Am I not ready for this?

[Candice Wong]

I am 13, almost 14 years of Age. After graduating elementary this year, my thoughts have drifted to high school and how my prescription was supposed to be cut soon. I've been on Adderall since the 3rd grade and up until now, I thought it changed my life for the better. However, after bumping into an article on this website, I've started to realize how heavily I rely on my Adderall to do everything for me. Deep inside, I know that those good grades are mine but...I know that I couldn't do it without the adderall. I'm unsure if i like who i used to be, but I do see that people who I've known for many years have started to drift apart from me as my addiction to those blue and orange capsules grew stronger. ( I take a 35 mg ).

I'm addicted to them for the wrong reasons though, I remember being made fun of about my weight and having my grades compared at a young age. because I was always the lowest of my four friends, having my grades shoot up and losing 15 pounds in the first month was amazing. I've met a lot of people since being on my Adderall and Im really scared of being around them when Im off the pill.

Even when doing creative things such as writing and drawing, I find that it's easier while Im on my Adderall. even though Adderall is known for sucking out your creativity (?). On a side note, i do notice that those damn pills have really changed the way I think. I cant relax anymore, I remember not eating my lunch in the 5th grade and wandering around the class room and through the halls like I was searching for some sort of work. I also spend a lot of time thinking of my adderall on weekends and during the summer and how much i want it in my system. I'm only on the pills 5 days a week and I should be able to quit without facing withdrawal....BUT-

Im really unsure if the better me is with my adderall or without it.

[Jack]

This is a difficult situation for me to judge, mostly because of your age, and the fact that your parents probably put you on it.

I was in a similar position when I was your age(with other meds), and most likely needed some sort of medication to control myself; instead, I chose to not take the pills more often than not.

If I were in your position, I would talk to your parents about how you feel. Don't just go off the meds cold turkey, you really should talk to a doctor. If grades are a huge concern, there are plenty of other ADD/ADHD medications that are stimulant free, like stratera. Also, Vvyvance is an alternative.

Not that I'm saying you should be on something- that's for YOU to decide! Personally, I quit adderall a few days ago, and I won't go back, but at the same time, I wouldn't be where i am today without it.

You're a smart kid, talk it out with your parents or a doctor.

Good luck.