My Stance On ADD/ADHD Medication, As Someone With A Diagnosis
Medication for ADD/ADHD children is such a controversial subject. Each parent has their opinion on it and people should respect that, it's their child, but a the same time I think that the child should also have an opinion on the matter. After all, it is their life that is being affected.
I wasn't formally diagnosed with ADD until my junior year of high school. I wasn't diagnosed earlier because until then, there was no need to. When I was younger my mom always kept me in check, she helped my study and stay on track in school so there was no need to get tested or put on medication. As I got older she realized I needed to start being more independent so she started backing off, as the more she backed off the worse my grades were.
Up until this point in my life, I was always on the A or A/B honor roll for school and I think after realizing I had C's on my report card, this disorder became real. From the summer after sophomore year through the first semester of my junior year, my mom tried every holistic treatment she could find. We tried essential oils, vitamins, supplements, you name it we tried it. While these holistic treatments sometimes did make a small difference, they just weren't making a big enough difference. I don't blame my mom for wanting to try more natural ways to treat me, I actually think it was a great idea. I know some people with ADD/ADHD who swear by essential oils or natural supplements, unfortunately, it just wasn't working for me. When it came down to it, my mom and I discussed putting me on medicine, she was skeptical but ultimately it was my decision.
After starting on Adderall my life changed drastically. I never even realized just how bad off I was until starting the medication. By the start of my Senior year, my grades were back up, I had gotten a raise at work, and was running and/or a member of 4 different clubs at school. Getting the right treatment for ADD/ADHD helped me reach my full potential. While I am glad I decided to start medication, it's not for everyone. I have been on both Adderall and Vyvanse and there are side effects to both. Now I know people who have little to no side effects from either medication and I know people who do. I personally experienced multiple side effects, but this was all before finding the right dosage of the right medication for me. I now have little to no side effects and I live my life just like everyone else.
I know parents only want the best for their children, but at some point, you have to let them decide for themselves. I know medication is not the answer for everyone, but it doesn't hurt to try. The difference it made in my life was incredible, and I hope that more parents out there consider letting their ADD/ADHD children at least try medication.
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