Claim OwnershipLiving Addy Free (Adderall): Real Stories, Tools, and Support for Thriving Beyond Stimulants
Subscribed: 1Played: 5
Subscribe
© Janet Oliva
Description
Addy Free is a way of life—one no longer dependent on ADHD stimulant medication, including Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and beyond.
This podcast exists to raise awareness that ADHD medication addiction and dependency are real, that you are not alone, and that thriving without stimulants is possible.
Each month, you’ll hear honest conversations with community members, professionals, and host Janet Oliva, sharing real stories, tools, and resources to support your journey.
This podcast is here to provide clarity, strength, and hope to help you stay on the Addy Free path.
This podcast exists to raise awareness that ADHD medication addiction and dependency are real, that you are not alone, and that thriving without stimulants is possible.
Each month, you’ll hear honest conversations with community members, professionals, and host Janet Oliva, sharing real stories, tools, and resources to support your journey.
This podcast is here to provide clarity, strength, and hope to help you stay on the Addy Free path.
30 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode of the Addy Free Podcast, we sit down with Gavin, our first male coed community member, to share his powerful story of growing up on ADHD stimulant medication and the long-term impact it had on his identity.Prescribed medication at just 10 years old in the early 2000s, what began as treatment slowly turned into addiction and self-medication over the next two decades. Gavin reflects on how being told so young that he needed something outside himself to function shaped his self-worth, coping patterns, and relationship with substances.Now living Addy Free, Gavin shares what it took to break free from stimulant medication, rebuild his identity, and thrive as a husband, father, and member of Addy Free. This episode amplifies male voices often missing from conversations about ADHD medication addiction and recovery.If you or someone you love grew up on stimulant medication and is questioning life beyond it, this episode offers honesty, hope, and a reminder that a new identity is possible.
After 4.5 years living free from Adderall and Vyvanse dependency, I share the single most powerful tool that has kept me—and so many others—Addy Free. You’ll also hear powerful answers from former Adderall users who once believed they couldn’t function without it.
1In this special holiday episode, I’m joined by former guest, thriving community member, mom of four, therapist, and ADHD stimulant addiction thought leader Chelsea—who will also be stepping in as a co-host in the new year for short, powerful mini-episodes filled with tools, honesty, hope… and even some fun.On Christmas Eve 2023, Chelsea quit Adderall for good. If you’re a parent—or anyone navigating the chaos of the holidays—you might be wondering why someone would choose the most stressful time of the year to stop ADHD medication.Because the holidays are meant for slowing down—not speeding up. We’re letting go of the perfection, performance, and nonstop productivity that this drug convinces us we need. In its place, we’re choosing presence, connection, love, and a sense of calm—something no pill could ever provide.If you’re questioning your relationship with ADHD medication, navigating stimulant recovery, or craving motivation, strength, and hope this holiday season—this episode is for you.
On this month’s episode of the Addy Free Podcast, we’re welcoming community member Abby—our first active college student and our first international member, joining us all the way from New Zealand. Proof that Adderall and stimulant medication dependency is a global issue.In this episode, Abby shares how the ADHD medication prescribed to help her focus at university—including stimulant drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse—actually led her to fail academically, emotionally, and personally. She opens up about the pressure to perform, the side effects of stimulant use, and how breaking free from a medication she believed she needed helped her manage her ADHD more effectively without stimulants—both in school and in life.In our Addy Free meetings, people often describe Abby as someone who “glows.” Her story is living proof that getting off stimulant medication doesn’t have to be all withdrawal and darkness. Sometimes, recovery becomes empowering, grounding, and deeply rewarding—especially when supported by community, honesty, and self-trust.Referenced resources mentioned:https://www.waikato.ac.nz/int/news-events/news/more-than-meds-why-easier-access-to-adhd-treatment-has-to-be-part-of-a-whole-system-approach/https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm?utm_source
You might know Jay Mohr from Saturday Night Live, Jerry Maguire, Picture Perfect, or his hit podcast Mohr Stories — but what you might not know is that Jay, like so many of us, was living a secret life behind the success… and the main character was Adderall.In this episode, Jay opens up with honesty and humor about his Addy Free journey — sharing how he found purpose, freedom, and peace beyond the pill.We’re so honored to have him on the Addy Free Podcast and even more excited to continue supporting him as he shows us through his continued success that you can thrive Addy Free.
