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Should You Take ADHD Medications?

© Valerie de Armas

Many people have debated for many years whether or not to use medications for ADHD. Some parents of children with ADHD fear addiction or side effects of stimulants. Some adults fear the same things for themselves. Some parents and teachers feel that drugs should only used to control behavioral problems and others feel that if that is the only purpose, then they should not be used at all. As you can see, there is quite a bit of controversy about the use of medications for ADHD.

My personal decision to use medication was a difficult one. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, but the questions were still there. I didn't want to take a drug that would make me feel that I was no longer 'me'. I decided to take medication in part because although I had developed many coping skills, there were some things I needed help with. I thought the medication might give me the boost I needed. I was right. It did.

Adults and children need not fear that medication will make them into a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I feared this myself for a time, but I was pleasantly surprised. I am still me even while on the medication. Medication simply helps me to focus better to accomplish more. I still get sidetracked sometimes and I still wish I were more organized, but when I think back to my pre-medication days, I realize how far I've come. Before medication, I couldn't invite people to my home. Literally could not. Why? Because I had so much junk everywhere there was barely a path to walk in my house. Organization is still difficult for me, but I am no longer ashamed to let people see my home because of the incredible disarray. Many of you may disagree with me, but medication has done me a world of good. I feel better about myself. Improved self-esteem is an excellent reason to consider medication. Self-esteem in ADDers is typically very low. We beat ourselves up all the time because of our failures. Others beat us up because of our failures, too. Most of us have been asked for years why we can't do so-and-so, or why we don't think before we act. The medication helps me to think before acting. Medication isn't for everyone and it doesn't work well for everyone, but give it a fair chance. You or your child may be thankful you did I can't believe I was once hesitant about it because with the medication I am not a different person, but I am a better person. Where I used to interrupt, I now wait for my turn to speak. Where I used to wander about when cleaning or working on a project, I now focus on the project at hand. I am truly grateful for my positive experience with ADHD medication, but carefully consider whether it is right for you.

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