FREE ESSAY ON IS RITALIN THE ANSWER TO AD (H) D?

IS RITALIN THE ANSWER TO AD (H) D?

Is Ritalin the Answer to AD (H) D?
The tousled brown hair that weaves so mischievously around his head may hint at the way
he feels inside. He is seven-years-old and has already had to repeat a grade. He has an
imagination that puts others to shame, but nothing seems to hold his attention for more
than five minutes. He was recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, or what we call AD (H) D.
This scene is all too familiar for individuals who discover that they, too, have this
learning disorder as they progress from elementary school to college. In today's society
we want a quick fix to remedy our problems. Therefore doctors are prescribing the drug,
Ritalin, to control AD (H) D. Although Ritalin is a widely used drug to control AD (H) D,
there are other safer alternatives to combat this worldwide disorder.
Ritalin, like many other drugs, has several side effects-some of which are severe.
Ritalin is in a class of drugs called Methylphetamines. These types of drugs (also called
Central Nervous System or CNS stimulants) affect our central nervous system that controls
everything from thought process to everyday breathing. Ritalin's major side effects
influences the cardiovascular system (palpitation, tachycardia, and increased blood
pressure), the central nervous system (psychosis, dizziness, headache, insomnia, tic
syndromes, attacks of Gilles de la Tourette), gastrointestinal (anorexia, nausea),
endocrine/metabolic system (weight loss, growth suppression). (What You Need To Know
About Ritalin 1999) Also, Ritalin is a fairly new drug (introduced in the early
eighties). It hasn't been around long enough to study the long-term effects.
Since Ritalin is a Methylphetamine (closely related to the amphetamine family, such as
cocaine), it has a high rate of abuse. In light of methylphenidate's abuse liability, it
is important to note the tremendous increase in availability of this substance and the
expanded population (adolescents and adults) receiving prescriptions for the treatment of
AD (H) D. For example, the production quota for methylphenidate has increased from 1,361
kg in 1985 to 10,410 kg in 1995 with the primary increases occurring in the last five
years. (Ritalin 1996) This drug is abused in two ways. One way is for recreational
purposes. The abusers use the drug as a form of speed to pick themselves up. They feel
that they need this in order to be alive and full of life. The other way this drug is
abused is very different. Students are using Ritalin as a study aid. They take a pill
(either orally, or by crushing it and snorting-much like cocaine, or they emulsify it in
water and inject it like heroin) and cram for an exam. College today has become more
competitive. Students feel a need to have an edge over the others. They feel that Ritalin
gives them this edge. Another danger is that since Ritalin is related to amphetamines, it
has almost the same physiological effects. A users body will build a tolerance to the
stimulant, therefore requiring more drugs to sustain the same level of abuse. This is
very dangerous since the side effects on a normal dose are already dangerous; it has the
potential for addiction and overdose. (Ritalin Nation 1997) 
Although there are many harmful side effects and social problems related to Ritalin, many
advocates claim that Ritalin is a vital part of controlling AD (H) D. And in most cases
Ritalin has shown proven results. It does exactly what it was designed to do. The
treatment of the disorder in adolescents and adults both show positive results. But
before being put on such a harmful drug, parents and students should try using other
alternatives before using Ritalin. Most doctors can't accurately diagnose AD (H) D in a
20-30 minute visit. There are usually other factors that have to be considered but are
often overlooked. There are ways a patient diagnosed with AD (H) D can overcome this
disorder. Rather than taking Ritalin, a change in diet can have a big impact on ones
attention. Stress levels, like diet, can cause loss of attention, making it hard to
concentrate. A change in study habits can also be very beneficial to someone having a
difficult time concentrating. So by eating healthy, eliminating certain stressors, and
finding a study habit that works for a person, he/she can overcome the disorder. (Ritalin
Free Kids 1996)
Ritalin only treats the symptoms of AD (H) D, not the disorder itself. And the symptoms
will always be there, unless something is done about it. So unless he/she plans on taking
this harmful drug for the rest of their life, changes will have to be made.