Is Ritalin Over Prescribed? (Argumentative Essay) Essay, Research Paper

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. And 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).

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. 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 heroine) 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.

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 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.

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