Are ADD meds really that bad for you?

I think I have ADD but my parents wont get me meds because it's bad for you. I took one of my friend's pills one time and I could focus way more and it felt like my head was clear and I had no anxiety. I also believe I have social anxiety and because of that I always tend to think too much, so maby that is why I can't seem to listen or concentrate. Are social anxiety meds just as bad for you as ADD meds? My parents say it's all bad for you but my outlook on the situation is everybody is going to die sooner or later so why should I live my life in misery (without pills) just so I can have a prolonged life of misery?