Life After ADHD Medication

I’m Chelsea Yule, a licensed therapist and executive coach, and for nearly twenty years, I was also someone who relied on stimulant medication (examples: Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin) to manage my ADHD. It helped me achieve big things: graduate school, a thriving career, a business, and a family of six. But somewhere along the way, my relationship with it got… complicated.

At first, stimulant medication worked exactly the way it was supposed to. I could focus. I could push through. I could do everything.

Until one day, it didn’t.

The side effects started to outweigh the benefits. I found myself wondering: Can I even function without this? What happens if I stop?

That’s a terrifying thought when your whole adult life has been built around something that’s no longer working the same way.

If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t get out of bed without it,” or “My career would fall apart if I stopped,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there. So have countless others — but we don’t talk about it enough.

We have psychiatry that prescribes it, therapy that processes it, and coaching that helps you “manage your ADHD.” But where’s the space for people who want to re-evaluate their relationship with medication?

There’s no real support system for stepping back, just rehab programs or nothing at all. But this isn’t about addiction in the traditional sense. It’s about rediscovering who you are, how your brain works, and how you can thrive without something that once felt essential.

That’s the gap I’m trying to bridge.

Let me be clear: I’m not against ADHD medication. If it’s working for you, that’s amazing. Keep going.
But if you’ve hit that wall where it’s no longer helping, or it’s started to control your life, you deserve support and information that goes beyond “just stop taking it.”

For some people, that relationship becomes one of dependence, not necessarily addiction, but something that starts to run the show. And with the current stimulant shortages and the rise of counterfeit prescriptions, the risks are real and growing.

This isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness and options.

Here’s what I want you to know: it is possible to live a full, focused, thriving life without medication.

I’ve been stimulant-free for two years. I didn’t gain weight. My memory didn’t fail. My business didn’t crumble.

If anything, I’m sharper, calmer, and more connected than I ever was before.

I learned how to build energy naturally, create systems that actually fit my brain, and develop focus that doesn’t rely on a pill.

Now, I get out of bed (a little slower but still get there). I have coffee. I breathe. I lead. I thrive.

If any of this resonates with you — if you’ve ever wondered what life would look like on the other side, I want to create space for that conversation.

This isn’t medical advice. It’s real talk from someone who’s lived it and helps others find their own path forward.

You can live a meaningful, productive, beautiful life after ADHD medication.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If this topic speaks to you, you can:

• Comment or message me on TikTok (@chelseayulecoaching) — I read them all.
• Explore my coaching programs to learn how we can build sustainable focus and balance together.
• Book time with me, let's talks. 
• Or share this post with someone who might need to hear it.
   

Let’s talk about what happens after the medication, because that’s where life gets really good.

This article reflects my personal and professional experience. It’s not a substitute for medical advice or psychiatric care. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication.