Russell Kramer, an entrepreneur and writer known for his memoir on ADHD, shares his compelling journey from being medicated with Dexedrine as a child to battling addiction with Adderall. He discusses the emotional toll ADHD has taken on his life and how he eventually learned to manage it without drugs. His experiences with Ayahuasca and self-discovery shed light on alternative strategies for those struggling with ADHD. Russell’s insights aim to help others navigate medication withdrawal and embrace their authentic selves.
ADHD is often managed through medication, but there are complex emotional impacts and stigma that individuals may experience while on these drugs.
The speaker's journey involved overcoming addiction and learning to manage ADHD without pharmaceuticals through personal growth and self-exploration.
Parents are encouraged to listen to their children regarding ADHD diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a thoughtful and informed approach to medication.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD and Its Evolution
ADHD is described as a label given to individuals based on specific behaviors, often linked to receiving medication, such as amphetamines. Historically, this condition developed alongside pharmacological treatments, resulting in a culture that continuously redefines ADHD as it evolves. The speaker suggests that ADHD may also represent coping mechanisms for stress and trauma, highlighting its complexity. Ultimately, definitions of ADHD are fluid, resembling the process of measuring a changing coastline, as perspectives shift over time.
Personal Experience with ADHD Medication
The speaker shares their early experiences with ADHD medication, starting at the age of seven when diagnosed and placed on dextrin and amphetamines. These medications led to feelings of embarrassment and shame, but they subsequently provided a sense of productivity and focus, particularly in athletic settings. Over time, however, the negative side effects began to overshadow the benefits, such as sleep disturbances and increased weight due to hunger caused by the medication. This tug-of-war between the medication's advantages and the ongoing struggles it caused sparked a pivotal moment in the speaker's life.
Lessons Learned from Withdrawal
After experiencing an unplanned discontinuation of medication, the speaker faced significant withdrawal challenges, including feelings of hopelessness and a lack of focus. This difficult period prompted an exploration of the impact of ADHD and the importance of understanding personal feelings unrelated to prior medication use. Reflection during this time allowed the speaker to recognize addict behaviors, ultimately motivating a commitment to abstain from stimulants. The journey led to insights about managing their ADHD without pharmaceuticals, focusing on personal growth and self-discovery instead.
The Role of Hard Work in Healing
The speaker emphasizes that their path to healing involved embracing hard work and facing challenges head-on, whether it be through physical labor or self-exploration. Recognizing a past resistance to hard work, they sought out new experiences, such as martial arts, to cultivate discipline and resilience. The act of writing the book was also a significant part of this journey, serving as a platform for processing emotions and experiences related to ADHD and medication. Ultimately, the speaker found satisfaction in hard work rather than seeking immediate gratification, reshaping their understanding of productivity.
Empowering Parents and Future Generations
The speaker stresses the importance for parents to listen to their children when it comes to ADHD diagnosis and medication, as they often know themselves best. They advocate for a thoughtful approach to prescribing medication, especially for children, urging caution and emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of each individual's circumstances. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about their children's health, armed with knowledge but driven by personal understanding. The overarching message is to reflect on the existing cultural views of ADHD medications while providing support and resources to individuals navigating similar experiences.
HOCUS FOCUS is an episode with entrepreneur and writer Russell Kramer. In his own words: "When I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven - for asking questions without raising my hands and standing at my desk - I was promptly put onto Dexedrine, an amphetamine.
I didn't want to take it, but I was given no choice and refused it at age twelve - only to be forced back onto ADHD meds when I was 16. This time it was adderall. I began to like adderall and took it on and off until my early twenties. I earned a college degree, did well in school, biked across the country and became a bit of an addict.
Upon withdrawing from Adderall, I learned how to manage my ADHD and my addiction. Drinking Ayahuasca helped some. But ultimately I learned how to manage and live with adhd without taking medications and it became my aim to discuss this topic, represent the people and be there to help people with the brutal withdrawal of adhd medications.
Russell Kramer is an entrepreneur and a writer and he has written - in his words - “The best Adderall memoir the world has ever known”, 'Hocus Focus: Coming of age with ADD and its medicines'."
More about Russell Kramer:
https://rlkramer.us/about-me/
The Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QDY71D
Substack - https://rlkramer.substack.com/
Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/@R.L.Kramer
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmedfree?_t=8bPhjLBxrQM&_r=1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/r.l.kramer/
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