Not sure about lust specifically though I suppose it’s possible to hyperfocus on it.
However, getting off is definitely something ADHD people can feel the urge to self medicate with. It is pretty strong stimulation, activating both dopaminergic and adrenal pathways (I think) which are the two that ADHD meds try to trigger to alleviate symptoms.
Furthermore, it helps with those under-stimulation days because it is stimulation, but can also help with overstimulation days because sex activates both the sympathetic AND parasympathetic nervous system. (it acts as both an upper and a downer) So it helps you relax and feel less stressed/irritable.
Sidenote: Nicotine is one of the only drugs that activates both pathways like this and surprise surprise it’s also something I’ve heard several ADHD people use to self medicate with or that they would use to help them focus before they realized they had ADHD.
Ive never been diagnosed, but the more I read, the more im convinved ive been functioning adhd my whole life.
Today i learned about nicotine. The only time id smoke while sober was the last 2 weeks of the quarter when i was cramming for finals/doing labs etc. After my last deadline, i wouldnt do it for 10 more weeks, but would hit it hard during finals again. Always kept me focused and motivated
What kind of help are you offering? I’m 42 and recent events have pushed me to seek the official diagnosis, but my last attempt was a blatant waste of time. The psychiatrist wasn’t even interested in the possibility.
My first attempt was an infuriating waste of time and money too. I can offer some coaching and the name of the service I used. I just didn’t want to seem like I was advertising.
I’m interested if it’s not too much trouble. My current plan is to try and find any local resources or recommendations for doctors specializing in adult ADHD specifically. I was going to get around to that after the holidays. For sure. Probably.
So I’m always down for more info and more possible avenues I can explore. Especially since I don’t know if I’ll find what I’m looking for. Or when.
I used an online service called Klarity. My provider has moved to a different company called Kiwihealth. You can search and see if they have someone available for your state. You need access to a laptop with a camera to do the remote testing. You can do the telehealth visits with a phone.
They do not accept insurance and charge pretty reasonable fees. I had to go to a local LabCorp and have them take three vials of blood to do 16 tests of my general health. Honestly I was happy to do this because I don’t go to the doctor unless I’m totally fucked up.
There are three things that are key to getting diagnosed. Explain why you think you have ADHD, and how severely it affects your life. This part is critical - explain how once you read about the symptoms of ADHD it made many of the difficulties of your childhood make sense. Because ADHD is a lifetime neurodivergent condition, it’s not something that you get, it’s something you’ve always had.
Third is the remote test. It’s hard to explain but it’s pretty simple. If you feel like you’re doing too well then fuck up on purpose. I just tried without trying to focus super hard and it measured me as top 7% of severity. I was shocked.
Wow, this explains why I was so addicted. It took forever to quit, and multiple attempts. I felt so much more with it when using it and have been so tempted to pick it back up.
Not sure about lust specifically though I suppose it’s possible to hyperfocus on it.
However, getting off is definitely something ADHD people can feel the urge to self medicate with. It is pretty strong stimulation, activating both dopaminergic and adrenal pathways (I think) which are the two that ADHD meds try to trigger to alleviate symptoms.
Furthermore, it helps with those under-stimulation days because it is stimulation, but can also help with overstimulation days because sex activates both the sympathetic AND parasympathetic nervous system. (it acts as both an upper and a downer) So it helps you relax and feel less stressed/irritable.
Sidenote: Nicotine is one of the only drugs that activates both pathways like this and surprise surprise it’s also something I’ve heard several ADHD people use to self medicate with or that they would use to help them focus before they realized they had ADHD.
Ive never been diagnosed, but the more I read, the more im convinved ive been functioning adhd my whole life.
Today i learned about nicotine. The only time id smoke while sober was the last 2 weeks of the quarter when i was cramming for finals/doing labs etc. After my last deadline, i wouldnt do it for 10 more weeks, but would hit it hard during finals again. Always kept me focused and motivated
If you want any help on getting diagnosed we can do it public or private. Either respond here or PM me. I got diagnosed this year at age 41.
What kind of help are you offering? I’m 42 and recent events have pushed me to seek the official diagnosis, but my last attempt was a blatant waste of time. The psychiatrist wasn’t even interested in the possibility.
My first attempt was an infuriating waste of time and money too. I can offer some coaching and the name of the service I used. I just didn’t want to seem like I was advertising.
I’m interested if it’s not too much trouble. My current plan is to try and find any local resources or recommendations for doctors specializing in adult ADHD specifically. I was going to get around to that after the holidays. For sure. Probably.
So I’m always down for more info and more possible avenues I can explore. Especially since I don’t know if I’ll find what I’m looking for. Or when.
I used an online service called Klarity. My provider has moved to a different company called Kiwihealth. You can search and see if they have someone available for your state. You need access to a laptop with a camera to do the remote testing. You can do the telehealth visits with a phone.
They do not accept insurance and charge pretty reasonable fees. I had to go to a local LabCorp and have them take three vials of blood to do 16 tests of my general health. Honestly I was happy to do this because I don’t go to the doctor unless I’m totally fucked up.
There are three things that are key to getting diagnosed. Explain why you think you have ADHD, and how severely it affects your life. This part is critical - explain how once you read about the symptoms of ADHD it made many of the difficulties of your childhood make sense. Because ADHD is a lifetime neurodivergent condition, it’s not something that you get, it’s something you’ve always had.
Third is the remote test. It’s hard to explain but it’s pretty simple. If you feel like you’re doing too well then fuck up on purpose. I just tried without trying to focus super hard and it measured me as top 7% of severity. I was shocked.
Now that you mention it, perhaps it is such good self medication that those who use it haven’t yet realized they have ADHD.
Alright, so you just diagnosed me…
Wow, this explains why I was so addicted. It took forever to quit, and multiple attempts. I felt so much more with it when using it and have been so tempted to pick it back up.
I don’t want to scare you but 90% of schizophrenics smoke.
90% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia smoke.
Do with that what you will.🚬
100% of murdering lunatics breathe air.
Do with that what you will.