The Ritalin Alternative

50% of Children prescribed Ritalin are NOT ADHD*

This is a quick fix society. In seeking to explain our children's inappropriate behaviour, and in discovering a drug that turns little monsters into little angels, society has seized upon this opportunity. Let me state categorically here and now that the value of Ritalin in many cases is not to be undervalued, but that the over-use of this drug should be a major concern of all of us.

To begin with, the moment Ritalin is prescribed, it works. No bones about it. The effects are immediate. The child is happy, the parents are happy, and the doctor is happy. And everyone forgets about any OTHER problems that may have contributed to the child's behaviour.

Now such things as allergies, family problems, learning disorders, speech problems, psychological problems are forgotten about. Instead of trying these first, the "pill doctor" will just dish out the Ritalin.

In Canada Ritalin Prescriptions have increased by 547% since 1990* (*Health Canada statistics).

There are also problems WITH Ritalin.
No-one has carried out ANY studies on the long-term use side-effects.
After useage of the drug stops, behaviour reverts to pre-drug levels. There is no long-term improvement.
There are known side-effects: including stomach cramping, insomnia, and occasionally nervous problems such as facial twitches, and irritability.

In my research, using information provided by Health Canada, I have concluded that this drug is useful:
a) As a last resort when all other therapies have failed, and ONLY when ADHD has been indisputably diagnosed.
b) As a SHORT-TERM solution.

The Alternatives

There are 4 main areas of help.

Counselling

Many children will benefit from family or individual counselling, helping with anger management, concentration skills, and understanding inappropriate behaviour. Children who are not ADHD but are nevertheless "challenging" often have a psycholigocal problem that good counselling can manage.

Other Therapies

  • Homeopathy by an expert has shown great results.
  • Special biofeedback techniques can teach kids to retrain their actual brainwaves.
  • Cranial-Sacral therapy helps children who has traumatic birth experiences.
  • Osteopathy and Chiropractic can often help dramatically

    Dietary and Environmental Help

    Allergies are known to play a huge part in affecting children's behaviour. A child should be tested for a wide variety of allergies including: Dust, Pollen, Mould, Animal Dander, Chemicals, Sugar, Milk, Wheat, Egg, Corn, and Citrus.
    A good start is to remove ALL artificial additives from the diet, such as artifical colour and flavour. Many parents notice an immediate and dramatic effect when children begin a wholefood diet.

    Dietary Supplements

    Try a good quality multivitain/multimineral supplement. Liquids are always best.
    There are a number of "Green Drinks" on the makert now, such as Spirulina, Barley, and Kamut. These provide easily absorbed trace minerals.
    The supplements most often recommended for ADHD are:
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • B Vitamins
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Evening Primrose Oil
  • Fish Oils

    One father who found success with a nutritional supplement for his own son is now marketing the supplement at NoMoreRitalin.com.

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