We are pushed to medicate our children for cost effectiveness. With budget cuts and classroom sizes a problem, Ritalin can control a problem child instead of using tolerance and patience. Ritalin has become over used in our children. Ritalin use has doubled in the past 6 years. Side Effects are a common problem and can be risky.
Large doses can lead to addiction.
Coming off the drug at the end of the day leads to mood swings. Can impair height growth, cause insomnia, loss of appetite, and nausea, etc. It is a short term fix and does not fix a learning disability or emotional problem. A pill alone doesn't meet the basic care a child needs. Some treatment can be haphazard and there is no follow-up or counseling.