Meds causing alcohol cravings? (lemmy.cafe)

submitted 3 months ago by cinnamon@lemmy.cafe to c/adhd@lemmy.world

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I've been on slow release methylphenidate for about a year and it's mostly been a great help with executive disfunction, focus and motivation.

But there's something strange I've noticed: I have a feeling that it's making me crave alcohol (or drugs in general but the only drug I'd take is alcohol).

Before starting meds the number of times I'd drink in a year had already gradually decreased to maybe four or five times and when I started meds I pretty much stopped completely, I've only had any alcohol twice since then.

But I miss it a lot more than I used to and on some days I get an insanely strong craving.

I've read people say that adhs meds helped them with addictive behaviour but has anyone experienced the opposite?

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[-] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Yes! It’s the jittery feeling with the end of the day and I’ve just sacrificed myself for work - “I deserve a drink.” It hits as I come down off the meds.

It’s not every day, just when I'm particularly productive at work. If I touch grass more it seems to be a better situation. I think it’s a stress response.

It’s bad enough that I notice it as being a negative side effect.

this post was submitted on 17 Feb 2026

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