this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2023
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ADHD

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Not sure if this type of post is allowed due to the legal implications, but wondering if anyone has had any experience with this or has resources to find out more. Someone mentioned on Imgur that they had success but they didn't respond with any additional info. I tried searching online but a lot of what I found is from the companies that produce it or articles that need to skirt around the subject (again probably because of the legality). I used to research stuff on Reddit but now that Reddit doesn't allow you to see NSFW stuff without logging into their app, it's impossible to see discussions on it since everything around it is marked NSFW. I'm even marking this post as NSFW in case there's similar rules here on this community.

For context, the reason I'm asking is because I take a stimulant but just had to deal with my insurance for multiple weeks to do the whole prior authorization. I've been taking it for a year, tried using other non-stimulant and generic options before that which didn't help. Then when I got it approved I had to get the prescription renewed, wait for it to ship, and then making sure I was home since you have to sign for it. If there's an option where I can legally purchase capsules to micro dose, have something that's effective for my ADHD, and not have to worry about the long term side effects of stimulant use*, I would love to consider the option.

*My resting heart rate is higher in the year since I started taking them.

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[–] shepherd@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

Hi! I've taken psilocybin on 5 different occasions over about 8 years. Each time was in a safe environment, with at least one sober, trusted friend. I never treated it like a party drug, I always had a goal in mind.

I found it immensely helpful in managing my depression. I try to spend some time with my own thoughts, reflecting on where I've been, and what I'd like to do a little bit differently. After the first time, I did feel a little bit better, and that feeling persisted for several months. That was enough nudge that I had the energy to get myself into the doctors, and therapy, and I've been slowly moving towards... wherever it is that I'm aiming lol.

Each time, I wait and see how long it takes for me to think about it again, and it's been 2 years now and I don't have any interest in it still. I know I have work to do. My depression is... still there, I think, but it's not as scary as it used to be.

I'm not willing to recommend psilocybin to anyone at this point, and especially not strangers on the internet. I had some incredibly supportive people help me with a difficult time. Psilocybin is like a rocket ship for your brain: When you hop in, you are going somewhere else very quickly, but you're probably not an astronaut so it's not you choosing where you end up. Not everyone has a good time.

Some people have a very bad time. My friend had a negative enough experience to never ever want to try it, or any psychedelics again.

Please make sure you fully understand the risks here. Your brain is an incredibly important part of you. Despite my positive experiences, I strongly recommend looking for safer alternatives first.


WITH REGARDS TO ADHD:

Eh. So I describe my ADHD as having 6-8 trains of thought in my head. I take my prescribed methylphenidate, and that helps me by making it easier to conduct the trains (ideally they're directed towards something I need rather than just... flying off lol).

On shrooms (and for several weeks after), it's like there's only 1 or maybe 2 trains of thought. I like to imagine that might be how neurotypical people think, less jumping around to different tracks. It's not uncomfortable, but it is much quieter? (This was before I was medicated for ADHD btw.)

I don't mind that version of me, but I did find that I didn't feel as naturally creative as usual. Less free form brainstorming. I was doing my usual activities feeling more calm, so that was nice I guess, but it's not who I'm interested in being. I like having creative fire, I just need a bit of ADHD meds to help me actually harness it.

I don't think psilocybin is a very effective tool for managing ADHD, even regular microdosing. It might be a subjective quality of life improvement, but it doesn't really help you adult better lol. It helps you be a little kinder to yourself, but it's not helping you with executive function.

If stimulants are working for you, I'd say work towards securing those over experimenting this. Work with your doctor, or someone else you trust, 'cause ADHD people having trouble with bureaucracy should be a clear friction point for anyone paying attention lol.