alcohol) if you have been a substance abuser in the past.I would consider this option, and I'm sure you will hear others.
PAX
Posted by Noa on December 9, 2001, at 12:22:45
In reply to Re: hydrocodone addiction ADHD » jscottb, posted by paxvox on December 7, 2001, at 12:57:01
I don't know the answer, but wanted to share one thought---is it possible you needed more ritalin because you were trying to offset the sedative effects of the hydrocodone?
I can imagine myself habituating to stimulants and becoming addicted, but I cannot imagine myself becoming addicted to painkillers or benzos. They are just too sedating for me. I understand why people get addicted to them, though, it is just that my body doesn't tolerate sedating substances very well (not a big drinker, either). Do some people have vulnerabilities to both types of meds (sedating and stimulating)?
I do think you should find a good pdoc who has experience with patients with SA disorders and ADHD.
Posted by jscottb on December 9, 2001, at 16:37:53
In reply to Re: hydrocodone addiction ADHD, posted by Noa on December 9, 2001, at 12:22:45
Noa: To answer your question, no and yes. When my ADHD therapy first began, I was not taking Lortab. But after a few months of being on Ritalin, I began mixing them and yes, hydrocodone did offset the effects of methylphenidate. In fact when the two drugs are taken together, essentially you are taking a "diet" speedball. Since I am doing well so far into my recovery, I believe I will postpone any consideration of being back on any mood altering substances. So I guess Ritlan is probably not a good idea for me now.
> I don't know the answer, but wanted to share one thought---is it possible you needed more ritalin because you were trying to offset the sedative effects of the hydrocodone?
>
> I can imagine myself habituating to stimulants and becoming addicted, but I cannot imagine myself becoming addicted to painkillers or benzos. They are just too sedating for me. I understand why people get addicted to them, though, it is just that my body doesn't tolerate sedating substances very well (not a big drinker, either). Do some people have vulnerabilities to both types of meds (sedating and stimulating)?
>
> I do think you should find a good pdoc who has experience with patients with SA disorders and ADHD.
This is the end of the thread.
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