I have been reading some of the posts and feel that alot of people like
Ritalin use to cure their kids.  As it has a place in treatment of
ADD/ADHD it should be ONLY as a last resort.  Yes I belive that it works
and your kids are fine, now.  Lately there's been a pandemic of ADD/ADHD
diagnosis's and the cure of choice is RITALIN.  It is a shortcut an easy
fix for many. I can fix my car engine by replacing the engine anytime it
has a problem but ofcourse that is over kill.  There are those that read
on the safety of the drug but fail to understand who did the studies
where their research money came from.  Ritalin is a bull in a china
shop.  For some it is a miracle for others it is a grand experiment a
potential Big risk. I have a friend who is a lousy parent and has a
misbehaving child. Now after 10 years on Ritalin he is now a manic
depressive.  Oh yes the last few years the Doc was trying to ADJUST his
dose of Ritalin (speed) to correct the symptom. Did  I mention that he
tried committing suicide! Bodybuilders use Steroids (testosterone like
hormones) to make their bodies more muscular but a side effect is that
the Testes shut down sometimes on a permanent basis.  The growing body
is even more sensitive. To think that using Ritalin for years has little
risk is foolish.  The public school bureaucracy gets moneys from state
and federal Gov't for students with the ADD/ADHD disability.  Just
follow the money. What did they do years ago?  Not much, it was not
known.  I had it and did not know it.  I had a hard time.  I was bored
and did not pay attention, I fell behind then I was lost because I had
not learned all that I was taught.  I tuned out and got poorer grades.
When I really liked a subject I got B's and A's but mostly D's and F's
I was able to cope and have overcome it but it was hard!
One of my son's has it and I am able to help him because I understand it
first hand.  It is a behavioral problem that can be corrected with help
and understanding but they need to know that they only need to work
alittle harder to overcome it.  It can be an asset.  I have harnessed my
energy and am very creative and hard working.  Ofcourse this does not
work for all and the drug is a much easier and quicker fix.  Please
help your children without drugs before you even think about Ritalin or
other drugs.  In the long run you may save alot more for the extra
effort.
Paul
---------------