"ADD and the Search for Ritalin" Chapter 1: The Appointment.

Background: I am ADD. Diagnosed ADD. I can take Ritalin and sleep for hours kind of ADD. Not the ADD that many people claim they have because they find themselves getting distracted easily but the borderline dyslexic and anxiety causing ADD.

The best part about being ADD? Trying to get meds (insert face palm emoji here).

If you couldn’t tell, that was sarcasm...it doesn’t always translate well in writing.

The challenge with trying to obtain meds for my condition is always a unique experience because it’s a combination of trying to look well adjusted and normal while exposing the symptoms you are constantly trying to hide-but not too much or you look like someone who is strung out on Adderall and doesn’t need it. It is a very delicate balancing act that is very difficult when....wait....what was I saying? .....I forgot...oh well back to my story.

I try to avoid taking meds as much as possible because 1. It’s very hard on your body and 2. I feel like the more I take them, the less mental discipline I have. However, after 2 months of studying for the LSAT with a decreasing test score and increasing anxiety level, I decided I needed to get back on or I would end up getting my law degree online which, no dismissing that option if it's for you but, it's not my thing. So queue the doctors appointment.

It was great guys. I may have taken a LOT of preworkout before the gym that morning and was running behind before I could burn it all off which usually isn’t a huge deal but then I had to rush out the door to this appointment. That all equates to-I didn’t eat so I began shaking. Great fun.

I get to the doctor and wait 45 minutes to be seen. Oh my goodness, how on earth does it take 45 minutes to be seen?!?!

So I’m Antsy,

Hungry,

Still overly caffeinated,

Shaking,

Post workout hair

and Unwashed face.

Pretty much I looked like a drug addict going in to ask for more Ritalin-this is not promising.

I finally meet with her and explain that yes, I recognize how this looks and how I probably shouldn’t be saying any of that because I’m sure she now thinks I’m looking for a fix but I can show her my last bottle which was filled a year ago and she can call my pharmacy and see I almost never fill the prescription etc.

It was a very awkward and uncomfortable introduction but she handled it like a champ.

She finally gets me to focus and we talk. I share with her all the weird obscure symptoms that only people with ADD would actually know about and the other secret passwords and handshakes that means I’m legit and BAM, convinced.

Prescription filled. Follow-up appointment made. The people rejoiced.

Why am I telling you all this? Because everyone who is trying to take these meds when they don’t need them are killing me and making it impossible! Stop it!

That is all.

Go forth and be productive...and only take ADD meds if you have ADD.

Amen