I’ve been taking ADHD meds since I was diagnosed at 37. That’s a pretty long time!

No doubt about it, my diagnosis and proper treatment changed my life

But another huge driving force behind my “mess-to-success” story has been alternative ADHD treatments. And this post provides a few of those — which can be either alternatives to meds, or additions to meds!

First, My Official Statement on Meds

Medication is a potentially powerful part of an ADHD-crushing plan. The research is settled on this: properly administered meds have 90%+ odds of creating improved outcomes.

That said, I don’t take sides in the meds-are-good vs. meds-are-evil debate. I believe every adult with ADHD should deploy every tool at one’s disposal – so long as they work and don’t screw with wellbeing or health.

And those tools should definitely extend beyond medication.

As they say, “Pills don’t teach skills!”

Top 5 Alternative ADHD Treatments and Solutions I Use

So with that out of the way…

Here’s a short list of non-medication alternative ADHD treatments that help me most on a day-to-day basis. And importantly, most of this stuff is free.

It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good overview, with some links to additional info:

1. • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): ‘Cognitive’ refers to how we think about things…’behavioral’ is how that thinking translates into our actions…’therapy’ is addressing those thoughts and behaviors. It needn’t involve an actual therapist (though ideally it should). I’ve made tremendous productivity, wellbeing, and happiness advances by “treating” myself. One example is changing the way we view our ‘failures’ and successes. (I teach steps to a new mindset in ADD Crusher™ Video II, Way 9: Score Your Successes.)

• • Mindfulness: This is a broad area of alternative ADHD solutions, but the foundation of mindfulness is just be aware of what stuff is whirling around in your noggin, recognizing what’s BS and what’s relevant, then prioritizing those thoughts. (And per the nearby quote, no matter how overwhelmed you are, just being a witness to your inner voice and noting the BS vs the Relevant, your mind will get quieter!)

1. • Meditation: Don’t be put off by this woo-woo word. (Is woo-woo a word? It is now, folks.) Anyway, I meditate throughout the day – not by sitting on a bed of nails and murmuring, but by simply quieting my mind – which is EASY once you are MINDFUL of what’s inside it (see above!). I call it “Shut-up-a-you-mind. And it can power up your mind in just a few minutes. More about that on the Crusher YouTube channel and in Video I, Way 3.

• • Coaching: Try even a few sessions with an ADHD coach, and chances are you’ll get more than your money’s worth. And now, group coaching is sprouting up more and more, making coaching more accessible and affordable. 

• • Proper Diet, Exercise, and Sleep: OK, I know – “Booooorrriiiiing!” But this really should be at the top of the list. These three things are the most POWERFUL and FUNDAMENTAL of all. Cuz if you’re not feeding your brain right, you’re making your ADHD worse. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s worse x 2. The YouTube channel and Video I, Way 1: Feed Your Brain have the basics on this topic, as does this link on ADHD diet tips.

A Note on Supplements as a Natural ADHD Remedy

This is where things get tricky. I’ll just say two things here:

First, I only use supplements that are backed by research, and my no-BS brain helpers are easily remembered as ZIMB6: Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, and B6. Get some high-quality ones and throw in some quality Omega-3 krill oil.

Second, beware any claims about a natural ADHD remedy that sound too good to be true. Supplement are not regulated in the U.S. Research the crap out of them, cuz 9 times out of 10, they’re…crap.

There are many other alternative ADHD treatments, remedies, and solutions, but these are my mainstays.

El Crushito!

-Alan