I was also addicted to drugs & didn't want medication for ADHD for those reasons. Unfortunately I was considered too old for therapy where I was diagnosed & meds were all they offered. To my surprise I do not find stimulant meds addictive at all, I regularly forget to take them. I feel like they've given me the ability to help myself, do the things I want/need & work towards a healthier me/lifestyle, with the end goal for me of coming off medication once I've established a manageable life/routine. I'm very interested to know how you personally manage your ADHD if you prefer not to take meds?

There is a lot of research that shows Autistic and ADHD individuals are less likely to be addicted to substances WHEN they are medicated. We often use narcotics to cope with the hell that is unmedicated ADHD