Decide at the start what you are actually aiming at. Eight difficulties down to six, then to four, then perhaps to two. Never zero, because zero was never on offer.

What the research says

A systematic review of controlled and naturalistic studies found that stimulants, though recommended first and clearly effective in the short term, have much thinner evidence behind them when it comes to long term outcomes in adults. Even the best supported treatment here is discussed in terms of how much it reduces, and over what period. Setting your target as a reduction rather than a removal is not a lowering of hope, it is what the research is actually about.

Strength of evidence: one line of research. A single study, or a theoretical account.