Photo by hipsxxhearts on Flickr

Since the mid 90’s there has been rapid growth in the prescriptions, misuse and deaths caused by pharmaceuticals used to treat ADHD symptoms.  Doctors are readily prescribing more kids and teens with these stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin.  An 86% rise in ADHD medication prescriptions from 1998-2005 and a dramatic increase of poison control calls related to ADHD medicine during that same time period.

It seems like any kid today that may have a hard time focusing in school can attain a prescription to these medications and it is disturbing how many parents have let their children rely on these pills to get make the grades.  I remember the abundance of Adderall in school which which in time led to those with the prescription selling it to others for cramming during exam week or to use as a drug.

I understand that these medications do work and there are cases where an ADHD medication might be the best option for someone, but this tendency of over prescription in the past decade has made many people reliant on the drug and has led others to abuse it.  All I am saying is that there are other natural ways to help yourself and your children concentrate other than using these prescribed drugs which can often produce negative side effects and lead to abuse if not from the prescription holder then from others.

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