ADHD Report: Michael Phelps Takes Responsibility For His Actions

Earlier this week Michael Phelps made headlines when some photos of him were released to the media, that showed the record-breaking Olympian engaged in (what looked like) smoking pot from a bong.

When I first heard the news, I started to wonder whether or not Michael’s ADHD would come into the spotlight.  In the ADHD community, there has been tremendous buzz about Michael’s accomplishments in despite his being diagnosed with ADHD many years ago.

Now, I’ve wanted to comment on this for just about a week, but I decided to wait to see the reactions of others.

Some of the fallout:

Michael’s response

“Regrettable behavior” and “bad judgment.”

Commentary

• Phelps did a dumb thing
• Former President’s smoked marijuana in their 20s and managed to do just fine in life

Losing sponsors and being suspended

Kellogg’s drops sponsorship, and 3-months suspension from USA Swimming.

Little Mention Of ADHD

For the most part, there was very little mention of this activity and a link to ADHD or impulsivity… Most people focused on poor judgment and his statement of “regrettable behavior.”  I am thrilled about that…  The focus should NOT be on ADHD.

But then, I happened upon a comment where ADHD was the central focus (or suggested focus) of why Michael engaged in such behavior.  Sure, we could argue that smoking pot was the result of impulsivity (and even ADHD)… but we weren’t there.

And aside from that — what’s the point of saying it was related to ADHD?  He did it, he took responsibility for it, and his life goes on.

One might argue that he might never have admitted it if he hadn’t been caught or if he wasn’t in the public eye. But who cares?  There are (dear I say) millions of teens who experiment with drugs.  Some probably have ADHD…  Some probably experiment because of their “impulsivity” or other related ADHD characteristics…  And still some kids without the slightest hint of ADHD also experiment with illegal drugs.

Here’s My Take:

I don’t care one way or the other about the circumstances surrounding Michael’s behavior or experimentation with marijuana.  Quite frankly, I think any debate about whether or not this activity is linked to ADHD is totally irrelevant and unnecessary.

Why?  What purpose does it serve the greater good of society?  He made a mistake…  And if I may, he’s pretty darn successful.  Let’s focus on that!  Let’s focus on the fact that he made his decisions…  He got caught…  He apologized…  He has consequences…  And his life will go on…

Are We Overlooking The Most Important Factor?

For those people who want to debate Michael’s behavior and any link to ADHD related behaviors…  I ask you this:

• Have you considered the amount of pressure on him thus far in his life?
• Do you have any idea what he has sacrificed to achieve Olympic glory and success?

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty darn impressed with what Michael has overcome in life (ADHD or otherwise).

For the record, I am NOT excusing his behavior or condoning it.  But I am a bit of a realist.  This young man has faced adversity, overcome challenges, succeeded in life when many thought he would fail… and so much more!

Let’s NOT forget that being diagnosed with ADHD is just a small piece of who a person is.  It does not define him, nor does it account for all of his decisions, behaviors, or challenges.

Perhaps his decision to allegedly engage in this behavior was simply Michael’s way of being his age for once (right or wrong)!

And maybe…just maybe…people who see this behavior as related to ADHD are just skeptics waiting for him to fail.  I suppose if you wait long enough for something — it’s bound to happen.

Tell Us What You Think!

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