Adam Conover’s Standup Special: A Raw Journey Through ADD on Dropout

Summary

In a nostalgic return to his CollegeHumor roots, comedian Adam Conover premieres his deeply personal standup special, “Adam Conover: Unmedicated,” this week on Dropout, the indie platform formerly known for its comedic sketches. The special explores Conover’s complex relationship with ADD and his struggles with Adderall addiction, a topic he has yearned to share for the last fifteen years. Streaming as part of Dropout’s new “Dropout Presents” series, which recently launched with Hank Green’s special, this show marks a significant moment in Conover’s career. As the star of “Adam Ruins Everything,” he felt compelled to reveal a more intimate side of himself, exploring themes deeply rooted in his childhood marked by early ADD diagnosis. “Standup comedy is my first love,” he mused in a conversation with Variety, emphasizing his desire to shift from informational comedy to telling a raw and honest story about his life. Choosing Dropout over mainstream giants like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon allowed Conover the freedom to craft a project on his own terms, ensuring it came to life exactly as he envisioned. “To have it come out on this incredible platform where people actually care—that’s a rare opportunity for comedians today,” Conover reflected. He contrasted his choice with the overwhelming noise of large streaming platforms that can bury a comedian’s work under the weight of algorithms and sheer volume of content. In “Unmedicated,” Conover vividly shares his experiences with Adderall, illustrating its side effects that mirrored those of illicit drugs. “It made me grind my teeth and crave cigarettes,” he explained, shedding light on the overshadowed truths behind the medication prescribed to children battling ADD. The comedian does not outright condemn prescription treatments; instead, he aims to foster a nuanced conversation about the drug’s potential risks and benefits. The title of his special, “Unmedicated,” reflects his unique journey rather than an anti-medication stance. Conover candidly admits, “They caused me problems and I felt addicted to them,” acknowledging the fine line between medication for mental health and the dangers of over-prescription. By the end of his performance, he hopes to inform his audience about the underlying realities of Adderall, humorously pointing out how the term ‘amphetamine salts’ obscures the truth that it is, indeed, amphetamines packaged in innocent language. Through laughter and brutal honesty, Conover seeks to bring awareness to a topic that affects many, making “Adam Conover: Unmedicated” not just a comedy special, but a vital commentary on mental health in our society.

Original Source: variety.com