I don't think medication "treats" ADHD in the sense of solving it completely. For one thing, we're living through an Adderal shortage, for another it doesn't last all day, and, most importantly, it isn't a cure-all, especially at the low dosages required for responsible long term use. As another commenter rightfully said, the downsides are also significant, especially in terms of exhaustion -- headaches are also a commonly reported one for methamphetamine.
It's a lifesaver, but it's kinda like Ozempic: it enables you to follow through on your self-improvement goals, it doesn't do them for you.
Also, some people don't have health insurance. We do exist, sadly -- 25 million of us, as of 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/... Typically, a diagnosis/new psych appointment costs $250-350 OOP, and the monthly checkups cost anywhere from $100-200 (unless you can find someone willing to break the rules for you and prescribe without 30d checkins). The baffling coupon system does mean that the refills themselves are cheap, somehow, but I've paid $60 before just because the coupon wasn't working and I couldn't be bothered to go home and figure it out and go without meds for X days.
Of course that all becomes easier if you're willing to stick with non-controlled substances, but still
It's a lifesaver, but it's kinda like Ozempic: it enables you to follow through on your self-improvement goals, it doesn't do them for you.
Also, some people don't have health insurance. We do exist, sadly -- 25 million of us, as of 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/... Typically, a diagnosis/new psych appointment costs $250-350 OOP, and the monthly checkups cost anywhere from $100-200 (unless you can find someone willing to break the rules for you and prescribe without 30d checkins). The baffling coupon system does mean that the refills themselves are cheap, somehow, but I've paid $60 before just because the coupon wasn't working and I couldn't be bothered to go home and figure it out and go without meds for X days.
Of course that all becomes easier if you're willing to stick with non-controlled substances, but still