This Is Why You Can't Get ADHD Treatment

Summary

The video script details the creator's personal struggle with ADHD and the challenges of obtaining prescribed medication amid a drug shortage in the United States. It explores the reasons behind the increase in ADHD diagnoses, the dangers of untreated ADHD, and the impact of the DEA's restrictions on drug manufacturing. The creator also discusses the potential profiteering by pharmaceutical companies, the rise in black market medication sales, and the ineffective government response. The video serves as a critique of the healthcare system and a call for better treatment accessibility.

Takeaways

• 😣 The speaker was diagnosed with ADHD and faced challenges in obtaining prescribed medication due to a drug shortage.
• 🌪 The situation in the United States regarding ADHD treatment is dire, with many people resorting to the black market for medication.
• 🧠 ADHD is a hereditary disorder affecting dopamine levels in the brain, and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
• 📈 There has been a rise in ADHD diagnoses, particularly among adults, leading to increased demand for medication.
• 🚫 The DEA's decision to limit the production of ADHD medication has exacerbated the drug shortage, affecting many who need treatment.
• 💸 Pharmaceutical companies may be profiting from the shortage, as alternative medications are more expensive and not always effective.
• 🏥 The speaker's personal experience with pharmacies and insurance companies highlights the bureaucracy and cost barriers in accessing ADHD medication.
• 🔍 The video explores the dark web as a last resort for those unable to obtain medication legally, underscoring the desperation and risks involved.
• 🚨 The script warns against the dangers of using illegal drugs, including counterfeit medications, which can have severe health consequences.
• 🤔 The video concludes without a clear solution, emphasizing the complexity of the issue and the need for better policies and treatments for ADHD.

Q & A

What challenges does the speaker face in obtaining ADHD medication?

The speaker faces significant challenges in obtaining ADHD medication due to drug shortages, delays at pharmacies, and the high cost of name-brand alternatives. They also encounter difficulties with insurance coverage and pharmacy stock availability.

Why does the speaker believe that ADHD is often easier to identify in children than in adults?

The speaker believes ADHD is easier to identify in children because kids have not yet developed the learned neuronal connections or baggage that adults have, making their symptoms more apparent. Additionally, a solid clinical ADHD diagnosis in adults takes into account behavior from childhood, which should have been prevalent early on.

What are the potential consequences of not treating ADHD as mentioned in the script?

The potential consequences of not treating ADHD include a 19% higher risk of death, increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, physical ailments, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancies, motor vehicle accidents, and higher suicide and homicide risks.

How does the DEA's decision in 2022 impact the availability of ADHD medications?

The DEA's decision to limit the amount of amphetamines that drug companies can purchase to make their medication led to a drug shortage. This shortage has made it difficult for patients to receive treatment, contributing to the increased risk of death and other negative outcomes associated with untreated ADHD.

What is the speaker's experience with alternative medications to Aderall?

The speaker's experience with alternative medications to Aderall is fraught with difficulties. They encounter issues with insurance coverage, pharmacy stock, and the need to travel long distances to access the medication. They also mention the high cost of name-brand alternatives and the lack of generic availability.

Why does the speaker think the increase in ADHD diagnoses is not due to an actual increase in the disorder?

The speaker thinks the increase in ADHD diagnoses is not due to an actual increase in the disorder because it's believed that our understanding of the frontal lobe of the brain and executive functions has improved, leading to better identification rather than an increase in the prevalence of the disorder.

What role does the DEA play in the current ADHD medication shortage according to the script?

According to the script, the DEA plays a significant role in the ADHD medication shortage by limiting the amount of amphetamines that drug companies can purchase, which has led to a reduction in the production of ADHD medications and subsequent difficulties for patients in obtaining their prescribed treatments.

How does the speaker describe the process of trying to obtain ADHD medication?

The speaker describes the process of trying to obtain ADHD medication as a 'deep rabbit hole' involving numerous phone calls to pharmacies, dealing with insurance issues, and even considering alternative and potentially dangerous options like the black market due to the challenges they faced.

What is the speaker's opinion on the correlation between drug shortages and the increase in black market drug sales?

The speaker believes that when the government makes prescribed medications more difficult to obtain, it inadvertently makes illegal drugs easier to obtain, punishing innocent civilians who need legitimate treatment while rewarding drug cartels with increased demand.

What alternatives to traditional ADHD medications does the speaker discuss in the script?

The speaker discusses alternatives such as non-stimulant drugs like buproprion and stratera, as well as therapies like neurofeedback. They also mention the use of supplements and the potential risks of obtaining medication through the dark web.