Addictions

As the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Order (AD/HD) has grown more prevalent among children and adolescents, so has the use of the prescription Methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin. The idea behind the use of Ritalin was that it was supposed to calm the children down and help them focus more effectively. However, as Ritalin usage continues to increase, it’s found that while the drug does provide some calming influences, there are also some undesirable side effects. One major problem with Ritalin is that not much testing on long-term side effects has been initiated, meaning that future problems could loom with the use of this drug.
There is already proof that Ritalin could be causing lasting brain changes (Fine 6). The original belief among physicians is that the effects of the drug were short lived, but a new study, performed in 2001, demonstrated that the drug can affect the brain even after the therapy ends (Fine 6). Such changes found in the brain can mimic those found with other stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine (Fine 6). What hasn’t been determined, however, is whether those changes are beneficial or detrimental to a child’s long-term health (Fine 6).
Among the concerns raised by U.S. scientists, some of the side effects include appetite loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety and periodic depression and even cancer in mice (Wittmeier 29). Some preschoolers on the drug also can experience severe social withdrawal, increased moodiness and crying and irritability (Moore 102).
One of the more dramatic side effects of Ritalin has been outright death, particularly among children who had their dosages increased just days before (Wittmeier 29).
Then there are scientists who are linking use of Ritalin to later drug addiction (Peterson 270). Some researchers believe that the “highs” that some children experience when ingesting Ritalin mimic the same type of high that cocaine brings. As a result, the theory goes, as children grow older and into consenting adults, they’re likely to experiment with drugs to maintain the high they received on Ritalin (Peterson 270). In addition, the “street sale” of Ritalin to teens is high – it seems as though teenagers inhale the drug, which is a stimulant, and receive benefits that are close to those experienced when taking cocaine (Bromfield).
Part of the issue in this case is that Ritalin and “speed” (or cocaine) can be pharmacologically lumped together (and is, according to the DSM-IV) as one drug (Breggin and Breggin; see also Sax). The problem is, however, that most parents aren’t told that methylphenidate is, in a sense, speed – and that by putting their children on it, these parents are, in a sense, giving their children a highly active stimulant much like cocaine (with all of the addictive potential) (Breggin and Breggin; see also Sax). Children, in fact, are known to sell their Ritalin to classmates (Breggin and Breggin).
There are some experts, however, who haven’t linked taking Ritalin in therapeutic doses to later drug addictions (Fine 6). The rub, however, is “therapeutic doses.” It seems as though more and more health care professionals are ignoring the monitoring phase of Ritalin that is necessary, and are quick to prescribe the drug when the least amount of hyperactivity is demonstrated (Bromfield).
Some experts have also pointed to the fact that Ritalin can actually worsen underlying anxiety, depression, psychosis and seizures along with the more common side effects of nervousness and sleeplessness (Bromfield). Other studies suggest that Ritalin might interfere with bone growth (Bromfield).
There is also the feeling among many experts that Ritalin does produce greater docility in children, but does not actually improve conduct or academic performance (Breggin and Breggin). It was found that, within an hour of taking a dose of any stimulant drug, that any child can become more obedient, more focused, more willing to concentrate on boring tasks and more willing to listen to instructions (Breggin and Breggin).
Peter Breggin also discusses the “toxic effect” that stimulants such as Ritalin can create, including medicated children who are “zombie-like,” as well as high doses that make ADHD children quieter, more somber and better able to sit still (Breggin and Breggin). While this can sit well with a harried educator, Breggin questions this drug-induced compliant behavior, wondering if the isolation, withdrawal and overfocused behavior is the best thing for younger children (Breggin and Breggin). In addition, he points out, children on Ritalin seem to increase their “time spent alone” as well as their “time spent in positive interaction on the playground” which can, of course, play havoc with a child’s social development and social skills (Breggin and Breggin).
