Before, I would struggle to do tasks that didn't interest me. I could game for hours, but if I tried coding itd have to fight to read each line of tutorial, then reread over and over because it just doesn't stick in my brain. Then I would get exhausted and pass out.

Now I just sit down and do the task.

Better living through chemistry.

TLDR: I don't wanna scare-monger about meds, just want to make sure people are well-informed about the downsides and that there are other non-pharmaceutical alternatives.

I was on medication for years and stimulants do help, they're really quite incredible... BUT (and this is a big one), once your body can get used to it (over a long period of time), and it stops working as effectively. It's slow at first, but eventually you may need to try other forms of stimulation.

I went through two stimulants over the course of like 14 years, the first one stopped working long before I stopped taking it because the placebo effect is strong (and I'm sure it did something, just not enough anymore).

The other thing is the side effects, don't underestimate them, read the label! I dealt with a lot of them without realizing it and they're often quite common across stimulants. My least favorite side effect was based on the delivery method: I had to remember to take my meds daily, which I often forgot when I was rushed or just didn't remember, a very common occurrence. And taking them late in the day punished my sleep because I was too stimulated to sleep.

Ultimately I settled on being "unmedicated" by the pharmacy and using other stimulants like sativa and caffeine to manage. It can be a lot cheaper if you are without insurance or can't afford copays.

I also manage my ADHD through music, sex, really any stimulation that I have reasonable access to because there's not really a one-size-fits-all solution.

Edit: added/edited context

I was 41 before I went in to get meds. 4 years on Vyvanse and I’m like yooooou motherfuckers! You’ve just been like this from the jump?! WTF?! Changed my life. Also, a side effect of ADHD is anxiety! I never knew.

Give it a shot.

Somewhat

Its not as much of a struggle to start everyday tasks

I think it's a good analogy.

Seems apt to me. I describe it as suddenly being in the driver’s seat, and realizing just how much I wasn’t.

At least for the first week and a half, when your body adjusts and then realize why it can be a very long process to find the right dosage and strategy. (Come back focused productive me, that was great.)

In my experience, it depends. Sometimes you feel like you're the dog, sometimes you're still the one dragging it but it does become smaller, sometimes it feels as huge as it's ever been and doesn't feel any easier.

It's not a magical "solve all your problems" pill but it still helps.

The medication unlocks the door, but you still need to walk through it. You can end up hyper focusing on the wrong shit so it still takes a little willpower to get you on task