Happy Friday, Addy Free community! This month on the Addy Free Living podcast, we’re featuring another incredible community member — Chelsea Yule — who’s bravely sharing her story of Adderall addiction and how she came out on the other side, now thriving Addy Free.What I love about having community members on the podcast is that their stories are always so relatable yet completely unique in their own way — and Chelsea’s is exactly that. She’s our first guest to open up about her experience as both a psychotherapist and someone who’s been on the other side — both the diagnoser and the diagnosed.Chelsea took everything she’s learned as a therapist and applied it to create her own treatment plan to get off Adderall — and it worked. She’s now helping others do the same, expanding her already successful therapy practice into her new passion: guiding others to thrive without medication. Tune in now to hear Chelsea’s inspiring story
In this episode of the Addy Free Podcast, a brave Addy Free community member shares her personal story of Vyvanse addiction and recovery — and how it all began with a prescription meant to help her in her struggle with binge eating.Meet Maria — a career woman, wife, mom, and friend, and the first Addy Free community member to share her experience with Vyvanse, not prescribed for ADHD but for ED. She bravely shares how what started as medical treatment slowly turned into reliance, unraveling her relationship with herself, her body, and her sense of control.Maria opens up about:Life before VyvanseBeing prescribed Vyvanse for an eating disorderHow dependency developed over timeHitting rock bottomAnd what life looks like now, coping with her ED Addy FreeHer story is raw, honest, and filled with hope for anyone struggling with Vyvanse, stimulant medication dependency, or disordered eating tied to prescription use. This episode sheds light on how easily dependency can form — even when a medication is taken as prescribed — and how recovery is possible.Tune in to hear Maria’s Addy Free journey and discover how ED is managed better without a pill.
Welcome to another episode featuring a professional whose perspective aligns perfectly with Addy Free’s mission—you don’t need medication to thrive. And this time, that message comes from a psychiatrist herself.This conversation may shift how you think about medication—not just our once-faithful (and now retired) friend Addy, but also SSRIs, which many of us are told will help ease the transition into life after Addy. I’ve walked that path myself.Dr. Lee offers a fresh approach, uncovering the root causes of ADHD and showing how to address them holistically—nurturing mind, body, and soul. It’s the approach I now embrace as well.My hope is that you’ll listen with an open mind, trusting the path you’re on and letting go of any shame when it comes to your way of getting off this medication. We’re all doing our best out here, one day at a time—this just offers a new perspective if you feel ready to live fully without pills. Know that there is no perfect solution, the key is having faith in yourself and your journey. Let yourself learn and evolve, without judgement in yourself and those around you. Be kind. Be proud of yourself.
In this episode of the Addy Free Podcast, I share a short but powerful message with the community as I celebrate 4 years sober from Adderall and stimulant medication. This episode isn’t about everything I’ve learned in recovery—there’s far too much for one conversation—but about one foundational truth in Adderall addiction recovery: the power of keeping a promise to yourself.Whether you’re 4 years, 4 months, 4 days, or 4 hours off Adderall or Vyvanse, every moment you choose not to take a stimulant matters. Each choice builds self-trust, confidence, and momentum—and that momentum is what makes long-term recovery possible.If you’re struggling with ADHD medication dependency, stimulant addiction, or life after Adderall, this episode is a reminder that recovery doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with one promise—and by continuing to show up, you’ll one day look back and realize just how far you’ve come.Keep going. Living Addy Free is possible—and you are not alone.
This month on the Addy Free Podcast, I’m joined by Jesse, a moderator of Stop Speeding, one of the largest online communities focused on stimulant addiction recovery, with over 42,000 members navigating life beyond Adderall, Vyvanse, and other stimulant drugs.Stop Speeding is a recovery-centered, judgment-free space for anyone impacted by stimulant use—regardless of the type of drug, how it was prescribed, or how long it was used. The community is not anti-psychiatry or anti-ADHD medication; it’s pro-recovery, harm awareness, and honest conversation. Members share real-life experiences, peer support, and resources for those struggling with Adderall dependency, stimulant misuse, withdrawal, and rebuilding life after stimulants.In this episode, we explore who Jesse is, how Stop Speeding began, and how this grassroots Reddit forum grew into one of the most trusted online stimulant recovery communities. If you’re searching for support, connection, or hope while living without stimulants, this conversation is for you.
