There are many different reasons people with ADHD don’t or can’t take ADHD medication. Before anyone casts judgment, it’s good to understand these reasons. As mentioned in earlier posts, the biggest pushback I get from people on my Pinterest account is around ‘ADHD without Meds’. But my answer to that is if you don’t like it, jog on! You don’t have to engage in my work or follow my stuff. Do what’s right for you as we are all on our own journey and learning at our own pace.
I also want to make it really clear this is not medical advice. My posts are based solely on my personal experience. We are all different. I’m not a doctor and all I can recommend is that you do your own research when it comes to your health. This is so you know what you are doing and understand what the doctor or specialist is talking about.
So, let’s take a look at the reasons why some people may choose not to take medication:
some people don't take adhd meds for financial reasons
In some cases, people might not be able to afford ADHD medication or might not have access to them due to healthcare system limitations, insurance coverage issues, or availability in where they live.
It’s important to understand that we all come from different financial backgrounds and live in different situations.
some people can't take adhd medication for medical reasons
Some people have pre-existing medical conditions that can make ADHD medications unsafe. For example, stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall) can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so they might not be suitable for people with heart disease, hypertension, or certain other cardiovascular conditions.
And unfortunately, since a certain medical procedure was mandated on the general public a few years ago, there’s been a massive increase in heart related problems which has caused a lot of problems for the ADHD community and the public in general. Always seek advice before starting any medication or if you’re experiencing any issues now, seek medical advice straight away.
some people can't take adhd meds because of allergies or sensitivities
Some people can’t take ADHD medication due to allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients in it.
This is where I fit in. I started reducing my ADHD meds when I developed Coeliac Disease.
related post
At the time I was diagnosed, I felt it hurt my gut and I was doing everything I could to heal my gut. But everyone is different so it’s best to seek your own advice around this. Find a good Naturopath or nutritionist who understands gut health.
pregnancy & adhd meds
I’ve never been pregnant so cannot comment in a personal way in this section. All I can say is SEEK ADVICE with ANY medical procedure you want to get (or is recommended) during pregnancy. Please, please, please, do your own research when it comes to your health and the health of your unborn baby.
What I have learnt through my own health trials and tribulations, is that I have to be my own doctor. I rely on myself and my own knowledge. I certainly don’t get it through the TV!!!! And please, be mindful that if you do a Google search, Google owns over 90% of the search market so you may only get biased results.
If you have any friends who might be questioning what has gone on in the previous 4 years, ask them what they think. But ultimately, it comes down to you. You are in charge of YOU!
our beliefs can shape our views on meds
Some people or their families may have personal, cultural, or religious beliefs that discourage the use of medication for behavioural or psychological conditions. Others might prefer non-pharmacological approaches, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments.
What’s important is that we respect everyone’s choice! Whether it’s religious, cultural, spiritual or whatever, it’s individual choice that we can respect.
And, that brings me to where I am in this story! Read on…..
treating adhd naturally
There’s a tonne of peeps out there who want a more natural form of life and have moved away from the medical model for a number of reasons. Now this is totally personal of course. Each to their own!
And this is where I cop the most shit on Pinterest. I create infographics on my life and as an adult with ADHD I get under a lot of people’s skin by suggesting natural strategies to deal with symptoms. People get really shitty at me but I don’t take it personally. They can take what they want from it and if they don’t like it, they can don’t have to look.
I was always taught, that if you don’t have anything good to say about something, don’t say anything at all. But there will always be people out there who will be triggered by pretty much anything. The good thing is, I estimate this at around 1-2% of people who comment negatively on my account so that’s cool. You do you 🙂
All I want to do is thrive in my life. I feel I’m here for a reason and if I can share my knowledge and help someone along the way, I’ll do it!
Check out this graphic below for some more ideas:
If you want to learn more, get my bestselling ‘ADHD Without Meds’ eBook on Etsy. Click the image below to go straight to the product. It can be used alongside medication if that’s what you’re doing and that’s totally okay 🙂
Get the 'Adhd without meds' ebook on etsy
Managing ADHD without Meds
addiction & adhd meds
Because stimulant medications have the potential for misuse or addiction, they may not be prescribed to people with a history of substance abuse. Again, everyone is different. The need to respect everyone’s personal experience is highly important. And this also goes for understanding that people change and those who think people can’t change, are the ones who never change!
side-effects & past experiences
We are all different. ADHD medications can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, appetite loss, headaches, or mood swings. For some people, these side effects can be severe or intolerable, making the medication difficult or impossible to take.
For some people, the side effects (or direct effects whichever way you look at it), are not worth it. For this reason, they choose not to take ADHD meds and go for more natural ways to deal with symptoms and that’s ok.
For anyone who has taken ADHD meds, they may be able to tell you about the ups and downs…. the comedowns!!!!! The feeling of living to a timer. Why live to a timer when we can find ways to enhance the positive aspects around the strengths we have??? I know what I prefer.
bottom line
WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT! I can’t stress this enough and I do this through the eBooks I write and the infographics I create. We all have to feel what is right for us and this could be at a certain time of our lives or a change in circumstances we find ourselves in.
So again, I stress…. this is NOT medical advice. We ALL have to do what is right for us in our own situation. All I’m doing here is sharing my experience in an easy-to-read format. I love creating graphics because I’m a visual learner. You can take from it what you want.
I wish you all the best in navigating your journey and always remember, you’re never alone!
Check out the post below for some more ideas.
navigating the adhd world
If you, or a loved one, has just been thrown into the world of ADHD and are trying to navigate a new diagnosis check out my ADHD resources to support your health and well-being to improve your life and manage your symptoms using a variety of simple strategies.
These printable ADHD eBooks, workbooks, planners and visuals can be used as a resource to work through step-by-step by offering ideas and strategies that can be used at work, home or school and are suitable for teens and adults with ADHD.
Click the image to go straight to the product!
