what can i do to help my 22 yr old with add - ADD / ADHD Message Board

patch puppy · 04-07-2009, 10:26 AM

what can i do to help my 22 yr old with add? He is at a crossroads between school and finding employment. He was on meds for 13 years but has been off them for 6 years.

addprogrammer · 04-07-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patch puppy

what can i do to help my 22 yr old with add? He is at a crossroads between school and finding employment. He was on meds for 13 years but has been off them for 6 years.

Transitions can be rough on us. He may need the meds again while adjusting to his new life. What specifically is he having trouble with because of his ADHD?

patch puppy · 04-08-2009, 09:57 AM

Because of denial and self medicating (pot) It took my son 5 years to complete high scool (top 10%of his class) and 3 years to receive his AA. He was an honoroll student until last half of 10th grade when he went off his meds..He has had minor scrapes with the law and although he has had a summer job with the same company for 6 years he has been fired from 4 other positions for various reasons...He cannot afford to return to school to get his BA (His goal was to become a teacher) and does not have insurance to cover any counseling or meds he may need to get back on track....He is moving back home at the end of the scool term because he is unable ton continue living by himself. We want to support him as much as possible but do not know of any resources available in our area...Is there any help out there???? He is not coming from a very good place at the moment and we are VERY CONCERNED for him
Thank You,
Patch Puppy

addprogrammer · 04-08-2009, 11:34 AM

Patch Puppy,

Your description of your son could well have been my description c. 1960's.

I honestly do not know any other way of managing ADHD successfully except with the assistance of medication and counseling. Based on my experience both are absolutely necessary. Don't waste money on meds without counseling.

Diet and exercise definitely help. Back off on carbs and load up on proteins in the AM. More carbs and veggies in the PM. Carbs sedate. Part of our brain never wakes up fully. That is why nothing other than some type of stimulation helps.

I feel the effects immediately after a good workout. I need no consensus from scientists to convince me of the value of exercise in controlling ADHD.

Look at the cost of the meds and therapy and compare it to the cost of education. Your son has an associate's degree and is obviously intelligent. Yet how much value is his education and intelligence if his brain is malfunctioning?

Personally I would sink every last cent I had and borrow some too to get the meds and the counseling. I just don't see any other way. Try diet and excercise and add 1200mg or so of fish oil. Maybe it is enough your son's case. I would be more than happy to eat crow if diet and excercise alone are enough.

Bob