Getting started towards recovery

[DoodieJoe]

Hi everyone.  I am new to this forum.  I have a 22 year old college student, with a bad addiction to snorting Focalin (they are prescribed to me for narcolepsy and adhd) and smoking marijuana.  I have been snorting the pills for about 7 months now, and I can't get myself to stop.  I finally gave the pill bottle to my girlfriend to regulate for me, and watch me take it in the morning so I dont just keep it and snort it later.

I have experience with rehab and drug abuse prior to the focalin.  I have been in rehab twice for marijuana, alcohol, and sleep hypnotics addictions.  The second time also included klonopin.

Both times in treatment I ended up losing motivation which led to me being discharged for lack of attendance.  I just couldnt stay focused, and I finally broke and went back to my old habits.  Today is the first day that I haven't snorted any focalin, and suprisingly I only have a light headache.

I am just looking for support or advice.. anything that will help me be successful this time around.  I cant keep living like this.  Change is imminent.  Thank you for any replies.

[haruchild]

In my opinion, i think you are very strong for coming to this site. I literally joined about 5 minutes ago. It is a great idea that you have someone holding your drugs for you. Keep this up. If you have goals in life that you want to accomplish, go for them. Live for what you might have in the future. Do not live for a high in the present.I may be young but i know what i am taking about. Good luck.

[DoodieJoe]

Focalin is a derivative of Ritalin... just with all the fillers taken out so its the pure part of the drug that helps.  I have been on focalin for about 3 years now.  I take them for narcolepsy and ADHD, and don't think I can stop taking them because I really do need them (not in a drug addict way either).  I have stopped snorting them completely and cut down to half of my prescribed dose (I take 15 mg once a day now).  I had a hell of a battle with sleeping hypnotics so I imagine I can get through this.. I just need to stay focused and determined.  I think having a steady girlfriend this time will help out a lot too.  She really wants to help me and will do whatever it takes and I love her so much for that.

[pLacebo89]

You have come to the right place!  I am 19 and was addicted to Loricets..15-20 a day.  I am now taking Suboxon and am tapering off of that. I can only imagine what your dealing with.  sdleo is right..keep your girlfriend as involved as possible and lean on her for support. keep posting..and GOOD LUCK!

...Sarah

[sdleo]

I don't know what Focalin really is but this could very well be your wake up sign to start your road to recovery. Keep your girlfriend as active as you can. Hang in there you can do it!

[road2recovery]

Welcome...First you have to stop snorting the adhd meds...you are lucky to have your girlfriend holding them for you...Are you looking to get off of them completely?? how long have you been on the Focalin??
Since you have been in rehab, i am sure you did pick up some tools to learn to live clean and sober.....Try them., and just keep trying...The first step you have already took, is admitting, and having your girlfriend hold them....
wishing you luck....