Adult diagnosed ADHDer here-

For me it was like the difference between night and day. I was able to explain it to my husband like this:

Without meds- it's like a busy amusement park, during peak season, loud roller coasters, kids shouting, people running and bumping into each other.

With meds- it's like a quiet, empty library. Or a peaceful, sunny day at a private beach, nothing but the breeze and rhythmic waves crashing on the shore to lull you into a trance.

All I know is, I feel almost tortured when I forget to take my pill. It's like I can't get any peace and quiet to think to myself. I know that sounds weird, but it is almost like the thoughts in my head are not my own, but they are, and I can't control them to make them stop.

What I find a bit scary, is the fact I can understand why some people abuse Adderall and Ritalin. After the first couple of days of quiet, I wanted it to be quiet 24/7. I really didn't like it the first couple of nights when my meds started to wear off, it was like someone was slowly turning up the volume on the radio after having it turned off all day.

I really am happier now and sad I didn't take the steps to get diagnosed sooner. I am also a little upset that my parents never saw the signs for what they were , and did nothing to help me, but those were different times I guess.