Adderall for cocaine/meth addict???

My bestfriend is a recovering (2 1/2 months clean) cocaine and crystal meth addict (among other addictions as has a typical addictive personality)  who has been seeing a phsychiatrist for a little over a month now. My PROBLEM  is I am seriously QUESTIONING this doctors approach to treatment. He hasn't ever suggested any type of NA or AA and now he has presribed him Adderall (adderrall) (with a a diagnosis of Adult Adhd)!!  WHY ON EARTH WOULD would you ever prescribe a highly addictive stimulant to someone who is addicted to stimulants?? Now perhaps the ADHD diagnosis is correct (hints the addictive personality,etc.) but EVERYTHING i have read on Adderall (adderrall) says "you should not take Adderall (adderrall) if you have a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse". Also, we have consulted another psychiatrist who agreed. It's not like he's been 2 years sober, it's only been near 2 months! A stuggling 2 months at that! I am so worried, please help.

[IBKleen]

I understand that you are worried. You have a good reason. However, your friend is the one that needs to stand up for himself. You cannot approach the doctor, so he will have to do it. If it were me, I would run right out of this office. Just because the doctor suggests that I take a medication, does not mean that I have to. Is your friend willing to get another opinion?

[MelMel123]

My older brother had a 10 year meth addiction.  He was in/out of jail for years.  I can't begin to describe his rap sheet.   He put our family thru hell b/c of his addiction.  He got clean and stayed sober for 4 years then sought psychiatric treatment.  He was diagonosed with adult adhd and prescribed Adderall (adderrall).  He takes 1 extended release tab in the morning and a regular in the afternoon.  He doesn't abuse his medicine.  His doctors (team of 3) all say that people with this disorder do drugs to try to make themselves feel "normal".  He is now a homeowner with a great job and in a good, stable relationship for the first time in his life (at age 34).  
I think you need to consider how your friend acted before she started using drugs.  Were there signs of ADHD before?  Maybe she is in the same boat as my brother, maybe not.  
Anyway, thought I would share that and hope it helps.  If you think the Adderall (adderrall) is having negative effects on your friend be sure to get word to her doctors.  They will not discuss her case with you but they would most likely hear you out.

[MelMel123]

I see your friend is a he.... sorry!

[Girl27]

To respond to IBKleen, I understand he needs to stick up for himself, however, he knows nothing about treatment options, this is the first phsychiatrist that he has gone to see for help (ever in his life)  and this is the ONLY treatment option that was suggested. strange, i know. so honestly, if the Dr. told him standing on his head for 20 minutes a day was a cure, he would probably do it.. not knowing much better. The Dr. didn't explain Adderall (adderrall) very well to him and ofcorse it doesn't mean he has to take the medication, but he is looking for a "cure" so if a doc told him that were it, ofcorse he would try it. I am all he has in this situation and I will not leave his side. I will continue to be his friend and support him when he needs it.

[Girl27]

Thank you MelMel123 for sharing your story w me. It made me feel a bit better knowing it helped your brother. His doctor too said that he too probably used coke and meth to feel "normal" at an unconscience level. As far as noticing signs of ADHD before... well, maybe a little. Like a milder case of ADHD. My friend seems to think it;s accurate, which i agree that;s for him and his Dr to decide, it just seems so soon to be prescribed another stimulant. Especially when there are alternatives like ex. Wellbutrin, also used as treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression all also causes of drug abuse. i just am scared for him and want him to be happy and get better. :(

[mr.lucky66]

A lot of shrinks (MD's) are stupid and make big mistakes. They don't seem to be connected with mainstream medical thinking. I once had one give me Dexidrine, valium , clonidine and darvon to detox from dope. Even the Pharmasist who filled them questioned it. It wasn't a good detox. He sent me a bill for 300.oo and I reported him to the state board, end of story. all the best

[1eagle]

Your boyfriend must take charge. But he is very lucky to have you. I am not sure about your doctor...it sounds to me like he missed a class or two in medical school. I would find other medical help without hesitation. Whom ever would advocate that regimin of therapy is either incompetent or non-caring. At least your boyfriend is trying...he should have proper medical asssistance that he is not recieving.