I'm 23 years old, and have been off a medically supervised suboxone program for 25 days after 2 years of treatment, along with 4 years of heavy opiate abuse. The last month has been very clarifying for me as the mental cloudiness wears off and I find myself being able to face the problems I tried to mute by self-medicating. I thought back to the reason I started taking opiates - and why I eventually began to abuse them and it was simple: I was able to focus and get work done more efficiently than without them. Tolerance was built and soon I was addicted, easily enough. After some research, I've found that the possibility that I have Adult ADD is very high.
Now that I'm off opiates, the symptoms I self-medicated for have returned. Agitation, lack of motivation, sensitivity and zero focus. Naturally, the cravings to return to opiates are compounded now that I've just quit, in addition to knowing they will help me focus. I understand the effects of PAWS after quitting suboxone may have a lot to do with the irritability and lack of motivation - but remember, these are things I experienced before I ended up self medicating to help.
My entire life, I haven't been able to complete a project whether it be an elaborate drawing, in home renovation or life goal. I've been in college well past the amount of time it should have taken me to complete my degree (literally twice as long), and now that I've quit suboxone, my performance is even worse to end this semester. The level of frustration is incredible as I realize I'm years behind where I should be.
My concern is simple: How will my doctor respond if I bring up the idea of ADD and drug treatment? I've done a lot of reading and found that substance abuse is a major problem in those with ADD, yet I'm worried he will think I'm trying to feed an addictive personality rather than my substance abuse being a result of ADD.
I've never had a problem with alcohol or any drug other besides opiates, especially stimulants. I've only taken a stimulant a handful of times in my life and while I found it's effects productive and calming, I've never had a craving or desire to take more and more. I've put a lot of thought into this and I really want to express my desire to help my life rather than hurt it at this point. I'm willing to take part in pill counts, and I want to take part in behavioral therapy because I see this as the root problem and am dedicated to fixing it. I am very afraid he will dismiss me, and with my esteem problem, I know I will readily accept his reaction and not pursue a diagnosis/treatment.
What approach should I take? Should I go to him knowing what I do, past stimulant experience and all? Or should I act aloof and say I think I may have Adult ADD and see what he says...
Any advice or experience with a situation similar would be highly valued to me.
Just a note - this is not a request on how to get a doctor to prescribe a drug, as I know that is not allowed in the forums.
Now that I'm off opiates, the symptoms I self-medicated for have returned. Agitation, lack of motivation, sensitivity and zero focus. Naturally, the cravings to return to opiates are compounded now that I've just quit, in addition to knowing they will help me focus. I understand the effects of PAWS after quitting suboxone may have a lot to do with the irritability and lack of motivation - but remember, these are things I experienced before I ended up self medicating to help.
My entire life, I haven't been able to complete a project whether it be an elaborate drawing, in home renovation or life goal. I've been in college well past the amount of time it should have taken me to complete my degree (literally twice as long), and now that I've quit suboxone, my performance is even worse to end this semester. The level of frustration is incredible as I realize I'm years behind where I should be.
My concern is simple: How will my doctor respond if I bring up the idea of ADD and drug treatment? I've done a lot of reading and found that substance abuse is a major problem in those with ADD, yet I'm worried he will think I'm trying to feed an addictive personality rather than my substance abuse being a result of ADD.
I've never had a problem with alcohol or any drug other besides opiates, especially stimulants. I've only taken a stimulant a handful of times in my life and while I found it's effects productive and calming, I've never had a craving or desire to take more and more. I've put a lot of thought into this and I really want to express my desire to help my life rather than hurt it at this point. I'm willing to take part in pill counts, and I want to take part in behavioral therapy because I see this as the root problem and am dedicated to fixing it. I am very afraid he will dismiss me, and with my esteem problem, I know I will readily accept his reaction and not pursue a diagnosis/treatment.
What approach should I take? Should I go to him knowing what I do, past stimulant experience and all? Or should I act aloof and say I think I may have Adult ADD and see what he says...
Any advice or experience with a situation similar would be highly valued to me.
Just a note - this is not a request on how to get a doctor to prescribe a drug, as I know that is not allowed in the forums.
