It shouldn't be a crutch. If you are aware of it, and know the symptoms the you can more easily compensate for them. I'm reading two books right now "ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Live" by Kolber and Nadeau, and "You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid Or Crazy?!" by Kelly and Ramundo. These two books could help you determine how your ADD is manifesting itself and they will help you compensate for it.

An example from me. I just started taking ritalin and I'm now studying again for a career change. I know that I need to get most of my studying done before 900pm, by then the ritalin is wearing off, my mind is wondering more, and I'm tired.