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There is a difference between getting prescribed something to even something out within you, and getting high on something and trading. Unfortunately the two aren't exactly mutually exclusive- the medication you're prescribed can still get you high. I'm aware that it can affect everyone differently, and it seems to be helping you. But only you can determine whether or not your use of your medication is healthy or a good idea.
Every drug has it's positives and negatives in the short-term. Uppers may make you a better worker at the cost of feeling nervous, irritable, etc. Downers may make you feel hardly any stress at the cost of having less motivation to work. It all depends on you and your chemistry, but personally, I no longer think you should "take drugs and trade." If learning how to trade successfully has a lot to do with managing your own psychology and emotions, relying on drugs prevents you from learning how to do exactly that. Drugs are short-cuts that mask problems and prevent growth IMO. They can also be quite a pain in the ass to stop.
I'm by no means saying you should stop taking your medication. I'm just saying, drugs and trading don't mix in ill-adjusted individuals.
I haven't traded on any recreational drugs and don't intend to but perhaps you could look into various psychological studies on concentration/creativity. For example, there is an older one on caffeine titled "Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans"
Someone told me that there was some variation of marijuana that would keep you super focused. There is another variety that helps you run longer and I saw some people doing that on the run at one of the Ironman events I competed in once.
However, I think I focus better when I get enough sleep and eat properly.
Or "Trading with ADD". I was thinking about something similar a day or so ago; many of us have become attention-deficit in this world of insta-media, and I wonder to what extent I have this affecting me. Perhaps meds are one answer, but I've seen top traders extol the virtues of things like meditation. Dr Brett Steenbarger recommends listening to complex music, picking out each instrument, to learn the discipline of focused attention (I presume he means doing this during a meditation time, not while trying to trade).
I know very little about Adderall, but my general concern with meds is that many of them seem to lose their effectiveness once the body adjusts, which could mean then having to deal with the med as well as whatever symptom it was intended to help.
For me, getting enough "quality" sleep is critical; a rough night tends to result in a rough day with trades, as my attention is all over the place. Also, I strictly moderate things that can irritate me such as internet trolls, certain "news" media, social media, etc.
Not a medical advice and I am not sure if it counts as "drugs" drugs, but beta blockers would definitely be beneficial for day trading. They take away the adrenaline effects: shaky and sweaty hands, racing heart and cold feeling in the chest. I used to take Metoprolol before exams and serious presentations. You may still be worried, but without the physical effects. It may reduce blood pressure and/or cause orthostatic hypotension. The latter manifests as dizziness when you get up from a chair, for example, so one should be careful with that. Obviously, talking to a GP about it is a good idea.
Hi,
in addition to the quality of sleep which brings irrefutable benefits, there is another aspect which, in my opinion, affects our psychophysical well-being and that is nutrition.
protein foods with low unsaturated fat, fruit, vegetables, etc.
This will not make you a better trader but a healthier man and as the ancients said a healthy mind in a healthy body
I don't trade while high, but I like looking at charts after eating some o' the devil's lettuce. I like smoking too, but the ol' lungs can only handle so much lol.
