Expert: Crystal - 9/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Alright, my boyfriend for 9 months started taking adderall about 4 months into our relationship. At first, i was uncomfortable with it, but he is responsible with it. He used to get pretty much straight F's in school, but now seems to be getting only A's and B's and I'm so proud of him. Now the thing is, is that over summer, he quit, but today one of his friends gave him some more pills and he was so happy, the happiest he has seemed in a while. I just did some research on the drug and i just need to know what to do. It bothers me that he takes these pills, but hes doing well and it makes him happy. I've talked to him about it but he kind of blows it off and promises me that he will be responsible with them. I don't want to force him off them because i know i can't, i just need some guidance with the matter.

ANSWER: Jenn,

How old is he? Can you go to his parents and talk to them about this because Adderall is not a medication to mess with, it is the same as methamphetamines without the crap in it. It is used for ADHD, does he have this kind of diagnosis? If he is ADHD but doesn't have a diagnosis then I suggest for his own safety he go to a doctor right away because he can have serious legal issues if a doctor finds out he is taking this medication without a doctor's order.

Let me know what I can do to help but I am not a doctor and CANNOT diagnose or give meds.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: he is only 17. His parents aren't the type of people to really care. I don't think he has ADHD, one of his friends give them to him. He says they help him concentrate but all of his bestfriends are starting to hate him for it. I guess he gets really irritable in class if someone talks to him and is beginning to seriously lose his patience. We were wrestling yesterday and he started screaming at me because i hit him because he almost broke my finger, and eventually put a hole through the wall. Its just not like him.

Answer
I would tell someone that you can trust and try to get him help if you can because he will only get worse over time and his addiction will become more out of hand. You need to put your children and yourself first.
What can you do to change the situation for yourself and for your children?