My daughter also has ADHD and depression.
There is a ADD med that is not narcotic. It's called Strattera and is a non-stimulant. http://www.strattera.com/index.jsp
Usually those who those who are so against meds, only are informed enough due to the media, to know the bad aspects. Many don't understand fully what the child is going through, or have never had a family history to understand. ADD kids tend to fall behind in school without having focus, than they get embarassed and act out or decide to just fail.
One thing to remember, especially using your training: A medication is for a medical problem. You are only drugged up if you are using/abusing the medication in a manner not intended for.
One thing that helps is to pick your battles. I found by taking everything away from my daughter made her eventually (with her depression) not want to do anything. ADHD/depression kids can feel like "why even try". A chart/reward system works well. I would allow for some error. Set a reasonable time-frame/goal for him to work toward. If he brings home/completes his assignments for the week, he gets to rent a movie or video game that weekend. If his teacher comments on his good, focused behavior by conferences maybe take hime to the arcade/go-carts.
I have had depression, and it runs in the family. I don't want to scare you, but I would rather have my child medicated under a doctor/consular's care than to see her slide into herself or worse stop wanting to live at all.
I wish you all the luck! If you ever want to talk send me a message.