ADHD Sufferer Ditches Meds for Breath-Work, Finds Life-Changing Relief

In November 2025, Steve Whiteley, a 44-year-old from London, shared his remarkable journey of managing his ADHD symptoms without medication. For years, Whiteley had struggled with what he called "chaos" in his life, including job changes and lost relationships, until a doctor prescribed him stimulant drugs to treat his undiagnosed ADHD.

While the medication, dextroamphetamine, helped improve Whiteley's concentration, he also experienced common side effects such as poor sleep, loss of appetite, and increased anxiety. Recognizing he could not continue taking the drugs, Whiteley turned to alternative treatments, first trying meditation and a Buddhist-led training course.

However, the real breakthrough came when a friend introduced Whiteley to "breath-work" exercises. These deep-breathing techniques, designed to reduce stress and increase focus, have been "life-changing" for Whiteley. By incorporating two to three rounds of deep breathing into his daily routine, he has seen a significant boost in his concentration and energy levels without any of the side effects he experienced with medication.

After a couple of months of regular breath-work, Whiteley was able to completely come off his ADHD medication. Experts believe that breath-work could be a promising alternative for many ADHD sufferers, as it can have a calming effect on the body and help address the heightened stress and emotional instability often associated with the condition.

While more research is needed, some leading experts suggest that breath-work, when used alongside medication, could be an effective way for ADHD patients to manage their symptoms without the unpleasant side effects of prescription drugs.