Hi i have been brought up Christian but i wouldnt call my self one today, but i would have my own personal belief in god, but to answer your question i dont think that if jesus was here today that he would have a problem with you living a better quality of life due to your medication, and you said your self your self your meds are enabling your to pray better and do your christian obligations better. I would think Jesus would be very happy with you well done.

I'm a Christian with ADD, but since I don't have predominant hyperactivity, I don't believe I need those meds. I do, however, struggle with depression and perhaps should take something for that. I'm just leery of meds in general--I think they can be overdiagnosed. I don't believe it's wrong at all to take medication if you need it--but I myself want to explore other options like change in diet or supplements, for instance.

I'm on meds for fibromyalgia, I understand how you feel, I felt guilty for the longest time, because of the meds I'm on, but I believe that God understands, my grandaughter is on meds for adhd and she has to take them, I'm sure God understands. I think your fine.

Do you take from the earth to nourish yourself? Times have evolved, and now we have danger in chemicals just as we had danger in plants. We, as people, have always been given choices. It is up to us to make the choice, and reap either the benefits or consequences. I am thankful in many ways that my ADD went unnoticed as long as it did because it helped me see things differently and make wiser life philosophies. I would never want to change my personality or the way my mind works in general, but at times I need to slow down or otherwise go mad. Does God want me to be a raving lunatic? He has offered me at this time in my life an answer and a way to take care of it if I should choose that. It's up to me to make sure I do the right thing about it.

Thats a tough one... I seriously doubt you're sinning for your medication. Our brains lack stimulants of their own and taking a synthetic form is like balancing yourself out with natural intentions....
God gave us free will and he also gifts many with intelligence to come up with these technologies... why not take advantage of that and be open with god about your life's choices.... :)

Should Christians take aspirin? Vitamins? Anitbiotics? I think God made these pills for a reason.

There is no sin in taking a pill and if you feel you are sinning, I hate to say this but find a different Church. God didn't put us here to be suffering when there is a cure.

I kind of go along with the others..

This is how I believe. I believe God gave us medications to be able to take them if we need them. I believe God gave us doctors to help us find out what's wrong with us. I used to be a nurse before I became disabled from some severe spinal injuries through work. I take very high doses of morphine and other pain killers. I feel guilty for taking them sometimes, because of the stigma attached from society about those who take such medications. There is still a stigma attached to mental illness as well, unfortunately.

I don't think God wants us to suffer. So I take my pain medications. If you are feeling much better by being on medication, I think you have made the right choice. Just my beliefs. Take care of yourself!!!

thank you all for the supportive advice. its not any church that put that guilt in me, i dont currently attend a church..so no worries there. but i do feel much better to know that you all understand and that i should not be feeling guilty. thanks!

Hi, Sweetie. I agree with everyone here. Doctors and meds (prescribed and taken properly) are a gift from God. I was off my ADD and antidepressants this summer because our family moved. I took care of everything and everyone's needs--except my own. I didn't find a new doc, I was without treatment. I never felt so far from everyone I love, so far from friends, so far from God. My contact with Him, with His Word, with Him in prayer--it all suffered horribly. I was completely undisciplined and horribly depressed. I finally saw a new doc in my new town--he put me back on my Zoloft, and is working with my insurance company to allow me to take a narcolepsy med for my inattentive ADD. Just on my antidepressant alone, I feel like a new person. Just as I believe God allowed me to have this life-long "thorn in my side", I believe He provided competent professionals and treatment options. Just as people with wacky throids need thyroid replacement, we maybe need neurotransmitter replacent. Rejoice in what your treatment does for you, give the credit to God, and live your life for Him. I understand your feelings totally--I've struggled with them myself.

In the realm of social institutions, religion, medicine, and government all have their place. It would be nice if we could keep them separate, but life is messy. Everything gets all mixed up with everything else and we're left wondering where one ends and the other begins. IMO, religion and medicine have no business in each other's realm.

However, if there is a divine influence that created us, then it also gave us the intelligence we need to improve our lot in life. To me, finding ways to rid humanity of the immense suffering caused by disease is high on that long list of "life improvements."

ADHD causes me to suffer as well as my family. I, for one, opt for medicine to relieve that suffering.

Hope that helps.

I got an account just so I could comment on this.

