Overcoming ADD Medication Addiction with Russell Kramer
Episode Overview
Russell's journey from ADD diagnosis to adulthood. The impact of Adderall on productivity and addiction. Challenges faced when quitting prescribed medications. The importance of finding alternative coping mechanisms. Advice for those struggling with addiction.
I would remind myself that it was like, as the addiction was dying and withering away, it pleads for life and you have to starve it and let it die.
In this episode of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, host Patrick Fox welcomes Russell Kramer, the author of 'Hocus Focus: Coming of Age with ADD and its Medicines'. Russell shares his deeply personal journey with ADD, the impact of medications like Adderall, and his battle with addiction. From being diagnosed at a young age to the challenges of quitting medication in adulthood, Russell's story is both eye-opening and relatable.
He talks about the societal pressures and the lack of support for those trying to quit prescribed medications, which are often seen as essential by doctors and employers alike. Russell uses the metaphor of sailing to describe his experience - while medication is like an engine that powers through any condition, living without it requires learning to sail, understanding the tides, and being more in tune with one's environment.
This episode also delves into the broader implications of mental health diagnoses and how they shape our lives. Russell's reflections on his childhood, the role of authority figures, and his eventual path to sobriety offer valuable insights for anyone struggling with similar issues. If you've ever wondered about the long-term effects of ADD medication or are looking for inspiration to overcome addiction, this conversation is a must-listen. You'll find yourself both moved and motivated by Russell's resilience and wisdom.
Tune in to hear more about how he managed to reclaim his life and what advice he has for others on a similar path.