Let’s talk about ADHD medications. Because if you’re anything like me, you were probably overwhelmed the moment someone mentioned the words Adderall or non-stimulant options. I didn’t grow up understanding ADHD, let alone knowing what ADHD treatment options existed. So today, I want to walk you through the real-life, human experience of ADHD medication, through my eyes.

This blog is not medical advice. I’m not a doctor. I’m just a guy with ADHD sharing what worked for me, what didn’t, and what I wish someone had told me years ago.

My ADHD Medication Journey (So Far)

I was officially diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, at the age of 34. It was a relief, but it was also a lot. Like many adults, I’d spent years feeling like I was lazy or inconsistent or broken. The diagnosis gave me language. Medication was one of the tools I was offered.

I started off on Adderall, and honestly, it helped. It didn’t turn me into a productivity machine (because that’s not how any of this works), but it made the noise in my head a little quieter. I could pause before reacting. I could finish a thought without losing it mid-sentence.

Then came the national Adderall shortage, and I had to switch to Focalin. That adjustment was… rough. Not bad, just different. Focalin didn’t hit the same way Adderall did. It helped with focus, but I felt more jittery. Less grounded. I stayed on it for almost two years.

In early 2025, I switched back to Adderall, and it was like a weight lifted. It reminded me of how much impact the right medication can have. Not perfect, but better.

Flat lay of ADHD prescription medication pills and bottles on a blue background, symbolizing different types of ADHD medication and treatment options available for adults.

Types of ADHD Medication: What You Should Know

There are two major categories:

Stimulants

  • Most commonly prescribed
  • Fast-acting (you feel effects within an hour)
  • Examples: Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Focalin
  • Work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine
  • Effective for about 70-80% of people with ADHD

Non-Stimulants

  • Take longer to kick in (can take weeks)
  • Less risk of misuse or side effects like anxiety
  • Examples: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Qelbree
  • Great for people who can’t tolerate stimulants or have coexisting anxiety

A lot of people think you have to take stimulants to treat ADHD. That’s simply not true. According to CHADD, non-stimulant prescriptions have grown by over 100% in the last decade. And for some people, they work even better than stimulants.

ADHD Medication Myths Debunked

Let’s clear up a few things:

  • MYTH: ADHD meds are addictive.
    TRUTH: When taken as prescribed, they’re not addictive. In fact, they can reduce the risk of substance abuse long-term source.
  • MYTH: They change your personality.
    TRUTH: The right dose won’t turn you into someone else. If you feel weird, dull, or unlike yourself, it’s a dosing issue. Not you.
  • MYTH: ADHD meds are a shortcut.
    TRUTH: They’re not a magic fix. They help manage symptoms. That’s it. You still need to work on habits, therapy, and self-awareness.
  • MYTH: Only kids take ADHD meds.
    TRUTH: ADHD is a lifelong condition. Medication helps many adults (including me) improve their quality of life source.
Woman running outdoors on a boardwalk, symbolizing how regular exercise can support ADHD treatment as a natural alternative or complement to ADHD medications.

ADHD Without Medication: What Else Works?

Medication is one tool, not the tool. Many people manage ADHD without it. Others combine it with:

  • Behavioral therapy – especially CBT
  • Exercise – 30 mins of cardio can mimic the dopamine boost of meds
  • Sleep hygiene – consistent sleep is a game-changer
  • Diet – whole foods, fewer ultra-processed snacks (I know, I know)
  • Routine building – simple checklists and visual timers work wonders

Some days, I rely more on structure than stimulants. Other days, it’s both. That’s the point: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

What Helped Me Most

Honestly? What helped me was giving myself permission to try things. To experiment. To stop seeing ADHD as something to “fix” and start seeing it as something to understand.

If you’re navigating this path too, check out my digital guidebook, “Navigating ADHD & Adulthood: A Digital Guidebook Full of Tools, Truths, and Support”. It’s packed with real talk, tools that actually work, and no fluff. Just you and me, figuring this out together.

Smiling woman relaxing on a couch with hands behind her head, representing the emotional relief and improved focus that can come from finding the right ADHD treatment plan—whether medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.

The Bottom Line

ADHD medication isn’t for everyone. And even when it is for you, it might take a few tries to find the right one. That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

There’s no shame in needing help. There’s also no shame in deciding medication isn’t for you. The best treatment is the one that works for your life, your brain, and your values.

You’re not broken. You’re just wired differently.

And you’re not alone.

RECAP: What We Covered

  • I started on Adderall, switched to Focalin during a shortage, then went back to Adderall.
  • Stimulants work fast and help most people, but non-stimulants are a great option too.
  • ADHD meds aren’t addictive when used correctly.
  • You don’t have to take medication to manage ADHD, but it’s okay if you do.
  • Everyone’s brain is different. Your treatment plan should reflect that.

Actionable Items You Can Try Today

  • Research both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD options with your provider.
  • Journal your daily symptoms to track what’s working and what’s not.
  • Try a 30-minute walk or cardio session to see how your focus responds.
  • Test out low-pressure productivity tools (like visual timers or whiteboards).
  • Read through Navigating ADHD & Adulthood for more strategies that feel human, not clinical.

FAQs

Q. Are ADHD medications safe for long-term use?
A. Yes. Decades of research show they’re safe when taken as prescribed and monitored by a provider. In fact, they’ve been shown to reduce the risk of injuries and hospitalizations source.

Q. Can I treat ADHD without meds?
A. Absolutely. Many people find success with therapy, exercise, structure, and diet. It’s all about what works for your brain.

Q. How do I know if a medication is working?
A. You’ll notice subtle changes… less impulsivity, better task follow-through, calmer focus. If you feel flat or overstimulated, it might not be the right fit.

Q. What’s the difference between Adderall and Focalin?
A. Adderall is amphetamine-based, while Focalin is methylphenidate-based. They work differently in the brain and have different side effect profiles.

Q. Is it normal to try more than one ADHD medication?
A. 100% yes. Finding the right med (and dose) is a process, not a one-time fix.

Much love. Good vibes. – Ky