Misdiagnosed by a Checklist: ADHD Symptoms, Root Causes & What Comes Next | A Conversation with Dr. Arthur Lavin, MD

Misdiagnosed by a Checklist: ADHD Symptoms, Root Causes & What Comes Next | A Conversation with Dr. Arthur Lavin, MD

On this episode, I interview Dr. Arthur Lavin, MD, my former pediatrician with 40 years of experience, Co-Chair of Doctors Organized for HealthCare Solutions, and Immediate Past Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. We explore why he chose not to diagnose me with ADHD as a child, even though I displayed many of the commonly recognized symptoms. His approach goes beyond symptom checklists to look at what may be underneath those behaviors, of which there are 49 possible contributors. In fact, Dr. Lavin co-authored a policy published by the American Academy of Pediatrics outlining 49 different reasons a child may struggle academically. This conversation is a reminder that human beings are complex and cannot be fully understood through a checklist questionnaire. No diagnosis, especially one that leads to powerful, potentially addictive medication, should be made without a deeper understanding of what is truly going on underneath the surface. References: Check out the official policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics, co-written by Dr. Lavin, which sets international standards for the profession of pediatrics and its practice, outlining the 49 root causes that contribute to inattention: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/4/e20192520/38485/School-aged-Children-Who-Are-Not-Progressing [https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/4/e20192520/38485/School-aged-Children-Who-Are-Not-Progressing] An Addy Free tool to help with working memory and attention. Brought to the United States by Dr. Lavin himself: https://www.cogmed.com/

Spring Reset: The Lifelong Addy Free Journey of Learning When to Let Go So You Can Keep Showing Up

Happy first day of spring! A season of new beginnings… and a new season in my Addy Free journey, too. Addy Free began as the resource I wish I had when I was struggling with Adderall and Vyvanse addiction—and while that mission hasn’t changed, this next chapter is bringing me back to the podcast In this short episode, I share the evolution of Addy Free, my personal journey in ADHD medication recovery, and why I’m stepping away from hosting weekly meetings. If there’s one message I hope you take with you, it’s this: Your recovery comes first. You can’t truly help others if you’re not in alignment with yourself. Reflecting on the past few years, the greatest gift has been connection. For anyone navigating stimulant dependency, ADHD medication withdrawal, or life after Adderall, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen alone. I also share simple tools that helped me in early recovery: • Telling your story—you never know who you’ll reach • Volunteering—reconnecting with purpose • Walk + talks—building connection through movement Because at the end of the day: Connection is the opposite of addiction. If you're on a journey to live Addy Free, you're not alone

From Medicated Boy to Self-Medicated Man: ADHD Medication, Addiction, and Finding a New Identity Addy Free

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.

The Simple Question That Has Kept Me Addy (Adderall) Free (Featuring Former Guests’ Answers)

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.

Choosing Presence Over Perfection: Life Without Adderall During the Holiday Season

In 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.