it also caused some problems. I didn't understand how it worked when I first started taking it. I would take the adderall and then just wait for it to give me the motivation to do things. I realized that I had to stay away from thinking about or doing anything but my tasks when I take it. I would take it and then get obsessed and excited about things like Sports, random research on google, etc. When I realized this I started forcing myself to start working BEFORE I took the meds. It helped me to stay on task and not get excited or sidetracked about something else that wasn't important.

I also learned that because of my ADHD I had a hard time taking the medication. I would find myself saying "I don't want to take it because then I will be productive!" It sounds stupid -- but for whatever reason my ADHD wants me to keep the status quo. I used to say "i'll take it on days I need it" I ended up rarely taking it the days I needed it. I have had to tell myself to just take it every single day and get in a routine whether I "think" I need it or not. It has helped, and routines have helped me A LOT. I don't love my job (it's ok) but I can easily work 60+ effective hours a week with no supervision (self employed) with the routines I have developed. Not many with ADHD can be self-employed and be effective.

I have side effects for sure: Sometimes it's hard to sleep, dry mouth, occasional headaches etc. But overall it has been a blessing to me and my wife. I understand that for some people Adderall can be highly addictive and might not be the best option. For me - it isn't addictive at all and I literally have to force myself to choke it down in the mornings. If it ever becomes addictive I will certainly switch to something else, or take it less.

Overall I look at ADHD as a blessing in some ways. I am more creative, I think deeper than most, and I am able to get over things quickly. My wife loves the entertaining side of me and it keeps me humble. It adds perspective when I see similar traits in friends, family or co-workers. I don't judge people as much as I used to because I think that there is so much that we don't know about mental illnesses/disorders.

Last thing I will say - one of the greatest blessings in my lifetime was my mission service for 2 years. I had terrible ADHD growing up and in High School but for the most part God removed it from me while on my mission. I remember praying in the MTC for God to help me to be able to focus and stay on track. I could knock doors with extreme focus for 8+ hours per day while still having great study sessions in the morning. Sure, I might not have kept a perfect area book, planning, etc...but the fact that I could go all day without getting sidetracked was awesome.