This is a controversial and unappreciated opinion here, but I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. There seems to be a belief in some circles that ADHDers are immune to physical dependency and they’re just not. And that doesn’t mean I don’t understand it may still be better for some people to reach that point and then be careful not to miss doses; after all, that’s the case for a shit ton of medications! Psych ones and otherwise. A lot of things will lead to dependence and that doesn’t automatically mean they’re frivolous, should be vilified, or avoided.

It’s good to have the full picture though. Once you’re physically dependent on a stimulant it’s really a rough time to miss doses or try to cease use cold turkey. It usually leads to (often crushing) depression and fatigue, on top of the full force return of ADHD symptoms. That’s A LOT to deal with. So at the point of dependence, a mindful taper is necessary to come off the medication without potentially super uncomfortable consequences. And some of those effects, like lingering Depression, can be frustratingly persistent.

I want to make clear to anyone reading this I am not trying to be sanctimonious or preachy or “above” it. I just feel it is valuable for prescribers to offer the proper psychoeducation to patients so they aren’t led to believe withdrawal, dependency, and increased tolerance are non issues so long as they have “real” ADHD. People should be informed of what happens if they take the medication everyday with no breaks, and I think some Doctors fail to accomplish this in an ethical manner.