Hi Meg--I've taken Concerta for over 5 years. I take twice the "normal" maximum adult dose with no adverse effects. My doctor told me this: when he started working with adults, he worried when his patients seemed to need higher than "normal" doses. He learned through both experience and discussion with other doctors, though, that the proper "theraputic dose" is the dose that works, regardless of what some dosing chart indicates.

As far as dependence goes--I'm also dependent on my contacts, and I wish I didn't need them,either--but it doesn't occur to me not to use them. Same with my Concerta.

So talk to your doctor about your response to the meds and your fears of dependence, then do what seems right to you both.

Good luck!

Sasha