Recently "rediagnosed"

Well in my country (Australia), its taking a while to get my medication.

Its been about 3 months waiting for my medication- and a couple of weeks left, and that's if everything goes right.

I have been on Strattera but only found mild to modest benefit, in fact I'm still on it. But it costs around $150 per month, if I am to stay on it!

Because of my history of substance misuse/ alcoholism, its taking very long to get through the process- in fact I have almost fell out of the process!!

I am entirely stable substance misuse wise, and do not abuse ANY substances any more.

Unfortunately I am starting study and will not be properly medicated, at least at first.

Sorry mate, sounds like you are going through the bureaucratic ringer so to speak. But you are almost at the end of waiting. Hang in there.

People with ADD/ADHD do have addictive personalities, and going undiagnosed until adulthood can contribute to substance/alcohol abuse. I drank a lot when I was younger, I wasn't medicating myself or using alcohol as a way to deal with other issues, I drank fast. I couldn't pace myself, I'd have 4 or 5 beers before most people finished their 1st one. I did things to the extreme, and drinking alcohol was no different. I couldn't just go out after work and have one or two drinks and go home it was more like 12 (always beer) I finally stopped cold turkey over 25 years ago as I knew if I didn't I would be in real trouble. I am a health nut and used to ex cerise to the extreme, 5 or 6 hours a day doing different things, the gym, biking, running, swimming. It's better than drinking but I had to slow it down or I was going risk damaging my body to the point that it may prevent me from doing anything at all. As i got older I got smarter and forced myself to slow down. I also am a workaholic, I can work 80 + hrs a week if I have the chance. This type of personality has its problems, but as I got older I learned to manage it better and find balance.