slopfront
Reddit, read-only. No JavaScript. No cookies. No tracking.
preferences
Saved in links, not cookies.

ADHD meds and understanding drinking

9 points · submitted Sep 2025 by u/tomomalono · General Questions/Advice/Support

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 · 80% upvoted · other discussions

comments

Read-only. Use the arrows to collapse threads.

muggylittlec 3 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

I've always been a big drinker, but meds have helped me cut down loads.

Official advice is no alcohol at all. For me, I will sometimes have one or two drinks at the end of the day while on meds - like an impromptu visit to the pub.

Anymore than two and I definitely have a worse hangover the next day, than if I was med free.

If I want to have more than a few, then I don't take my meds on that day nor the day after.

I did once drink during the day when I'd taken my meds and I really didn't like it at all. Felt very weird and the alcohol didn't really have an effect.

I've never done it, but I've heard that taking your meds on a hangover is hell. Don't do that either.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

Have you found your okay with missing the days and feeling okay with the drink?

muggylittlec 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

Normally on those days, I am going to to see mates or go to a gig or something. So it's often on the weekend's where I don't have to work. Work and stress are the biggest struggles for me with ADHD.

So really I just see it as a 'day off' from the meds and try and enjoy my day.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

That makes sense. I suppose it’s to take the time off them when it feels appropriate doesn’t it. And it’s probably different when you’re busy, or on holidays etc.

Does it have any effect on you when you restart the meds after being off them?

Thanks for your advice

muggylittlec 2 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

Yeah it does. I went away for a week recently and it was like starting again in terms of side effects - but mentally I am used to what it feels like - so it wasn't so bad.

If I take a day or two off however, I don't really notice much difference.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

That does make sense.

I’m okay with not drinking, or drinking a lot less, I’m okay with that and I’ve always been aware of that. The odd pint here and there is fine. But sometimes it does feel hard to avoid, or being left out.

Thank you uso much for you advice on this, been really helpful.

muggylittlec 1 points · Sep 2025 · ADHD-C (Combined Type)

I actually told myself I was going to stop drinking when I started my meds and I hated it. I felt very left out and I realized that although I have drunk too much during periods of my life - I really enjoy the odd drink here and there.

I'm much happier now I've cut down a lot. Good luck trying to find the right amount for you.