I’ve been on slow release methylphenidate for about a year and it’s mostly been a great help with executive disfunction, focus and motivation.
But there’s something strange I’ve noticed: I have a feeling that it’s making me crave alcohol (or drugs in general but the only drug I’d take is alcohol).
Before starting meds the number of times I’d drink in a year had already gradually decreased to maybe four or five times and when I started meds I pretty much stopped completely, I’ve only had any alcohol twice since then.
But I miss it a lot more than I used to and on some days I get an insanely strong craving.
I’ve read people say that adhs meds helped them with addictive behaviour but has anyone experienced the opposite?
I find I crave alcohol as well. Vyvanse here.
The cravings for booze and sugar get so bad at night after a day working at a desk. It’s hard to get to sleep when you’re jittery. The cravings don’t even go away on a full stomach. I sometimes feel completely bloated from snacking and somehow feel like my sugar level is tanking at the same time. It’s impossible to eat your way out of it. It takes about two standard drinks to calm it, and that’s way too much to drink as regularly as these cravings occur.
Exercise throughout the day seems to help. It’s not an issue when on vacation.
Yes! It’s the jittery feeling with the end of the day and I’ve just sacrificed myself for work - “I deserve a drink.” It hits as I come down off the meds.
It’s not every day, just when I’m particularly productive at work. If I touch grass more it seems to be a better situation. I think it’s a stress response.
It’s bad enough that I notice it as being a negative side effect.