Grok says: William F. Buckley Jr., the influential conservative writer and commentator, used Ritalin (methylphenidate) as a tool to enhance his productivity [from 1958 on], not as a recreational drug. According to his son, Christopher Buckley, in the memoir Losing Mum and Pup, Buckley relied on Ritalin and sleeping pills as “work drugs” to maintain his efficiency, impatience, and control, particularly in his later years. These medications were an extension of his disciplined lifestyle, helping him manage a demanding schedule of writing, editing, speaking, and hosting Firing Line. Christopher noted that his father’s doctor kept him well-supplied with Ritalin, suggesting a consistent and possibly heavy use over time.
Buckley might have struggled with focus or productivity, which could align with traits associated with ADHD. His reliance on Ritalin as a “work drug” to maintain efficiency and manage an intense schedule of writing, editing, and public appearances hints at possible challenges with sustained attention or hyperactivity, common in ADHD. However, there’s no definitive evidence in the provided sources or broader records confirming a formal ADHD diagnosis. Buckley’s prolific output—columns, articles, and shorter works—contrasts with his difficulty settling down for longer, serious books, which could indicate issues with sustained focus or task persistence, potentially consistent with ADHD-like traits.
