Stories of an ADD Adult

Yesterday I had to drive to an appointment. My mind was feeling cloudy, and I knew I would have trouble watching the road, so I took one of my Ritalin tablets. I’ve been trying to avoid taking Ritalin, but in this case I knew the risk of having an accident was too strong.

I swallowed the little tablet before leaving home. Then I drove off. I noticed that while my concentration was improved in a much smoother way than it had been the previous day, when I had drank a cup of coffee containing a high dose of caffeine.

Since I haven’t been taking much of my Ritalin lately, I figured that only one tablet would be enough. And I was right today. It boosted my concentration just enough to help without overpowering my own abilities. It was sort of like having training wheels.

I felt pretty confident while driving and did not come anywhere near having an accident. Which is the opposite of what happens when I don’t take Ritalin or anything else before driving! Usually I have a few “close calls” and almost end up hitting someone, only to be saved by my very quick reflexes.

Today I drank a small cup of strong cappucino at an Italian coffee shop. It must have had much more caffeine than an ordinary cup.

I had to drive home after going to the coffee shop, which was far away. I was worried about driving because I hadn’t taken my Ritalin, but it turned out not to be a big problem.

I concentrated pretty well while driving home. I felt a little weird because the coffee was so strong, but I could definitely concentrate. It was sort of like being on Ritalin, but it felt stronger and rougher.

It’s odd how caffeine can be stronger than Ritalin sometimes, yet Ritalin requires a prescription and coffee can be bought anywhere, even in places other than pharmacies.

Most of my friends got their driver’s licenses the day they turned sixteen, or soon after. Definitely by seventeen, at least.

I, on the other hand, waited until I was 23. I had wanted to get my license sooner, but I was afraid because my concentration was so bad. It seemed like I would never be able to drive because I just didn’t have the focus and attention span for it.

I finally had to get my driver’s license when I was 23, because I was out of college and looking for a job. I needed to be able to drive myself to job interviews. It was terrifying to drive, but at least my medication helped.