Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Stimpson.
Hi Audrey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am an internationally published master photographer by trade who has now made it my sole mission to share my story of Adderall addiction and how I freed myself after 23 years. I am also currently getting my Function nutrition coaching certification to specialize in ADHD, autoimmune, and medication-free living.
I grew up in Memphis, TN— the home of the blues. I received my Bachelors in Photography from The University of Memphis and Masters in Fashion Photography from The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. As a fashion photographer working in the elite fashion and modeling industry of NYC for 8 years, I had the privilege of shooting for top brands and major publications like Vogue, Elle, Forbes, and Robb Report to name a few. In 2018, I co-founded Madison and Melrose, an A-Z digital marketing/branding company that specializes in content creation. I have a growing platform of over 24k followers, the majority based in NYC and the MidSouth.
I had been prescribed Adderall treat her ADHD since the age of seven, the same year the drug first entered the market, making my story one of the longest case studies. For a while, Adderall made me feel invincible. From the photoshoot straight to the after-party, I was using Adderall to Slay! But, after 23 years of use, the amphetamine had taken its toll, leading to psychosis, gut health issues, autoimmune symptoms, body dysmorphia, Addorexia, and a never-ending cycle of shame.
After decades of Adderall dependency, I am finally #Adderallfree and thriving! I want the millions of others affected by ADHD and Adderall addiction to know that it is possible to live without their little orange pill. I am currently writing the guidebook that I wished I’d had, developing an ADHD nutrition coaching program, and I recently launched a blog dedicated to helping those directly affected by Adderall addiction.
I am also addressing real fears in real-time on TikTok, the preferred social media for those with ADHD, reaching upwards of 80,000 people per post. With 3.5 million children currently prescribed Adderall and more than 42% of people aged 12 and over abusing the drug without a prescription, it is clearly one of the most pressing issues of our time.
I am dedicated to sharing my story and helping others navigate their Adderall addiction journey with my How-To-Thrive-Off-Adderall guidebook, Accidental ADDict as well as individualized nutrition coaching to help others thrive without Adderall.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When Our Dreams Come True and It Still Isn’t Enough.
On the surface, I’d finally reached the pinnacle of “success” with the Empire State Building view from my window, a Master’s from The School of Visual Arts, my photography published in world-renowned Vogue, and a perfectly manicured social media following.
It looked like I had it all. But the truth was, I was DYING on the inside. To preface this, I’d been prescribed Adderall treat my ADHD since the age of seven, the same year the drug first entered the market. After 23 years on Adderall, my journey is one of the longest case studies.
In case you didn’t know, Adderall is a strong CNS stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as the symptoms associated with this disorder such as inattention, focus issues, and behavioral problems.
In 2016, the NSCH reported that 3.5 million children were taking ADHD prescription medication”, with Adderall being the most widely prescribed. But, that doesn’t truly encompass the scale of the situation. According to the survey of NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health), more than 42% of people aged 12 and over have used Adderall without a prescription”.
Although these stats may seem high, they don’t surprise me. Adderall Made Me Feel Like I Could Do Anything! I was on top of the world. I would partake in other drugs, climb the heights of a penthouse building, and stand on the ledge because I felt like I couldn’t fall. I did whatever it took to get the attention I desired. I didn’t care what it cost me. I was unstoppable.
From the photoshoot straight to the after-party, I was using Adderall to Slay! But, after 23 years of use the amphetamine had taken its toll, leading to psychosis, gut health issues, body dysmorphia, Addorexia, and a never-ending cycle of shame; not to mention the drugs Big Pharma prescribed to counterbalance the anxiety and depression intensified by the effects of the Adderall.
When I found myself in the emergency room for the third time, I knew something had to change.
I knew I had to break up with the drug that controlled my life for 23 years, but first I had to remove myself from the stressors of NYC and find healing in nature.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am specializing in ADHD nutrition and coaching support. I help those overcoming stimulant abuse, autoimmune issues, and ADHD symptoms find their way back to thriving without medications.
I’m different than others in that I’ve lived the story. I have ADHD and autoimmune issues. I was also on Adderall, a stimulant medication for ADHD, for 23 years!!! I’m thriving and I want that for others.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As an influencer with a background in photography, social media, and marketing, my best advice is to know where your audience is! What do they consume? Are they ADHDERS ON TIKTOK, fashion bloggers on Instagram, gamers on YouTube, boomers on words with friends.
Where do they spend their time-consuming? Once you know that, cater your content to that audience, research the platform you choose and stay consistent. Ask for feedback on content, do polls, etc.
But most specifically, be authentic! I use Instagram and TikTok. Ask to do live interviews with other entrepreneurs in the same space and borrow their audience to grow your own!
Contact Info:
- Email: Audrey@audreystimpson.com
- Website: audreystimpson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audle67/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AudreyStimpsonBlog/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCd2DuP9wWqCAGWR4mtAuLlQ
Image Credits
Audrey Stimpson