I'm an ADHD christian. I don't have an opinion on this, but I can tell you none of these other people know what their talking about. I took medication for a long time when I was in elementary school and stopped taking it in the 7th grade because of the way it made me feel. People who say it is no different than asprin and other drugs are crazy.

Adderall and other ADHD medication are mind altering drugs. They are high level drugs because people take these and get high off of them and get addicted. Adderall is considered the same as Meth. You are not the same person on these meds as God made you to be. In the end I can't tell you if it is right or wrong, a sin or not. But I can tell you the bible says not to take mind altering substances and those drugs ARE mind altering substances.

Many people have the same problem with Oxy Conton who are in pain but know it is the same as heroin. I've been that person too. I now don't take any of these medications and I am the person God made me to be. Not because I think it's wrong but because I don't know.... I hope that helps. God bless.

On the "Tom Pinion" comment.
I myself am an adult christian with ADD. And yes Addrall has made positive diference in my life and to become addicted to it would be wrong. Just like being addicted to other forms of feel good "mind altering" substances such as many foods we eat and actions people choose to act apon, how about sugar? (sugar is a proven addicting substance that definety makes you feel good rasing the cemical levels in the brain) or how about coffiee or tea? (this definetly alters your mind to wake up and can cause people to chatter more and definetly is addicting) how about smoking? how about becoming a gluton? So if a person consumes sugar, coffiee, tea, smokes, or eats more than thwy need they are concidered sinners? should they not be able to pass the pearly gates because of digesting all these mind altering foods and substances? or how about video games? Again it it is in moderation. anything that a person dose that would replace your christian ways or takes from your time that would other wise be spent giving and doing Gods work would be wrong, Just like anything and everything God dose not want us to abuse it. Jesus drank wine right? Alcohol is a "Mind altering" substance (no it was not grape juce they did not have refridgeration 2000 years ago so it had no other way to be but turn into wine) but it says in the bible not to get your self drunk. meaning.....Again In moderation. how about a person who suffers from depression? should this person continue to be upset, grouchy, cry, be mean to their family members maybe evan loose their job and or kill themselves or another because they should not take "mind altering medication? True that is is unlike asprin. Adderall is definetly NOT like asprin. I do know that My brother has ADD and my father from hearing child hood stories and knowing what I know about the traits had it till the day he died. My father was abused becsue of his inability to pay attention and made poor choices in turn he beat my brother untill they found an outlet for his energy on swim team. I remember feeling like a freak in school because I could not get the work so stay in my head and had very low self assteem which caused me to enter a mad marriage with more put downs because I could not remember things and lost my keys alot. So well I ask my self... Self? do I deserve to live a happy productive life?.....dose God want me to beable to serve him and others better? YES HE DOSE! God would have not invented such a substance to help those of us that want to become productive, giving and able to better use our gifts with the use of.... Yes "mind altering drugs" too much can be bad and we as people have been given the choice to use our judgement on this.....I am not a sinner becasue I choose to help myself live, act, and feel better for my own sake and the sake of those around me. I have more friends and can socialize. Thank you God for helping me become a better person by helping my mind work better and able to do your work in a more prductive way.:-)

To Runin4k
You kinda got off topic there. Weather you take the Adderall to feel good or not doesn't matter. You still end up addicted and have withdrawal from the medication. Just the same as someone who has been taking pain medication just for pain will still end up addicted to the medicine after taking it for a long period. Humans can make up any reason to take things. I can say "Well I never feel good and I never had friends before but now that I do Heroin I feel better and have a lot of friends".

The real issue to me is that you say that it might make you a sinner. Humans sin regardless no matter what. We can't help it, but we can try to limit it as much as possible. Taking a medication that alters your personality for years on end is not limiting it. Yes chocolate and caffeine are addictive but you don't take those things on time every single day for years at a time. People who do are sinning. But not all people who eat chocolate or drink caffeine are addicted. If you take adderall only when you have a test or something then that's a much better option. I have ADD and I was hit when I was a kid for all the same reasons too, but it didn't stop me from growing up and becoming the person god intended for me to be, not what society wants me to be.

My husband has ADD. Thought the following might be helpful to you, too:

Question: "How should a Christian view ADD and ADHD?"

