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Beanieweenie

2y ago

Struggling with Chronic Fatigue and Stimulant Abuse

I have been struggling with severe chronic fatigue since I have been about 11. I am 24 now and ever since I started working while I was in college and was no longer able to sleep for half the day, I have relied on stimulants. Ever increasing amounts of caffeine got me through my first year, once I resolved to have a social life I relied on cocaine to push me past essential functions, and eventually used it to get through work… once I was formally diagnosed with ADHD about 2.5 yrs ago I quit cocaine cold turkey and started my Dextroamphetamine prescription, but my relationship with it is not healthy. I always take more than I am prescribed which has not been good for my sleep and eating habits but when I am sober I am so, so tired. It’s difficult to want to change it when I know that on the other side of the amphetamine withdrawals my baseline energy level will still be unbearable. Does anyone else struggle with stimulant abuse that stems from chronic fatigue?

Your answer

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TrippyDangerousMe

2y ago

I would talk to your doctor about it. Talk about possibly a non-stimulant
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TrippyDangerousMe

2y ago

First off congrats on sobriety!
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ChristineCG

2y ago

Chronic fatigue I know is a very serious condition. I don't know much about it, but I do take dextroamphetamine for ADD, and I don't think it would be enough to also address chronic fatigue. I hope you're getting more help specifically for your chronic fatigue syndrome. 🙏☺️💓
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Beanieweenie

2y ago

It’s gives me hope that you have been able to manage your medication use and continue taking it correctly, it is very helpful to me when used as prescribed so I hope to get to a place where I can take it less often. I admire the willpower, and thank you so much ☺️
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Cedar

2y ago

Hey! Thank you for your vulnerability. I have 100% been in a similar relationship with stimulants/ substances. I’m approaching a year of sobriety from all substances and I still take my Adderall as prescribed. I had to take a break from it for a while to address my relationship with it. I take it on days that I really feel I need it and that’s maybe three times a week. I have tried my best to meet myself with where I am and that some days I’m just not able to do as much as others and that’s totally okay. I allow myself to take breaks and I try my best to not push myself past my limits so I don’t have bad burn outs and fatigue flare ups where it’s not manageable and I’m sleeping the whole day for weeks. Try your best to give yourself grace this is a journey not a destination and the fact that you are curious about a different way is huge and that you aren’t using certain substances anymore!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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