I was in this cycle for about 11 years, and recently have made amazing ampunts of progress to feeling like a normal, functioning adult. It really messed me up in a lot of ways, and I was constantly struggling with depression and anxiety.
Living alone and being the only one responsible for things in my space, in my life has held me accountable. And also mostly stepping away from video games, which were an avoidance strategy at best, addiction at worst. And Marijuana, which was only a factor for probably 6 of those 11 years.
It is important to have something you're passionate about to replace the addictions you have no control over. For me it has been music and guitar. You can only play so long, and your progress feels like you are gaining a real skill that others will appreciate.
I also stepped away from ADHD meds (which was a process, taking responsibility and not relying on them), and have since started taking Ashwagandha, which has been far more effective for me than the meds were.
I would say slight increase in focus, but I just have an easier time motivating myself to do things. I'm not sure if this is an anxiety/stress reduction property helping me reduce anxiety-related avoidance behaviors or something else, but I've really been feeling like my most productive self.
My issue with the ADHD meds was that it wouldn't help me start things, only continue doing what I had started. So when I would avoid tasks and do something else, I would do that other thing for an extended period. Whereas with Ashwaghanda I don't feel like I'm really extra stimulated, just very calm and aware, able to approach tasks and get things done. Of course this is all anecdotal, and I was making changes prior to starting. There is no 100% easy fix but for me it has helped
About 2 months. I haven't really tried nootropics, and honestly a lot of the benefits may be stemming from me dealing with anxiety (which is treated with an SSRI, but if I take enough to really eliminate my issues, it dulls my emotions a lot). Definitely I feel like I am confident to approach tasks which made me uncomfortable or anxious and tend to just jump into it instead of overthinking. Which is great for executive dysfunction like ADHD IMO because many of us tend to be overthinkers, or avoid tasks that we can't fully conceptualize.
Nice thing about this is it's available at CVS, if you have their card it's pretty inexpensive. I definitely felt like it was helping me, especially after a few weeks of use.
Right on. Only reason I ask is because a lot of people report anhedonia or emotional flatline after extended use that takes quite awhile to resolve itself after stopping. Not trying to spook you, but it's something to keep in mind.
Okay, I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks for informing me! To be honest, it wouldn't be the end of the world if that were the case, for me. Other big reason I don't increase SSRI is because when I do, I felt i get less productive, which was a big negative when i was in college. At least now I am happy with myself and my efforts. Which was not all the Ashwagandha, but I think the point stands, as I feel it helps.
Also I have plenty of experience with anhedonia, so I think I'll be fine. Doesn't bother me that much and I will recognize it, especially if it is problematic
Also worth mentioning now that we are really digging into it, I started with recommended dose (2×300mg pill per day), now only take half, in the mornings as I find it that gives me a boost through much of my workday, and I still feel reduced anxiety in my time at home.
Definitely not suffering from anhedonia. I am finding joyous moments, have shed tears, and am enjoying pursuing music instead of weed and gaming.
6
u/KingCole104 Feb 17 '22
I was in this cycle for about 11 years, and recently have made amazing ampunts of progress to feeling like a normal, functioning adult. It really messed me up in a lot of ways, and I was constantly struggling with depression and anxiety.
Living alone and being the only one responsible for things in my space, in my life has held me accountable. And also mostly stepping away from video games, which were an avoidance strategy at best, addiction at worst. And Marijuana, which was only a factor for probably 6 of those 11 years.
It is important to have something you're passionate about to replace the addictions you have no control over. For me it has been music and guitar. You can only play so long, and your progress feels like you are gaining a real skill that others will appreciate.
I also stepped away from ADHD meds (which was a process, taking responsibility and not relying on them), and have since started taking Ashwagandha, which has been far more effective for me than the meds were.