[Dec 18, 96 - 11:25] Jane Kelley of 1:138/255 wrote to All:
JK> We do NOT treat alcoholism or drug addiction by telling the patient to
JK> have as much as he or she wants of his or her drug of choice.
That has nothing to do with the case.  You seem to be saying that because the 
same neurotransmitters are involved in alcoholism and AD(H)D, that the 
treatment should be the same.  You are also saying that because alcohol has 
an adverse effect on a particular problem in which neurotransmitters are 
involved, that Ritalin is bad for another problem in which neurotransmitters 
are involved.  This is not convincing logic.
There are medications which have a positive effect on alcoholism and other 
addictions, and medications which exacerbate addictions.  Both types do what 
they do through changes in brain chemistry (or metabolism, if you prefer) but 
that doesn't mean that they are identical.
Let me ask you two questions flat out:
1.      What specific metabolic effect on neurotransmitter production, 
uptake, or receptor binding do you believe that Ritalin has, and why do you 
believe it is bad?  Please cite sources in the scientific literature.
2.      What specific dietary supplements do you believe are valuable for 
treating AD(H)D, and what specific metabolic effect on neurotransmitter 
production, uptake, or receptor binding do you believe that those supplements 
have?  Please cite sources in the scientific literature.
If you cannot address those two questions head on, then I doubt that we will 
have much to say to each other in the future.
Jerry Schwartz
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