Adam Conover’s new standup special: A personal journey through ADD and Adderall
A return to roots with a twist
Adam Conover is back, and this time he’s diving deep into his personal history with ADD and Adderall addiction in his new standup comedy special, “Adam Conover: Unmedicated”. Streaming on Dropout, the indie platform owned by the rebranded CollegeHumor company, this special is part of the “Dropout Presents” series, which began earlier this year.
A long-awaited project
Conover has been eager to bring this project to life for the past 15 years. Known for his work on “Adam Ruins Everything,” Conover chose Dropout over larger platforms like Netflix or Hulu. His decision was influenced by his ties to Dropout CEO Sam Reich and the old CollegeHumor crew, with whom he began his career.
A shift from informational comedy
Conover is widely recognized as an informational comedian, tackling important topics with humor. However, in “Unmedicated,” he wanted to return to his first love: standup comedy. “I wanted to do a straight standup show, focusing on jokes about myself and my life,” Conover explained. The special delves into his childhood diagnosis with ADD, making it a deeply personal story.
The freedom of Dropout
Choosing Dropout allowed Conover to create the special on his own terms. “To care about every single detail and have it come out on this incredible platform where people will genuinely watch and appreciate it is rare for a comedian today,” he said. This freedom contrasts with the uncertainty of releasing content on larger platforms or for free on YouTube.
The impact of Adderall
In “Unmedicated,” Conover shares how Adderall affected him similarly to speed. “It made me grind my teeth, want to smoke cigarettes, reduced my appetite, and caused sleep issues,” he recounted. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about the effects of such medications, especially for children.
A balanced perspective
Conover is careful not to take a definitive stance on treating ADD with or without medication. Instead, he shares his personal experience with Adderall. “The special is called ‘Unmedicated’ not because I’m against prescription treatments for ADD, but because they never worked for me and caused problems,” he clarified. He acknowledges the benefits these drugs provide to many people, including friends and loved ones.
The truth about Adderall
One of Conover’s key points is the actual ingredients in Adderall. “They prescribed me Adderall without telling me it’s amphetamines,” he said. He highlights the misleading labeling of “amphetamine salts” on the bottle, which can downplay the drug’s true nature.
Watch the special
For those interested in exploring Conover’s journey and insights, you can watch the trailer and find more information about “Adam Conover: Unmedicated” here.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
As a fan of standup comedy, I find Conover’s approach refreshing. His ability to blend humor with personal experiences offers a unique perspective on a topic that affects many. The special not only entertains but also sparks important conversations about medication and mental health.
For those who appreciate in-depth analysis and distinctive commentary, “Unmedicated” provides a thought-provoking look at the complexities of ADD and Adderall. Conover’s candid storytelling and comedic talent make this special a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of comedy and personal narrative.
Additional context
The rise of indie platforms like Dropout highlights a shift in the entertainment industry. Creators now have more opportunities to produce content that aligns with their vision, free from the constraints of larger platforms. This trend allows for more diverse and authentic storytelling, benefiting both creators and audiences.
In the realm of standup comedy, this freedom is particularly valuable. Comedians can explore a wider range of topics and styles, resulting in more innovative and engaging performances. Conover’s “Unmedicated” is a prime example of how this creative freedom can lead to compelling and meaningful content.
For those interested in exploring more standup specials on Dropout, the platform offers a variety of performances that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Conover or new to his work, “Unmedicated” promises to be an insightful and entertaining experience.
Final thoughts
Adam Conover’s return to standup comedy with “Unmedicated” is a testament to his versatility as a comedian. By sharing his personal journey with ADD and Adderall, he offers a unique blend of humor and honesty that resonates with audiences. This special is not just a comedy show; it’s a conversation starter, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the broader implications of medication and mental health.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Adam Conover: Unmedicated.