No, I had not taken anything when I wrote that rambling epistle. What you're seeing is a first draft, and since I had to get moving, I had to leave it as such.
Recall that I knew how to concentrate before the meds, it just took a lot more energy. I am naturally at my highest mental energy level in the morning.
Also, those who know me will attest that my default writing style is pretty long-winded and uh..dubiously organized.
If I had gone back to edit it this morning, the wall o' text would have gotten about 1/3 shorter.
Regarding recreational use: I cast neither dispersions or judgments on anyone. Speaking for myself, I can't imagine adderall being a recreational drug. For me, it's not a particularly fun feeling, though it helps me accomplish high-focus tasks, and that feels good.
And just to be clear: our son gives our lives purpose and meaning. Truly he is the purest blessing to us.
I'm curious as well. I've come to use long (but informative) rambles as an ad-hoc indicator of the kind of executive function deficit typical of ADHD. Folks who can write short, crystal-clear, on-point emails are unlikely to be (untreated) ADHD.
I still need to put in the effort to do something difficult or boring (like just about anyone) and I do still feel a mild coffee-like perk up when I take my Adderall and it kicks in. But otherwise, it's a relatively mild tweak that I personally find to offer more benefits than drawbacks for the time being.
Thanks for giving your two-cents and personal experience. Most of my friends, myself included, use amphetamines for recreational purposes. There's been a vague understanding that it works differently for people with ADHD, though I've never personally heard such a detailed testimony.
It sounds like your son is lucky to have you and your wife as parents. Bless you and your family!