Happiest, it took a lot of courage for you to compose this thread and i admire you for it.
As for medications: They need to be used properly. However, I know several cases where medication was life changing.
AD(H)D IS NOT a mental illness. It’s a style of brain; scientific evidence (those interested can email for journal references) shows that it is most likely due to having less of certain neurotransmitters. However, medication is not necessary and is often used like a splint, until the person is able to grow out of it.
I know someone who took Ritalin for years, but as she got older she needed less and less and as an adult takes no medication at all. When she was younger she was a terrible student and alienated her friends when she didn’t have teh medication, but with the medication she grew up into a fine young woman.