Folks,

here is an allopathic dissident point of view on ADHD. Sorry if this inconveniences anyone.


Ritalin, Adderall,
Other Stimulants--Further Resources

"The "Just Say No To Drugs" campaign was aimed at discouraging children from experimenting with dangerous and addictive drugs such as amphetamine and Ritalin. Our society viewed with loathing those who "pushed" stimulant drugs on children. Yet today there are more children taking Ritalin and amphetamine from doctors than ever received them from the illegal pushers. Furthermore, the ready availability of prescribed stimulants had led to their increasing illegal use by children and youth. What has happened to our society's values? How can we be so blind to the implications of the widespread prescribing of stimulants? Does a drug become "safe" simply because it is prescribed by a doctor? Does "pushing" drugs on children become legitimate simply because it is done by drug manufacturers? The answers to these questions are complex--but the most important step is to start asking the right questions. The following resources can assist in that process." Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

[snip]
cf http://www.breggin.com/ritalin.html

Cheers

Michel Eytan
I say what I mean and mean what I say

I believe ritalin is often used as a crutch by parents who don't want to or perhaps don't think they have time to be involved in their children's lives. While the drug often has a useful purpose I feel it is too widely prescribed. Parents need to be better educated & more active in their children's lives.

Today's world is not easy & takes more work to raise a healthy family in. I personally am seeking alternative methods- such as diet- to deal with this problem in my family. Any suggestions will be welcome.

I agree with you mostly, Sander. My son was put on Adderall (an amphetamine) for sleep disorder, chronic fatigue and depression and it never really 'helped' him deal with his life, he stayed in a pretty stagnant state emotionally.

The issue at hand (in my case) was not lack of interest in my children's life (quite the contrary if anything), but lack of money and serious chronic illness on my part, both of which made it difficult, if not nearly impossible, to track down an affordable homeopath. While there were occasional periods of time when our family was covered by medical insurance and thus could see allopathic physicians, I did not have the money to see a homeopath for many years, until I discovered a clinic in San Francisco who offers reduced fees for clients who are struggling financially.Now that he (and I) are finally being cared for by a (wonderful!) professional homeopath, he hardly ever uses his Adderall and actually prefers not to! I am so very grateful for homeopathy.

Sati

Thanks for the input- I have some friends who know some good homeopaths that I will be contacting- but like you there is a money problem. That's why I've turned to the internet to do research for myself.

I'm glad you've had success with your treatments. I hope it continues.

hello sander and sati,

i have an 8 yr. old boy diagnosed ADHD last spring. he was prescribed adderrall which we tried for three horrible weeks. academic failure was the reason his teacher "suggested" he be evaluated. he had difficulty concentrating and was hyperactive. no argument from me on either observations.

we looked into alternative treatments because i was not comfortable with adderrall and all of its side effects.

i would argue the idea that poor parenting or lack of being an active participant in a child's life as what causes parents to choose allopathic drugs such as stimulant meds. it's what our trusted doctors recommend, and our teachers say works. it's in the media and is the main form of treatment suggested by the largest ADHD organization. what's a parent to do?

well, this is what i did... a tremendous amount of research into alternative treatments before choosing homeopathy, and even then was doubtful. we initally went to a homeopath in our area but am now working with one on-line. it takes a lot of dedication and i continually learn from my homeopath. i have taken her many suggestions and educated myself (as best as a lay person can) i read everything, have purchased reference books, taken a beginner homeopathy course, am a member on several homeopathic forums and ask questions all the time. i am a partner of sorts, with my wonderful homeopath, in my son's case. we also use homeopathy almost exclusively for my entire family.

my son has made remarkable improvements. he is no longer hyperactive, is able to concentrate/attend, and is at or above grade level in all areas. quite impressive for an "unmedicated" kid.

i wish you good luck in your pursuit of homeopathy for your children. it is well worth the time and energy spent. the money, well i can honestly say that i have SAVED money as we haven't been to the doctors in over 6 months. not bad for a family of five.

kppy

Thank you- I've read your other posting & will be looking for some of the books you mentioned.

I applaud your dedication- it is difficult to find time in our busy world and you must have spent a great deal of it to get the information you've collected.

kppy,

i haven't been on in awhile. my son has been treated for"ADHD" homeopathically now since september. we have had improvement, overall. he is now taking 50M of sulphur. after the dose, his behaviour improves for about three weeks, and then he has an outburst. this week has been very hard for him. complete defiance with the teachers, yelling out in class and lunch, and talking back to teachers. his behaviour at home is NOTHING like this. we have been having conferences with the teachers all along, but his behaviour is still not "evening" out. we have scheduled an appointment with the teacher and principal to look at adjusting his academic levels, we all feel that he is working below his potential. that may be some of the reason why he is acting out. if anyone has had experience with sulphur as a treatment and its affectiveness, please let me know. we are getting to a point where logans behavioural difficulties are masking or holding back his amazing academic abilities.

amber

There is an excellent book available re: Ritalin and homeopathic alternatives:

Main Title : Ritalin-free kids : safe and effective homeopathic medicine for ADHD and other behavioral and learning problems
Personal Author : Reichenberg-Ullman, Judyth
Ullman, Robert
Edition : Rev. 2nd ed.
Imprint : Roseville, Calif. : Prima Health, c2000.
ISBN : 0761527699
Subject : Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Homeopathic treatment
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Complications
Methylphenidate hydrochloride -- Side effects

__________________
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.
(Robert Frost 1874 – 1963)

AmberE,
We were suddenly faced (he'd never been ADHD before) with similar problems with our 13yr old son recently (he was 'acting out' at school, but not at home, due to health problems in our household which included himself, my husband and myself which also meant his diet was not being as carefully monitored as usual). I was able to help him enormously with homeopathy and Bach and Australian Bush Flowers and by reverting to his previously good diet. However, he improved immensely after several sessions with a qualfied child therapist who uses art and music therapy to help the child express themselves and find other healthier ways of dealing with feelings, beliefs, emotions, fears, experiences, behaviours etc etc etc.
My son was a changed child after only 6 sessions.
Just a thought...

Fiona

__________________
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.
(Robert Frost 1874 – 1963)

Fiona,

Thanks for your input. We have an excellent homeopath that is working with us all along, but the process is frustrating. But, I am more concerned with Logan's frustration than my own, so I am willing to continue down this path. I had thought about some kind of counseling, but the cost is incredible for a child therapist. Since Logan is 6 years old I talk to him through his stuffed snow leopard "Snowy". It seems that Snowy is having similar "problems" as Logan, so I try to get Logan to "help" Snowy through his difficulties. I guess this is a way for Logan to express his feelings without having to come right out and talk about it. The SUlphur is definately working, we just need to fine tune the timing of the doses to keep him from getting to the "explosive" stage. Thanks again for you input, I will look into those books recommended.
AmberE