Last updated on: September 22nd, 2019 ~
After using 100+ natural ADHD treatments, and all of the best name brand ADHD medications, I thought it would be fun to do a comparison article.
Because honestly, there’s a pretty deep divide between people who use ADHD medication, and those who swear by holistic remedies.
But, life isn’t always so black and white.
So, let’s compare the true differences between using natural ADHD treatments vs. ADHD medication – and find out which option is best.
Specifically, this article dives into:
- The benefits and downsides of using natural treatments for ADHD
- The benefits and downsides of using ADHD medication
- The best solution for people with ADHD
Let’s get started.
Contents
The benefits and downsides of using natural ADHD treatments
Benefits:
The main benefit of natural ADHD treatments is that you can use them to diminish your ADHD symptoms, and not have to worry about the potentially harsh side effects of using prescription ADHD medication.
For example, there are certain natural remedies like fish oil that can help you feel more calm and “mentally balanced” over time.
If you struggle with predominantly inattentive ADHD, then you might opt for using natural stimulants. Natural stimulants are most effective for short windows of time when you really need to buckle down and focus.
For more experienced adults with ADHD, practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) or deep breathing exercises can be genuinely life-changing activities.
If you commit to using natural solutions for treating your ADHD symptoms, you can achieve some amazing results over time.
Downsides:
The main downside of natural ADHD treatments is that they don’t provide nearly as much instant gratification as ADHD medication.
It takes time to find the right combination of foods, vitamins, herbs and spices that work best for your brain.
In fact, you might spend anywhere from one week to one decade creating the right combination of natural ingredients, lifestyle habits, and practices that take your life to the next level.
While I 100% believe that it’s always worth taking the time that’s necessary to optimize your health and lifestyle – I can also understand why many people prefer the instant gratification that ADHD medication often provides over natural solutions.
Natural solutions usually take time to deliver amazing (and guilt-free) results.
Key takeaway:
Natural ADHD treatments can be amazing if you’re willing to put in the time and effort that’s required to make them work.
The benefits and downsides of using ADHD medication
Benefits:
The main benefit of ADHD medication is that it’s a powerful solution that can help you take immediate control of your ADHD symptoms.
If you use a high-quality ADHD medication like Vyvanse or Adderall XR, you’ll probably be able to manage your ADHD symptoms for a good 8 to 12 hours every day.
During this window of time, you’ll probably be able to get work done, develop intense hyperfocus, keep organized, and generally make your life run more smoothly.
When I used to take Vyvanse every day, I would write lengthy freelance articles for clients, go to the gym, eat healthy, spend time with friends and family, and still have time to go out on the weekends. I was running like a machine, and felt like I was crushing life.
But, while the benefits of taking ADHD medication can be amazing – it usually isn’t a perfect solution by any means (just like anything else in life).
Downsides:
The biggest downside of taking ADHD medication is almost always going to revolve around side effects.
Between weight loss, racing thoughts, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms (if you decide to stop using ADHD medication) – there are a number of potential issues to take into consideration.
Luckily, I personally found that most side effects of using ADHD medication are manageable (make sure to speak to your doctor about this).
So, I believe that ADHD medication is relatively safe when you take a minimal dose, use it as directed, and live a healthy lifestyle.
But, I still have some questions about the long-term impact that ADHD medication might have on one’s brain and body. And, I think most people with ADHD share this same concern, whether they’re conscious of it or not. It’s only natural to look out for your own best interest, and make sure that you’re setting yourself up for a safe, successful and healthy future.
Key takeaway:
ADHD medication is seductive, and delivers immediate, powerful results that can benefit your life in positive ways. But, there’s rarely a “free lunch” in life. Taking ADHD medication might also come with some potentially messy side effects.
The best solution for people with ADHD
I launched the ADHD Boss website with a commitment to uncover the truth about ADHD.
And when I launched this website, I was convinced that natural ADHD treatments and ADHD medication both play an equally important role in the lives of people with ADHD.
Today, my gut instinct is that natural ADHD treatments are probably a safer long-term solution for managing ADHD symptoms.
Meanwhile, I definitely still believe that ADHD medication plays an important role in the short-term.
I know this because good ADHD medication can instantly prove to people with ADHD what they’re capable of accomplishing for the first time in their life.
In other words, using ADHD medication can help you understand your true potential, and push you towards a more productive, organized, and happier state.
You could also argue that using a minimum effective dose of ADHD medication (i.e. the smallest possible dose that still gives you good results) gives you most of the upsides of using ADHD medication, without as many of the downsides.
But at the end of the day, the best solution is ultimately the one that works best for your brain, lifestyle, career, state of health, and relationships.
Feel free to experiment, work with a great doctor who you trust, and always follow your gut instinct. That’s the very best advice I can give you.
Closing thoughts
Overall, I hope this article provides a little bit of guidance when it comes to using natural ADHD treatments vs. ADHD medication.
I’ve had amazing luck with both natural ADHD treatments and ADHD medication.
And, I ultimately believe that there’s a time and a place for both options in one’s life.
You might be in a place in life where you need to quickly get out of a funk, focus on your work, and get your life in order. If this sounds like you, then it’s probably best to speak with a doctor about the possibility of using ADHD medication to treat your ADHD symptoms.
But, if you’re in a place in life where your ADHD symptoms are easier to manage, and you’re more focused on improving your health and wellness over the long-term, then natural ADHD medication alternatives might serve you best.
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