Ritalin: A Miracle Drug, or Another Cocaine?

Ritalin: A Miracle Drug, or Another Cocaine?

If the term "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder"(ADHD) is mentioned, the first thing that comes to many people's minds is a drug called Methylphenidate, commonly referred to as "Ritalin". Most people know Ritalin is prescribed for ADHD, and they most likely know at least one person who is currently taking it. However, in the 1960s, Ritalin and many other amphetamines were recognized as abusive substances, so many new controls were introduced to more closely monitor the prescribing of these drugs. Despite these new restrictions, the abuse and over-prescribing of Ritalin has re-emerged from the shadows.

One way the over-prescribing of Ritalin has emerged is its constant use for treating ADHD in children and adolescents. ADHD is a behavioral disorder and generally infects boys between the ages of six and fourteen (United Nations Warning on Ritalin, 1). Data shows that 10-12% of all boys in this range are taking Ritalin for the treatment of diagnosed ADHD. Since 1990, the number of people taking Ritalin has increased by 500%. As of now, the United States has the highest level of Ritalin use and production. Canada uses just under half of what the U.S. uses of Ritalin and no other countries have come close. 7-10% of the U.S.'s boys are on this drug, which is an overwhelming number compared to other countries around the world. As a result of this, the government makes over $450 million annually in profits from Ritalin sales (Haislip, 12).

Despite the high demand for Ritalin and similar drugs, suitable alternatives on the market are proven safer for the body and still manage to have a Ritalin-like effect without the stimulant. Flavay, for example, is an all natural substance proven to improve memory and concentration, which is the general goal of Ritalin. Researchers have found that despite the over-prescribing of Ritalin, the drug is not entirely necessary. While Ritalin is a beneficial drug for some ADHD sufferers; for others, it can be addictive and harmful, showing the same effects as speed and cocaine (Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity: A Natural Approach, 7-9).

The major problem with Ritalin, is how much of it is prescribed throughout the country. Many doctors and parents use Ritalin as a "quick fix" for their child's hyperactivity or so-called "ADHD", which the child may not even be infected with. Over 10% of young boys are diagnosed with ADHD and taking Ritalin, that number is extremely high compared to the rate of other countries. Therefore, it can be inferred that doctors and parents often rush into the diagnosis of ADHD just to say that the problem has been identified