ADHD meds and understanding drinking
Hi everyone
This question has been asked a million times probably so I’m going to make it a million and one.
I’ve started elvanse, I’m on 50mg, potentially up to 60mg, and I’m currently giving myself a period of grace with it, let my body adjust, try and find the right dosage etc, and I’ve cut out caffeine, sugars, I’ve been working on diet too, and no alcohol too.
I’ve never been somebody who drinks often, but when I do it’s stupid amounts and the day after or the coming days, my urges to do it again are hard to suppress, I know I sound like an alcoholic, but having heard what alcohol and ADHD does it all makes sense. I’ve always controlled the urge to drink, and those quick pints here and there I’ve got better at but I’m the only one out of my friends and family who isn’t drinking. There’s never any pressure from them and they understand, however, I do feel left out.
What are peoples approaches to drinking, and how is it best managed? I know there’s not a same approach for everyone, but is there any advice anyone could share with me.
Thanks in advance
31 comments · 85% upvoted · other discussions
I never drink by itself, I only have a glass of wine with food that complements it - like meat or fish. Otherwise I don’t drink at all. If you do it with food it slows absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This is generally how it’s done in Europe.
I think the UK has a really toxic drinking culture. I remember going to a Christmas party in my first job and people were getting blind drunk and I found it gross as a 22 year old - and they were all married with kids 😂 It’s really important to know your limits.
Also as a woman, I make a point of avoiding alcohol in public, because you just never know - possible spiked drinks, and getting drunk in public opens you up to dangerous situations.
doctorsmagic 4 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive)
UK reddit when people want to drink at a party
treesofthemind -4 points · Sep 2025
Sorry for caring about health and how to behave respectfully in public 😂 SMH. This is why the UK has a bad reputation internationally
Enjoy your future liver cancer
doctorsmagic 4 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive)
What a lovely, kind, and above all enlightened person you are
treesofthemind -1 points · Sep 2025
By all means don’t install good habits into your life. You’re regret it when you’re older and the damage is harder to reverse.
doctorsmagic 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-PI (Predominantly Inattentive)
I'm not even a frequent drinker, but the puritanical comments that appear under every post that mentions ale on UK Reddit is beyond irritating. Being shocked that a Christmas party is rowdy is just unhinged.