Breggin also points out that the National Institutes of Mental Health has its doubts about Ritalin, noting that the long-term effects of the drug are still in doubt (Breggin and Breggin). The NIMH also acknowledged that while the drug did reduced hyperactivity and classroom disturbance, it seemed “. . . less reliable in bringing about associated improvements . . . in problems . . . such as antisocial behavior, poor peer and teacher relationships and school failure” (Breggin and Breggin). For these, say most experts, a pill simply won’t be the entire cure. Yet ironically, notes Breggin, the NIMH continues to encourage prescribing of Ritalin for a growing number of children (Breggin and Breggin).
Other problems with Ritalin focus around withdrawal of the drug. Parents frequently note in interviews that when their children aren’t on the drug, they’re impossible to live with. According to Breggin, this is similar to “crashing” from speed, with its auxiliary symptoms of exhaustion, withdrawal, irritability and even suicidal feelings (Breggin and Breggin). But parents don’t recognize these symptoms as withdrawal, rather, they put it down to the returning symptoms of AD/HD and put their children back on the Ritalin (Breggin and Breggin).
Even more ironic is that parents, many times, aren’t told that Ritalin often can cause the very disorders it is supposed to cure – such as inattention, hyperactivity and aggression; not to mention anxiety and “crazy” behavior (Breggin and Breggin). However, instead of removing the child from Ritalin when he or she demonstrates such behaviors, the child is likely to be given a higher dose of the drug – or even a stronger medication (Breggin and Breggin). This can, according to Breggin, result in a vicious circle of increasing drug toxicity (Breggin and Breggin).
Another side effect that is not mentioned by physicians – or the mainstream media, for that matter – is that methylphenidate can cause permanent disfiguring tics that are difficult to get rid of (Breggin and Breggin).
Breggin has gone on to say that Ritalin also decreases blood flow to the brain, which can routinely cause gross malfunctions in a child’s developing brain (Ross-Breggin). Such a cut off of blood to the brain can result in memory loss, impaired thinking ability, Tourette’s Syndrome, psychosis and a decreased ability to learn (Ross-Breggin).
While Ritalin has been touted as the “wonder drug” for many children with severe AD/HD, the problem is that the drug simply isn’t being monitored properly when it is prescribed. In addition, little testing has been done as to its long-term effects, meaning it’s impossible to determine how, down the road, giving a child the medication now will impact him or her in adulthood. Finally, the drug is, for all intents and purposes, a stimulant that is similar in chemical makeup to speed or cocaine. As such, children on Ritalin can experience the fabled “cocaine high” – which can lead to a crash, and depression once the child is of the drug, similar to cocaine withdrawal.
In conclusion, the reckless prescribing of Ritalin for hyperactive children needs to be stopped because of the potential dangerous side effects they can experience.

WORKS CITED

Breggin, Peter R. and Breggin, Ginger Ross. “The Hazards of Treating ‘Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder’ with Methylphenidate (Ritalin).” The Journal of College Student Psychotherapy 10(1995): 55-72 .

Bromfield, Richard. “Is Ritalin Overprescribed? Yes.” American Council on Science and Health. 17 October 2002. http://www.acsh.org/publications/priorities/0803/pcyes.html

Fine, Lisa. “Study: Ritalin May Cause Lasting Brain Changes.” Education Week 21 (14 November 2001): 6

Peterson, Roberta F. “Is Ritalin Right? (Some Parents and Doctors Say Drug Could Harm Children in the Long Run)” Better Homes and Gardens 77, September 1999: 270.

Ross-Breggin, Ginger. “Psychiatrist Discloses Ritalin’s Hidden Dangers to Children.” Peter R. Breggin, M.D. 17 October 2002. http://www.breggin.com/Ritalinprnews.html

Sax, Leonard. “Better Living through Chemistry?” The World & I Magazine. 17 October 2002. http://www.worldandi.com/specialreport/sax/sax.html

Wittmeier, Carmen. “More Reasons not to Drug Kids.” Alberta Report 26 (11 October 1999): 29.