I'm a graduate student finishing up a PhD, I think I'm at the other end of the tunnel from you. I started meds about a decade ago and I have slowly been weaning myself off of them for the past 6 months. Once you're hooked (taking a daily dosage) on the meds it is remarkably difficult to get off of them. Mostly because you feel like crap when you're not on the them and of course the ADD/HD symptoms do return.
As someone who is actively struggling to concentrate while writing a thesis (hey look I'm on HN now...) I have a few tips that I hope can help you.
Working environment is important. If you're goofing off in your current work spot... then get out of there! Find some other place that you can work from and try working there. You will be surprised how a change in environment can affect your concentration. My experience has been Public and University Libraries are undervalued work spaces. Cafes work really well for me because some part of my brain wants me to appear productive in front of other people, so I goof off less in open working spaces where others can see my screen. I use that to help me concentrate. The point is find that spot that works for you and fight for it. Also don't be afraid to get nomadic, its OK to switch working spots when you feel like it.
Make Lists. Every time you sit down to do work, spend 30 seconds and jot down what you want to do in that particular working session. Then leave that list in front of you. The visual cue of the list in front of you will help you get back to work when your mind strays. It also helps you align your thoughts.
In terms of staying on topic I think it has more to do with personal issues. I've noticed that when work/class induces a lot of stress, that I goof off more and I do less work. So for me, getting over that stress and just simply enjoying the work has been hugely beneficial. I'm not sure if this stress induced distraction is a universal thing, maybe others can chime in.
Finally go get some exercise. Its a panacea and helps everything from ADD/HD symptoms to curing depression.
As someone who is actively struggling to concentrate while writing a thesis (hey look I'm on HN now...) I have a few tips that I hope can help you.
Working environment is important. If you're goofing off in your current work spot... then get out of there! Find some other place that you can work from and try working there. You will be surprised how a change in environment can affect your concentration. My experience has been Public and University Libraries are undervalued work spaces. Cafes work really well for me because some part of my brain wants me to appear productive in front of other people, so I goof off less in open working spaces where others can see my screen. I use that to help me concentrate. The point is find that spot that works for you and fight for it. Also don't be afraid to get nomadic, its OK to switch working spots when you feel like it.
Make Lists. Every time you sit down to do work, spend 30 seconds and jot down what you want to do in that particular working session. Then leave that list in front of you. The visual cue of the list in front of you will help you get back to work when your mind strays. It also helps you align your thoughts.
In terms of staying on topic I think it has more to do with personal issues. I've noticed that when work/class induces a lot of stress, that I goof off more and I do less work. So for me, getting over that stress and just simply enjoying the work has been hugely beneficial. I'm not sure if this stress induced distraction is a universal thing, maybe others can chime in.
Finally go get some exercise. Its a panacea and helps everything from ADD/HD symptoms to curing depression.