Help With ADHD - 3 Points For Parents To Keep In Mind

Did you know that Internet addiction can lead to other problems such as depression, hostility ADHD and social phobia? Whether your child has ADHD or not, you will need to warn them about certain unsavoury characters such as child predators who prowl the net and giving personal information on the Net, not to mention information on making bombs, drugs, alcohol and sex. But if your child does have ADHD, where can you get help with ADHD?

A great source of help with ADHD is looking out for helpful forums, newsletters and other websites where you can find out what is going on in the world of ADHD. Some of these sites are sponsored by the drug companies so a great way to get the other side of the question is to look at alternative treatments for ADHD and find out just what is going on. This is one way we can go about helping kids with ADHD.

The second point for parents is what side effects and long term effects are associated with ADHD meds. This is a very controversial question. Let us face it - we have to know what the effects of powerful mind altering drugs are going to have on our children. The main ingredients in Ritalin is methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine which is the main ingredient in Dexedrine. As their names suggest, we are dealing with amphetamines here and you do not need to have a degree in rocket science to realize that these are still classed as Schedule II drugs which mean there is a potential risk of addiction and /or substance abuse. Hardly a great way of helping kids with ADHD. There is another problem in that children and teenagers who are on these drugs for their ADHD start to mix them with alcohol and other substances in order to party longer. These stimulants are also in high demand on the school parking lot. I know that Adderall pills will sell for about $15 each.

The third point for parents in looking for help with ADHD is that the sites sponsored by the drug companies will point out all the benefits of these drugs. Yes, they will reduce hyperactivity and help the kids to focus better. This is true and these drugs will work for 70% to 80% of kids with ADHD. But that is short term and the sites will never or rarely mention the research done on the long term effects of these drugs on kids' brains and their development. All the research, if it is quoted, is short term and limited to Caucasians. Has nobody followed the effects of Ritalin which has now been on the market for over forty years? Are the drug companies really interested in helping kids with ADHD ?

Why do you think it is so hard to get help with ADHD, especially in the area of homeopathic treatment and/ or herbal remedies? Part of the answer is that there are no powerful lobbies connected with this branch of treatment. But the hard fact remains that they are just as effective as the ADHD meds, there are no side effects and there are no long term risks at all.