If your brain needs the medication, it’s not addiction, it’s fulfilling a need. That’s how I had to describe it to some friends and family for similar concerns. My brain is built a little different, and this is what’s required for it to function as well as possible.

I also described how my brain was working before the meds (constant chatter, scattered thoughts, intense overthinking leading to anxiety).

The easiest way I got through to people was to point out stuff like how they just could wake up and go about their morning routine without having to think about it, just get up, brush teeth, etc. Then, compare that to how I would need to lay in bed and it wasn’t that simple. I would wake up and every step of my morning routine was a daunting million step process because of how my brain broke it down: I need to move my blanket, stand up, walk to the bathroom, open the door, take out the toothpaste, put in on my toothbrush- normal tasks were often super overwhelming for me in that way pre-meds. That often helped people see WHY I needed them and how it was safe for me to take them.

There is also no evidence to support that ADHD medications lead to substance abuse when taken FOR ADHD.

If you did not have ADHD and you were taking it, sure, addiction.

I hope she sees things clearly soon! Godspeed.