I’m sure that’s what’s happening in some cases, but I will say that every single person I know that takes stimulant drugs to treat ADHD need it to literally function on a day to day basis.

And no, I don’t mean “function as an overworked cogwheel.” I mean “remember to eat food regularly and in reasonable quantities.” I mean “be able to remember to and stay focused on exercise to stay healthy.” I mean “not be so constantly burnt out trying to catch up with chores that they have the energy to go out with friends.” I mean “being able to provide more than sporadic, partial attention to their family or romantic partner.” I mean “being able to fully enjoy their hobbies or other passions because they can focus long enough to actually take part.”

I’m not suggesting there aren’t people either abusing prescription stimulants for “the grind.” And I’m not suggesting that some people aren’t prescribed stimulants improperly when maybe therapy would be a better solution or even when there is no real problem to begin with. But I am suggesting that prescription stimulants have changed millions of peoples’ lives for the better, including the at least 5 I know personally.