In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these

drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is

called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An estimated five to ten percent

of children are diagnosed with this syndrome. One of the methods to treat this disorder is

to use stimulants, specifically Ritalin. This method is controversial because it has many

side effects and its long-term effects are unknown. It can also lead to addiction.

Approximately two to three percent of elementary school children are taking some kind of

stimulant to treat ADHD. Since so many children are taking this medication, new

problems have arisen. Many of these children use these drugs in excessive amounts to get

"high" with their friends. Some overdoses have even caused death. The alternative ways to

treat this syndrome without medication are not adequately explored. Some doctors have

found ways to combat this problem with little or no drugs. Why aren't more doctors

looking into these alternative methods? What kind of example is this excessive drug use

setting for the children? Finally, what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome caused by a

biochemical imbalance and uniqueness. It has hundreds of symptoms that appear

selectively in a certain children. Some of these symptoms include distractibility, confusion,

faulty abstract thinking, inflexibility, poor verbal skills, aimlessness, perceptual difficulties,

constant movement, varied rates of development, food cravings, allergies, and sleeping

and coordination problems. The children have "little ability to block out noises in order to

concentrate". Many qualities to look for in ADHD children are self-centeredness,

impatience, recklessness, extreme emotionalism, and weak consciences. ADHD children

have trouble in school with reading, handwriting and paying attention to what is

important. They constantly fidget and squirm and can't express their thoughts into words.

Detecting ADHD is a complicated matter since there are no blood tests or evident genetic

tests to confirm this syndrome.