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Studies show that adults with ADHD drive as though they are intoxicated, even if they have had no alcohol. Follow these guidelines when driving:
> If your ADHD is moderate to severe, take your ADHD medication before driving.
> If you’re not taking medication, or if there’s a chance it has worn off, let someone else drive.
> Always wear your seat belt. Put a sticky note on your dashboard or over the ignition to remind yourself to do it.
> Don’t consume a drop of alcohol before driving. Period. Adults with ADHD are more adversely affected by even low doses of alcohol than are drivers without ADHD.
> Stay off your cell phone and PDA. Adults with ADHD do not need extra distraction. If you must text or answer a call or an e-mail, pull off the road.
Excerpted from Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., with Christine M. Benton. Copyright 2010. Reprinted with permission of Guilford Press.
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