Same here. I got okay grades in school, and I even managed a few semesters in college with excellent grades (comp sci major), but that was with the help of self medicating with stimulants (illicitly obtained.)
Now that I'm an adult with a diagnosis and proper, legal medication, it has helped immensely. It makes me wonder where I would/could be if I got on the right path earlier in life.
I’ve tried a few times over the years to stop, and each time my career has taken a tail spin. I go from being a top performer when taking a small amount of Adderall to having difficulties doing the most basic work tasks because they’re boring.
I can acknowledge all I want that I’m stimulated by different things, but without a diagnosis to give a professional an idea of the symptoms I face, I wouldn’t be a successful or happy member of society.
Before my diagnosis and treatment I was EXTREMELY depressed and anxious all the time. The diagnosis has been literally life changing in the best way possible.