We used to hang out, years ago. I knew him all the way back since school, since we were around 16. (now in late 20s) He's always been odd, quirky, just like me, really.

I think my difficulty understanding him might be because I don't know a huge deal about ADHD, other than it means Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, causing someone to struggle to maintain attention to something, struggle to focus or concentrate, as well as being particular hyperactive. I guess I'm just looking for insight. He's not overly knowledgeable of it, either, I believe, for lack of trying to get help.

One thing I've always never agreed on, with him, is that he takes drugs (weed, and I believe tried other things in the past, like speed) to "calm down" or something. I just think it's a bad excuse to do something questionable, but maybe there's more to it than I know.

This friend and I recently got back in touch again, and so it just occurred to me that my understanding/knowing more about his ADHD, could help me accept him the way he is. (drugs, the friendship being kinda one-sided, like it always was, never really having meaningful conversations, because more often than not, he'll just "ADD" to something else, and what I said falls flat, plus some other, more personal things)

How bad is it, really? Do you take drugs to calm yourself? Is there more to it than struggling to pay attention, and being hyper, now and again?

Thanks.