Instead of buying a short shifter can i just buy a short shifter adapter to use on my stock shifter..

 

No. If you are talking about what I think you are, the "adapters" are for vehicles with cable shift linkage. Assuming you have a '92-00 Civic or del Sol with D- or B-series engine, you have a rod linkage which requires modification or replacement of the stock shifter to shorten the throw.