Danger Zone - maybe.

Be careful.
I know you’re already not thrilled with the idea of taking either one and that’s a good thing. After 23 years in the program and watching my significant other fall on their ass (after 15 years in recovery)
with catch phrases like:
“the doctor’s monitoring me and knows I’m a recovering addict/alcoholic, so its okay” and
“I’m doing less than what is prescribed and I’m fine” or
“I HAVE to take (fill in the blank) at this point - I’m no martyr” and from watching too many members do the same, I just want to emphasize extreme caution. You don’t say why you were contemplating them (or I missed that posting), so I can’t say for sure. And even when it’s someone as close as my own partner, I cannot tell them what to do or not to do.
Here’s what I do know:
Drug Abuse And Dependence
Controlled Substance Class

“Modafinil (PROVIGIL) is listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act…
In addition to its wakefulness-promoting effect and increased locomotor activity in animals, in humans, PROVIGIL produces psychoactive and euphoric effects, alterations in mood, perception, thinking and feelings typical of other CNS stimulants. In in vitro binding studies, modafinil binds to the dopamine reuptake site and causes an increase in extracellular dopamine, but no increase in dopamine release. Modafinil is reinforcing, as evidenced by its self-administration in monkeys previously trained to self-administer cocaine. In some studies, modafinil was also partially discriminated as stimulant-like. Physicians should follow patients closely, especially those with a history of drug and/or stimulant (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine, or cocaine) abuse. Patients should be observed for signs of misuse or abuse (e.g., incrementation of doses or drug-seeking behavior).

The abuse potential of modafinil (200, 400, and 800 mg) was assessed relative to methylphenidate (45 and 90 mg) in an inpatient study in individuals experienced with drugs of abuse. Results from this clinical study demonstrated that modafinil produced psychoactive and euphoric effects and feelings consistent with other scheduled CNS stimulants (methylphenidate).”

*I have a family member who is not an addict who was prescribed this for narcolepsy and it a very potent drug.*

“RITALIN® is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep RITALIN® in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away RITALIN® may harm others, and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you have (or have a family history of) ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.”

Last thought:
The disease of addiction is insidious. It worms its way in and permeates everything. Do what you need to for you, but do so with your eyes WIDE open, if you must. A couple of the lines crossed that unanimously were noted by people who relapsed were hiding what/how much was being taken & rationalizing stocking up/storing some against a time when it was not “needed”.

Love ya, brother. Worry about ya and will say a little prayer for ya.

you know, if you stay connected and remain open to feedback, you’ll be fine. i’ve learned i can work for change in my life. i have to.

I think your last statement truly sums up what you need to keep doing in order to make this work. Complete honesty is needed… with yourself most of all.

Just be on the lookout for those thoughts that want you to withhold a detail, even one that seems insignificant, from your doctor, your sponsor, or us who read the site. That is truly the beginning of a backslide.

You’ll do great.

83-84? I forget others are as old as I.

I’m trying to remember if the Ira I knew’s last name was Schlessinger. If he did ad sales at Genre, then yes, I knew him and still run into him occasionally in anonymous places.