May you have peace, truly!
I want to apologize for offending you; again, it was not my intent. I most probably shouldn't have responded at all because it really is none of my business what you do in a situation like this. Well, at least, it wasn't until you made it so by your question. I could have chose to ignore this thread (as the type I don't normally respond to, anyway), but I didn't, and that was my error. I should most probably press on now, but… well, read on.
The reason I am continuing is due to your statement that, “Perhaps some here just don't like to see others happy after a long time in coming.” I am sorry, but I just can’t let that one go. The reason I did respond in the first place and as I did is because... and I am going to get personal, now... very personal... I was once married to someone who had your same "condition." ADHD. And who did exactly what you are doing: self-medicating and taking stuff that others told him would "work." Well, initially, a few of those things did appear to "work." Notice, I said "initially." Unfortunately, they eventually led to much greater... ummmm... "needs"… and increased self-medication. As someone living with him, I saw the increased need(s) as it/they occurred… and the change in behavior as a result… as did the kids. And when I LOVINGLY tried to warn him against it, his response was that I didn't WANT him to "get better."
Now, don't get me wrong - I completely believe in "for better OR worse" and "to death to us part”; however, I don't think the "worse" or the "death" meant is at the hand of the one who supposedly loves you. Nor do I believe "illness" is an excuse to be a, well, jerk. And, yes, the "illness" was ADHD. At least, that was the diagnosis and reason for the "legit" prescriptions; these, however, were virtually never taken because they "didn't work." The only stuff that did "work” (in his mind) were meds that he got from “friends” and which were not prescribed for him. Problem? The side effects (which he never seemed to notice – “You just don’t want me to ‘get well’”), including irrational behavior, depression, artificial highs, severe lows/crashes, etc., etc., which did not occur right away but either (1) when he couldn’t get anymore, or (2) after he had taken it for a bit, say, more than a week or so.
We noticed, however. Everyone else noticed. It took about 8 years (out of 16), but eventually, he destroyed every relationship he had, with everyone: friend and family. Even those who “self-medicated” with him eventually cut him loose. Ultimately, he destroyed his entire life, virtually en totale. At some point, for the sake of my children, I had to let go. Completely. Walk away. HAD to. I knew my responsibility to them was much greater than that to him. To their credit, they actually survived his "change(s)"... and to this day neither has given me a single day of trouble. Not… one… day. They are 26 and 30, both are responsible, self-sufficient, have no children (I have a puppy to fill the grandchild “void” – LOL!), etc. Yes, I am proud of them; they are the only thing in my life that I “boast” about, because they are who and what they are, IN SPITE of what they went through.
Anyway, my response to you is based on my own experience and my own opinion that if you are man enough to undergo what you are doing, you should NOT drag ANYONE else into it… under ANY circumstances… or for ANY reason. Because if and when it turns out bad… and it most probably will… those who have told you, “Sure, go ahead, do it”… will be just as responsible as you are. They… are not looking down the road… and neither are you.
I have been down that road, however… and it’s treacherous. Truly. All KINDS of snares, pits, potholes, trenches, ditches, dips and bumps. Take it, if you will, but don’t get offended if others say, "You’re going the WRONG way, man.” Because they, too, are only trying to "help."
I bid you peace.
Your servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
