Are There Natural Non-Drug Alternatives
To ADD/ADHD Medications That Could Help Your Child?
For individuals and
families familiar with ADD/ADHD and its impact on behavior
regarding family life, school performance and socialization
at all levels, I am sure you have already had to make some
difficult decisions regarding medication. Great strides have
been made in understanding and managing this common child-hood
disorder. Research shows ADD/ADHD can be due to genetics,
heavy metal toxicities like lead and mercury, nutritional
deficiencies including magnesium, zinc and essential fatty
acids as well as food allergies.
The therapeutic options or choices for helping your child
are multi-faceted requiring experienced direction of your
health care practitioner, assistance from teachers and schools,
cooperation from the child as well as your parental involvement.
Furthermore, there are natural non-drug alternatives that
are safe and effective for ADHD. These natural ingredients
work together to improve brain neurotransmittance, concentration,
attention and control of hyperactivity.
Prescription Drugs Contributing To Teen Drug Abuse
A recent study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance
Abuse at Columbia University found that teen prescription
drug abuse has tripled. According to Joseph Califano, chairman
and founder of the Center, "The substances most likely to
be abused were opioids, or pain relievers like OxyContin or
Vicodin; central nervous system depressants such as Valium
or Xanax; stimulants including Ritalin or Adderall and anabolic-androgenic
steroids like Anadrol or Equipoise." The study showed that
in 2003, 2.3 million 12 to 17-year-olds (nearly one in 10)
abused at least one prescription drug and that girls were
more likely to abuse than boys.
This information coupled with the fact that the FDA has recently
stated that they plan to change the warning labels on methylphenidate
drug products such as the ADHD medication Concerta (also known
as Ritalin) is enough to cause alarming concern. Their statement
made on June 30th of this year reads, "The FDA has identified
two possible safety concerns with the methylphenidate drug
products: psychiatric adverse events and cardiovascular adverse
events." The FDA plans to do further research before changing
the warning labels and in addition, research similar medications
like Adderall.
It is a tough call to make. The "naysayers" have been screaming
for years about the negative side effects of ADD/ADHD medications.
Yet, with the pressures from teachers, school functions, homework,
etc. something has to be done. The doctors suggest Ritalin,
Concerta or Adderall. Your child may already be on one of
these prescription medications with some success and you don't
want to disrupt their progress. There is definitely a lot
to consider when medicating your child with an ADD/ADHD medication.
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