After Adderall/Concerta abuse

[Buddhagirl]

I've been in recovery from Adderall/Concerta abuse for over 4 years now after a couple years of addiction.
Even though I'm in recovery my brain continues to do everything fast... Talk, eat, walk etc. It's to the point people still think and accuse me of being on something. I don't even realize it, but frequently get told to "slow down" or I get made fun of for my "hyper" behaviors. Pre addiction I don't ever recall it being a issue. Is it possible for my brain to be "stuck" in that addiction mode? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I've been to meetings NA etc.... And I'm the only one I've ever seen behave this way.

Thanks

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm thinking OD rather than SL, TIA.

 

[DementiaSavantPlus]

I'm on a very similar timeline of abuse/recovery. I have been recovering for about 2.5 years. I used Focalin and Adderall.

I think it is possible that the habits these stimulants impose onto our behavior become learned over the period of use/abuse. I sometimes find myself reacting to a task I need to perform with a speedy rush, even though its not necessary. I also sometimes react to coffee or other mild stimulates as if I'm channeling a reflex that was originally introduced to me by the drug. I have retained some of the "efficiency" in my behavior, but not a lot of the pure motivation for its own sake.

I often assume that other people think I am on something, but for me it is not bothersome because I know that I'm not. I also doubt that it is the result of a permanent neurochemical change directly related to the drug, and more related to memory and muscle-memory access that is more indirect.

 

[perceptualvigilanc]

Perhaps you have ADHD.

 

[mirabilis]

Have you looked into mania? For me, personally, being manic is like being on stimulants - the rush, fast thoughts and actions, being hyper (and it gets worse if I drink coffee or use any other stimulants, for obvious reasons). Drug abuse can lead to brain imbalances, further leading into psychiatric disorders - e.g. bipolar disorder. Are you exhibiting any other manic symptoms?

 

[f33lg00d]

Over the past 4 years I've gone through countless periods of heavy adderall, ritalin, and coke use (usually month long binges) and I'm not hyper when in recovery; I'm usually an inactive zombie in recovery.

 

[PriestTheyCalledHim]

Perhaps you have ADHD.

That was what I first thought of as well.

Do you drink a lot of caffeine OP? Or do you have an anxiety/panic disorder? Those can do it as well.