Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

7wks Pregnant, addicted to adderall and alcohol

I just found out I am 7wks pregnant, I am 23 and living on my own. My boyfriend(the father) really wants to keep it and he is making future plans to accomidate this change in our lifes.
I don't feel ready for a child but a part of me thinks that this happened for a reason. I am highly addicted to adderall and alcohol. I would pop adderall all day, just keep taking more and more to get all jacked up and motivated, then, when I would start to come down, I would feel extreme cravings for either beer or vodka. I would drink alot everytnight, and sometimes I would take sleeping pills after the drinking because I still couldn't sleep because of all the adderall I had taken in the day. I know, this sounds pathedic and I realized way before I found out I was pregnant that it was pathedic, but quitting isn't as easy as it sounds. Even now that I know have a baby developing inside me, I cannot completly stop the adderall. Everytime I had, I felt extremly tired and I had no thought process. I cut down extremly, only taking minimal doses, just enough to allow me to function. Even on days without adderall I crave alcohol so bad to the point where I am angry, and depressed. I have had a couple drinks in private and I have hid that fact to my boyfriend,who I have to lie to about my usage. I feel terrible and selfish, I don't want to continue to possible harm my growing baby but I feel so weak and depressed, I can't get happy about having a baby because I am too consumed with my desire for those two substances. It is like they took me over and I no longer exist. I don't know myself or how to be happy without them. Please some advice.
12 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Being in your first trimester of pregnancy it is very normal to feel very fatigued,nauseated,headaches and the list goes on.I remember with my pregnancies how tired I was. Have you started on prenatal vitamins yet? I am on day 2 detoxing with sub, I am feeling tired and ill today with bad leg cramps so I really can't offer a whole lot of help today. Just feel bad,but as soon as I can I will help you with more info. I was a nurse for 14 years.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How did your baby turn out being on adderall? I am on it pregnant and worried sick!!! Any info would be great....

Emma
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
        I want to say thank you to all of you understanding, helpful and caring people. I am surprised that all of you are so supportive. It is hard to find genuwine people these days.
       It has been hard for me to stop drinking but it is getting easier everyday. After I found out that I was pregnant I drank one or two drinks on two seperate occasions. I don't plan on having another drink  until after I have the baby. I feel more mentally healthy without the alcohol so that feels good.
       On the other hand, with the situation with the adderall, I am having more trouble. Like I said, I have cut down alot. I used to take up to 80 mgs a day, now I am at 30 to 40. But I still feel extreme guilt and worry. I want to stop completly, but when I try I cannot even function physically or mentally. I cannot even do my job, or communicate with others. It's terrible. If I could afford to take a week off work I would go to detox.
      When I found out I was pregnant I asked my doctor about the risks of adderall usage, and can you believe he didn't know? I am suppose to go back on Mon for my first prenatal if he doesn't have info for me I am gonna have to find another doc. I would like to know if there is damage done already from taking them when I became pregnant, and I would also like to know how to get off of them without shocking myself and my unborn child.
       I want to say thanks so much again for all of your advice and prayers, I don't feel as burdened and alone anymore, I just hope no harm is done and that on Monday the doc will have a plan for me.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just talk to your doctor, preferably an OBGYN, simply because they have experience with high risk pregnancies. Quitting may or may not be the answer at this point. Many times, the shock that your body will go through from quitting immediately can be more harmful to the unborn child. A good doctor will be able to weigh the risks and help you one way or the other. Good luck!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know this is hard, but you CAN do this !  Stay with us and we will give all the support we can..........plz talk to your Dr. (OB) they will help you.

God bless...I'm gonna pray for you, ok?

Annie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are NOT reversible.  Your baby will suffer extreme delays and difficulties.  It will not just be a case of the baby going through withdrawal at birth, you are attributing to a life long legacy of hardships and challenges for this child by consuming alcohol.  Please stop.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Hun,
How much adderral are you taking a day? I took Ritalin ( small amts) during my pregnancy while I was in college...doc said it was safe...but how many pills a day, and what mg?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sweetie, I just wrote and deleted 3 paragraphs to you so I could say just this.  Please, Please, Please......decide (with your b/f or without - whatever) if you want to keep this child and will be responsible enough to love and care for him/her forever.  AND...if you decide yes, then you have to find a good, caring OB and develop a plan to get off the meds and alcohol IMMEDIATELY.  I know it is not easy, I swear...been through it very recently myself, but I also have two children and know the joys/pains/guilt/and extreme amount of unselfishness that is involved in loving, raising, and nurturing a child to adulthood.

Only speaking from experience....you are so young, and it sounds like you have some issues that you would like to cover or bury with the pills and booze.  They wont go away and I can promise HAVING A BABY WILL BRING THEM OUT 1000000X.  The stress involved with a new baby will increase whatever issues you are not dealing with right now.  

My advice is this.........deal with your problems, quit the addictions, then plan and have a family.  By no means am I trying to sway you to have or not have this child.  Only let you know my personal experience and hope that you find some options that fit with what works for you and your family.   I can only tell you that if you do it in that order, you will be happier, healthier...and so will those around you.  You will be in my prayers and please keep me posted with how you are (no matter what you choose).  You will NOT be judged here, only given advice.  Please listen to all and take what fits for you, but if you can get some outside counseling and be honest...that may be priceless.

good luck and God bless, Tracy
Helpful - 0
192332 tn?1189755828
I pray you can do the right thing.God Bless you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has your pregnancy been confirmed by a blood test?  Have you seen an OB yet? If you decide to continue with this pregnancy you really do have to stop drinking. (Google Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and the adderall! You have to honest with your OB so that they can help you decide your course of action.  I'm sure you didn't intend to be an addict during pregnancy as it sounds like this was unplanned but if you do intend to carry to term, you do have options. Just handle this sooner rather than later.....your baby is in a crucial developmental period so you need to discuss this with your doctor. There is every chance that the baby will be fine as long as you get the help you need now!  Good luck to you! I know this is a very difficult situation for you!
Peace,
Marcie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
does a doctor prescribe adderall to you , if so talk to them about your pregancy and you have got to stop the alkie or you will develop fetal alcohol symdrome, if you want to keep the baby , go to rehab , thats the bottom line!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I hate to have to tell you this but you only have a couple of choices. Quit using or terminate pregnancy. I suggest you be honest with your doctor and get yourself some help. If not for you for the sake of your unborn child.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.