Diagnosed at 23, so it really did change my life. Still on the fence about whether I actually have a disorder or if I just like stims though, honestly. Old heads will tell you ADHD isn’t real and you’re a passionless depressed shitbag and new generations say it’s impossible to live life with it untreated so who knows? Definitely doesn’t wire me up at all, it’s always made me calm. In the beginning I was given low dose IR and it would straight up put me to sleep. It wasn’t until I got to the 20-30mg XR range that I found the balance between mental quietness and physical energy that allows me to function (i.e. study and not have my house be a wreck). Always helped a ton with my impulsivity too, whether it be food or spending. But yeah, you’re right, the pre-medicated lifestyle has a way of sneaking up on you before you know it. I imagine it’s like what they say about tren sides, you don’t realize how shitty your mental state is until you’re out of it.
Only downside is I would choke a bitch out for a cig rn and I quit ages ago.