Brandy Butler, NBC-HWC, LVN
The national shortage of ADHD medications like Adderall® and Vyvanse® has caused stress for many people who are being treated for ADHD. Finding alternative medications and available pharmacies is exhausting. It’s important to remember that medication alone isn’t the answer.
Understanding ADHD Challenges
Living with ADHD means dealing with executive dysfunction and daily challenges. When medications are hard to find, it’s crucial to use other strategies. This is a good time to embrace a holistic approach that could include mental wellness coaching and the cultivation of essential life skills.
Medication as a Support, Not a Panacea
Medication helps manage ADHD symptoms but doesn’t solve everything. It’s important to also focus on behavioral strategies to handle symptoms, especially during medication shortages.
The Medication Challenge
Finding ADHD medications can be stressful. Calling multiple pharmacies and coordinating with healthcare providers adds to the burden. It’s important to explore other ways to manage ADHD.
Building Behavioral Skills
Managing ADHD requires more than medication. Developing skills to handle executive dysfunction, procrastination, and overwhelm is essential. Learning to work with your brain can lead to better outcomes.
The Role of Mental Wellness Coaching
Mental Wellness Coaches provide support and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms. They offer coping mechanisms beyond medication, such as building executive function skills, setting and achieving goals, and helping individuals grow and thrive.
Combining Medication and Coaching
For patients with ADHD, combining medication with mental wellness coaching is effective. This approach addresses both symptoms and overall well-being.
Thriving Beyond Medication
Medication shortages remind us that relying only on pharmaceuticals isn’t sustainable. By building behavioral skills and embracing mental wellness coaching, individuals can manage ADHD effectively. Remember, while Adderall helps, it won’t solve it all. The journey to managing ADHD involves various strategies for a resilient and empowered life.
Ready to get started? Learn more about how our Mental Wellness Coaches can unlock insightful and practical guidance to help you move towards your goals.
Brandy Butler is a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach and licensed nurse. She has conducted research with UCLA/JHA and has 25 years of experience caring for patients with mental health and substance misuse disorders. Trained in Integrative Health Coaching at Duke Integrative Medicine, Brandy has coached hundreds of clients, helping them implement behavioral changes to optimize their health and well-being.