In this powerful episode of the Addy Free Podcast, we sit down with Vitale Buford, author of Addicted to Perfect, to explore her 10-year struggle with Adderall addiction, perfectionism, and the path to lasting recovery.Vitale shares how ADHD stimulant medication—often labeled a “study drug”—slowly became a source of dependency, burnout, and emotional disconnection. What began as a tool for productivity eventually cost her mental health, physical well-being, and sense of self-worth.In this episode, we discuss:How perfectionism and Adderall addiction became deeply intertwinedEarly warning signs of stimulant dependencyThe hidden mental and emotional toll of chasing productivity and external successThe moment Vitale knew she had to stop taking Adderall—and what recovery looked like nextHer 11-year journey living Addy FreePractical tools for healing perfectionism during stimulant recoveryHow to stop tying your self-worth to performance and achievementWhy authenticity—not productivity—is the real measure of successHow Vitale now helps others through coaching, leadership development, and speakingThis episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with Adderall or stimulant addiction, perfectionism, burnout, or the pressure to perform. If you’re questioning your relationship with ADHD medication or searching for freedom beyond productivity, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and real tools for healing.
We've got a lot going on in the Addy Free world... listen if you want to find out!
Here is the instagram post for your reel!when I get the opportunity to interview an Addy Free community member, I prioritize that more than any specialized doctor—because we’ve lived it, and we know what it’s like. That’s why I’m SO excited to have on Hayley Carver, who is officially 11 months Addy Free (we recorded this a month ago). WELCOME 🩵When I first realized I had a problem with Addy, all I wanted was to find someone else who felt like I did.Was I crazy for thinking I was addicted?Was it normal to take this much just to function?Why did no one else seem as obsessed as me?I just wanted to feel:✨ Seen✨ Heard✨ ValidatedThat’s why I started the Addy Free community—and now, a year and a half later, there are 11 of us, all in different stages of the journey, showing up weekly to support each other.Hayley was one of the first to find this podcast and join the Monday Zooms. Her story is real, relatable, and a powerful reminder that the first year is full of growth—and of facing that inner voice telling you to go back. But you can handle life without Addy. That’s why you’re here.Want to join the weekly Zooms? Mondays @ 8PM EST. DM me @addyfree or visit addyfree.comI hope you love this convo with Hayley
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling Amazon at 2am with a cart full of impulse buys—whether it’s washi tape, fitness equipment, or something truly unhinged—this episode is for you.In today’s episode of the Addy Free Podcast, I unpack a habit that was intensified by Adderall use and that I continue to work through in my Adderall addiction recovery: impulsive shopping and impulse control issues.But this conversation goes far deeper than spending money. We explore how stimulant medication impacts impulse control, emotional regulation, and brain development, and how trauma and early coping patterns can be amplified by Adderall and other ADHD stimulant medications.In this episode, I break down:How Adderall worsened my impulse controlThe connection between childhood trauma, ADHD, and impulsive behaviorsPractical tools I use now in recovery (including the 24-hour rule, movement-based regulation, and pause practices)How to stop shaming yourself and start practicing self-compassion in recoveryThis episode isn’t just about breaking bad habits—it’s about healing the nervous system, developing coping skills that couldn’t form while on a numbing substance, and learning how to live Addy Free with awareness, grace, and intention.Resource links:https://boardwalkrecoverycenter.com/how-addiction-stunts-emotional-growth/https://lakesidemilam.com/blog/emotional-maturity/https://recovery.com/resources/addiction-and-arrested-development/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3260977/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925492724000830https://brcrecovery.com/makana-path/
In this month's episode, I sit down with R.L. Kramer, author of Hocus Focus, to explore his raw, eye-opening journey of being prescribed Adderall and Dexedrine from age seven—and how what began as treatment for ADD turned into a decades-long struggle with stimulant addiction, identity loss, and mental health challenges.Kramer opens up about:The real benefits and long-term risks of ADHD stimulant medicationsHow Adderall and Dexedrine dependency impacts the brain, body, and sense of selfThe mental and physical realities of stimulant withdrawalHow childhood trauma and an unconventional upbringing shaped his relationship with medicationHolistic alternatives for focus and regulation, including diet, exercise, meditation, and plant-based toolsHis path toward healing, self-acceptance, and sustainable focus without stimulantsThis conversation goes beyond a personal recovery story—it’s a powerful discussion on pharmaceutical dependence, mental health, and reclaiming clarity without relying on stimulants.If you’re navigating ADHD, ADD, Adderall addiction, stimulant withdrawal, or searching for natural ways to improve focus and mental clarity, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.
