But it seems they're not the only kids taking it. Alarming numbers of suburban teenagers are getting high with the drug, say Drug Enforcement Administration officials. When Ritalin is prescribed properly for children in whom ADD has been correctly diagnosed, it helps them pay attention and focus better on schoolwork.
Officials point to the drug's availability as one reason it's so easily abused.
If your child is prescribed Ritalin, talk to him or her frankly about the dangers of abusing it or giving or selling it to schoolmates. And monitor the number of pills taken. If your child takes a pill before school, make sure it's swallowed and not palmed or put under the tongue. If he needs a second dose during the day, consider giving him a time-released pill in the morning. All rights reserved.