Korean Job Discussion Forums

[changwon_bound]

I'm strongly considering moving from Michigan to Changwon for a year to teach English but I have a few questions and a big concern about the otherwise exciting prospect.

I'm a 23 year-old male who's been diagnosed from childhood with ADHD by several qualified specialists. It's definitely a real hindrance; I constantly lose my train of thought and I have to think the difficulty I have reading a book or listening to a piece of music isn't ordinary. Since college I've taken Adderall XR and it made a huge difference. I've tried the other first-line medications without the same kind of success. It's not a perfect solution but it's better than nothing.

I say all that because I know there was a similar question on these forums about dexedrine a few weeks ago that degenerated into a debate on the legitimacy of the diagnosis, which I'm not interested in. I can't find the thread anymore, but I'm new to the forums so maybe it's still around somewhere and I'm just deficient My question's about Adderall/Adderall XR (or the generic amphetamine salts), which is very similar.

THE QUESTION: What is the status of Adderall in Korea? Can it be legally brought into the country with a legitimate prescription and how difficult will it be to (legally) obtain while I'm living there? From what little I've found out, it was still unavailable as of 2007 through Korean pharmacies. Can anyone tell me or help me find someone who can tell me if that really is the case today? And if I'll be able to take a prescription supply into the country? I know my doc could prescribe enough to get me through a half-year if I stretched it thin, but I don't know if it would create problems with customs even though it'd all be legal. My dad suggested I take the ferry to Japan and get a prescription filled there; is that a viable option?

It's a really important factor in my final decision, because I don't want to risk plunging into a totally foreign environment (I've never travelled abroad) when I'm not thinking clearly. Of course I'm not happy about having that reliance but it's something I think is a necessary evil, at least for the moment.

Also, I'm looking for a reputable recruiter in Changwon because I haven't actually found a job yet. Can anyone put me in contact with one they can vouch for? I don't know where to put this question, since I can't find any forums/chat rooms specific to Changwon expats.

I really appreciate any answers or guidance anyone can provide. Thanks a million!

[benji1422]

[changwon_bound]

Thanks Benji, that's really useful advice. I've been on Ritalin before and it doesn't do as good a job as the amphetamines. Good to know in advance about the customs forms. Anyone have any clue about the possibility of Japan?

[Missihippi]

admittedly, i don't take this drug and never have. However, i was able to get a year supply of the drug that i do take before i left the states. I went to my family doctor (who've i've seen since birth) and told him i was going to be gone a year and could he write me enough to last me the whole year. He did it. The pharmacy called him and made sure (usually only a 30 day supply at a time) and he confirmed. Voila.

Not sure if this is possible in your case, but it's an idea.

[changwon_bound]

I doubt it's possible with Adderall because it's a controlled substance. I think she'll be willing to work with me and maybe write me bigger prescriptions that I could stretch for a while. I'm not sure if this will trigger any problems from customs. Does anyone have any information I should know about customs before I arrive?

Thanks for the replies, guys

[djz]

bumping.

i'm not sure if i should have my adderall script mailed or bring it.

[lukas]

Wouldn't this come up on the drug test done when you get to Korea? I'm pretty sure they test for amphets. Also, they might know something is up after you check "no" for taking medications on the application. I could be wrong but you might want to check it out a bit before you get here.

[djz]

Yeah, I stopped taking it because it would definitely show up on the drug test.

[djz]

bump.

op, what'd you find?