Answer: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are terms which describe conditions associated with particular sets of behaviors. There are generally both physical and spiritual implications associated with those who have been diagnosed with either of these conditions. Much of the research and debate on this issue centers around the physical cause and potential cure or care for the conditions. However, in that the essence of the conditions involves behavior that the Bible addresses, it is very important for Christians to consider the spiritual impact on those diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

ADD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention. Inattention is described as possessing some or all of the following: often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities; often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace; often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities; often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort; often loses things necessary for tasks or activities; is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli; is often forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The individual may have some of the above characteristics along with some of the following: often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat; often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected; often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate; often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly; is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"; often talks excessively; often blurts out answers before questions have been completed; often has difficulty awaiting turn; often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

Undoubtedly, there are various reasons why individuals are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, in cases where the evidence rests primarily on the behavior of the individual, the Supreme Authority should be consulted. The Bible is not silent on many of the above behaviors.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of attentiveness:

1. God recognizes that some tasks are hard, yet it is good for us to be faithful with our tasks Proverbs 6:6-8; Colossians 3:23.
2. God recognizes that it is hard to stay focused, yet there are rewards for staying focused Proverbs 12:11.
3. God recognizes that it is hard to develop priorities, yet there are rewards for making good choices Proverbs 24:27.
4. God recognizes that it is hard to listen to instruction, yet there are rewards for listening to those who are teaching Proverbs 7:24; James 1:19.
5. God recognizes that it is hard to remember things; that is why He tells us to develop reminders Proverbs 6:20-21; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 2 Peter 1:12-15.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of self-control:

1. We typically do not exhibit self-control; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23), as well as that which we add to our faith (2 Peter 1:6).
2. The Apostle Paul described bringing his body under control as a battle (1 Corinthians 9:27).
3. The Bible even encourages controlling the use of our words (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 12:36).
4. We are encouraged that control of our lives begins with control over our minds (Proverbs 25:28; Philippians 4:8).

The following are biblical teachings concerning impulsivity:

1. God states that there are consequences to being hasty (Proverbs 21:5).
2. There is value in listening before speaking (James 1:19).
3. It is wise to listen to a matter before answering (Proverbs 18:13).
4. Patience and longsuffering (holding back passion) are signs of spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22; James 1:2-4).

Typically, one focuses on the negative behavior without realizing that there are positive traits behind those behaviors. The day-dreamer or forgetful one tends to be quite imaginative. The impulsive one tends to have a burden to get things done. The hyperactive person tends to have ample energy that can be turned to benefit others. Therefore, it is important that such individuals be considered for what part they play in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11-26).

The behaviors above are considered signs of wisdom and maturity, or the lack thereof. Therefore, it is the role of the church and parents to help redirect the attention and energy of individuals with ADD and ADHD. Disciplining such individuals will involve the following:

1) Helping the individual develop a servants heart. Many of the behaviors listed above reflect a rather selfish motive in life. Learning to serve others helps individuals push through unpleasant tasks and to be more patient (Philippians 2:3-4).

2) Helping the individuals control their own thinking. The Bible talks of renewing the mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). God instructs us to focus on eight attributes in Philippians 4:8. Those who wrestle with fantasy can be encouraged to think on those things that are true.

3) Helping the individuals to renew their minds as to what God teaches about their behaviors (note the above examples).

4) Helping the individuals to establish structure. The Bible describes the Christian life as being a one another experience. They met daily in the early church (Acts 2) and we are encouraged to motivate and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Too often we give people a pass on their behaviors when what they need is help in changing them.

5) Helping the individuals by modeling proper behavior. Paul modeled for Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Undoubtedly, many individuals learn better by seeing than by hearing. It is extra work, but patiently helping such individuals turn the corner will have dividends in the long run.

6) By embracing the special place they fulfill in the body of Christ, we can tap into the gift they have to offer.

There are certainly other things that can help those diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, parents, pastors, and those who work with children and adults with ADD and/or ADHD should not be discouraged from utilizing the Word of God, which is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instructing (2 Timothy 3:16).

My personal philosophy is that God gave the brains to the people who invented the meds to help. He gave the brains to the doctors to be able to help, he gave the longing in those doctors to help. I think meds are fine. If you need them, you need them. My aunt was a firm believer in never taking any medication, and that's what killed her at a young age. I think she was only in her early 50's. She was diabetic, and refused to take the meds that she needed to stay healthy, even though she was watching what she ate. In the end, the diabetes killed her. Why put yourself through that if you dont have to. God helped in the creation of those meds for a reason. Take em! Hope this helps :)