In this solo episode, I dive deep into the moment I truly realized Adderall no longer worked for me—and how that revelation became the key to my recovery. I share how shifting my identity from someone who needed Adderall to someone who simply doesn’t take it rewired my mindset and freed me from the cycle of dependency.This concept, known as identity-based habits, is backed by neuroscience and psychology, and it was the game-changer I didn’t even know I was using. If you’re struggling to quit, this episode will help you rethink your approach and give you a new way to break free.
In this episode, we explore how chiropractic care can support Adderall and Vyvanse recovery by helping regulate the nervous system after stimulant use.Dr. Liv and Dr. Devin explain how nervous system imbalance contributes to anxiety, depression, brain fog, focus issues, digestion problems, and chronic stress—common symptoms during stimulant withdrawal and long-term ADHD medication recovery.If you’re learning how to heal after Adderall, this episode introduces a drug-free nervous system regulation tool to support your Addy Free recovery journey.
In this parent-focused episode of the Addy Free Podcast, I speak with Dr. Kimberly Bell, child psychologist and Director of the Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, about why so many parents feel pressured to medicate their children when school becomes challenging.Dr. Bell explains how today’s education system often turns to ADHD medication and behavioral labels before fully understanding a child’s emotional development, family dynamics, and individual needs. She shares how labels can unintentionally shape a child’s identity and lead to self-limiting beliefs that follow them into adolescence and adulthood.In this episode, parents will learn:Why schools often recommend ADHD medication firstWhat parents should consider before medicating their childHow emotional development impacts behavior and learningWhy every child needs an individualized approach, not a one-size-fits-all diagnosisHow strengthening the parent-child relationship supports resilience, confidence, and long-term mental healthThe Hanna Perkins model and its focus on child-centered, relationship-based educationThis conversation is especially helpful for parents navigating ADHD diagnoses, school behavior concerns, learning challenges, or questions about medication alternatives—and for those seeking a more compassionate, developmentally informed path forward.
In today’s episode, I sit down with Cari Williamson, founder of Motherboard Press, a community and business dedicated to supporting moms’ mental health, confidence, and well-being.Cari shares her personal Addy Free journey and opens up about the belief so many mothers carry—that they need ADHD stimulants like Vyvanse to juggle motherhood, entrepreneurship, and everyday life. After stepping away from stimulants, Cari discovered she could not only cope—but thrive—using the same grounded systems and tools she now teaches other moms.In this conversation, we explore:ADHD, stimulant dependency, and the pressure placed on modern mothersLetting go of perfectionism while balancing business and familyBuilding confidence through challenge instead of medicationCreating sustainable routines without relying on stimulantsGiving yourself grace while redefining productivity and successCari also shares the practical tools that support her stimulant-free life, including Life Flow, Home Flow, and the Motherboard Planner, designed to help moms stay organized without burnout.If you’re a mom navigating ADHD, Vyvanse use, stimulant recovery, or searching for healthier ways to manage life and work, this episode offers encouragement, real tools, and hope.Follow Cari’s journey at @motherboardpress and cheer her on as she completes her first—and hardest—year living Addy Free.
In this episode, Janet opens up for the first time about her journey to becoming Addy Free, as she sits down with her brother and one of her biggest supporters, Jay Oliva.
Janet gets vulnerable, sharing how her addiction began and what led her to hit "rock bottom."
Join Janet and Jay for an honest and open conversation on a topic that’s rarely discussed: Adderall and Vyvanse addiction.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States