how would drug use interact with autism?

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I'm scared that no drug in the whole world will help change the way I feel and think, and I have lost all hope because I have tried everything in the book that should help with depression and anxiety, and it may work temporarily but doesn't change the way I deal with things otherwise. I've tried gentle exercise (fresh air and walking), counselling, CBT, social groups, voluntary work, courses (for basic skills and/or confidence building), trying hard to look for employment (well I don't have a choice), seeing the doctor, and even trying out anti-depressants, but I couldn't get on with them and it seems that every drug has a side effect that interfers with my daily life, like extreme tiredness and having trouble getting motivated and concentrating. I am going back up the doctors to see what else I can go on, but I'm so afraid drugs might affect my brain in a negative way and make one of my AS symptoms more severe or something.

My stupid brain - it just doesn't want to soften up, does it?!

This is a good point and the biggest strike against the drugs that are not addictive or physically dangerous, as far as I'm concerned. There's also the fact that (at least where I live) a drug bust will ruin your chances at student aid and scholarships, and higher education is, for a lot of aspies, their best chance at a successful life.

Anyway, as for interaction with AS in general, I don't know of any research on it. I did take some drugs (pot & LSD) as a teenager, and I don't think it affected me that differently than it would an NT. My social awkwardness and the paranoia related to it was exacerbated a bit, so pot didn't work out to be the "social" drug for me that it is for some, but basically I just had interesting experiences for which the term "trip" is fitting: the long-term effect was pretty much the same as from going to Europe. That is, I have something to remember and a somewhat wider frame of reference, but otherwise it didn't change me at all.

Addictive drugs are another matter. I avoided addictive illegal drugs, and I think it might be even more risky for me as an aspie because, as someone else mentioned, an addictive personality. I used to smoke and had a terrible time quitting, and I'm really glad I didn't mess around with other addictive stuff.

cannabis helps me not be so panicky in social situations. It really helps me with my allergy's because after the first hit my sinus unlock and drain out and if I have any flem in my lungs ill cough it right up.
I have also tried lsd which was pretty good. since I only took two hits it was like being super stoned for 10 hours, one eventful thing that happened that night was my friend had someone I had never met come over. at the time his voice sounded like a demon or something and terrified me for a little bit. the next day I met him again but did not recognize him as his voice was normal.


for those who have tried drugs, how did you get started?

did you get offered or pressured into trying them or was it your own free choice?


I tried them under my own free will. I did not try weed till I was 18 but I had friends who had been smoking for a few years. they respected me enough not to pressure me into anything. after I did some research and learned about all the lies the goverment has said about them, it really makes me question the governments motives on everything.

thats why i think drug use for me would be a bad idea. also thinking that sensory and social anxiety would mix badly which is why i wonder how others would go. i could understand if it were a depressant but stimulants and hallucinogens?

Dhawal Posted:

thats part of the reason why im dry too.

japan Posted:
i'm surprised. i'd have thought it'd go the other way. like with bad trips, flesh peeling off of peoples faces, the opposite of mitigating anxiety kinda way.

callista: it's ok i wasnt going to try drugs so you don't have to convince me. i swore i'd never do it so i can't.


it's why i want drugs legalised. people who use them and have bad reactions can't readily seek help if they face persecution. also it's a victimless crime and it should be a persons own choice to do with their body what they will. plus drug charges are used to crack down on activists a lot and politicians just use anti-drug rhetoric for political reasons as you said.

it's funny because if i did get prescribed drugs by a shrink i would never use them because i dont like the idea of my state of mind being altered by anyone but me(and chocolate). i like being in control 100% of the time and drugs would remove my inhibitions more than i'd like. can't say i'm not curious though.

Same here. I had a lot of druggie friends of friends, but I didn't start until after I got interested myself. Even after I started I wasn't effected by peer pressure. My "friends" would always whine when I refused to try new things without researching them.


I actually think stimulants help me with social anxiety. That unreasonable confidence makes me more outgoing and worry less.

There has been a lot of testing of any drug prescribed by a doctor in the west, particularly post-Thalidomide. Yes, some can be addictive, and some can damage you if you take the wrong amount, but if you stick to your dosage then you will normally be better off than you were.

In terms of pure toxicity then in practical terms both are totally safe. Neither will kill you unless taken with other drugs (usually alcohol).