There are approximately 7.2 million children in the United States between the ages of 0 to 17 using prescription psychiatric drugs, and almost half of them are on drugs due to being labeled with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ([ADHD]. This labeling represents a billing code that has come under increasing criticism for diagnosing normal childhood behavior as a mental disorder.
In response to the alarming number of children prescribed psychiatric drugs, CCHR, a non-profit mental health watchdog dedicated to the protection of children, launched an educational campaign to inform parents on psychostimulants, the dangerous side effects associated with these drugs and the potential for drug addiction. As part of the campaign, CCHR hands out hundreds of pamphlets weekly to families on this issue while also hosting monthly seminars on ADHD and the drugs normally prescribed as treatment. The seminars are held at their headquarters on 109 N. Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, Florida.
Once such drug, the psychostimulant methylphenidate, also known as [Ritalin](https://www.cchrflorida.org/children-on-ritalin-long-term-effects/), comes with such side effects as nervousness, agitation, anxiety as well as psychosis. [1] Classified as having a high potential for abuse by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), methylphenidate carries a warning from the DEA that it produces many of the same effects as cocaine and that psychotic episodes and severe psychological addiction have all been associated with methylphenidate use. [2]
Delivered by Jason Good, the public executive of a successful drug rehabilitation center, the monthly What is ADHD? seminar provides families with facts, parental rights and alternative solutions. During the seminar Mr. Good, also speaks of his personal experience being labeled with ADHD as a child, which began with a prescription for Ritalin and ended with illegal street drug use and narcotics addiction at the age of 15. To learn more or to reserve seats at the next seminar please call 727-442-8820.
Sources:
[1] https://www.rxlist.com/ritalin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cchr-alerts-parents-about-new-federal-statistics-showing-rates-of-youth-overdose-deaths-on-adhd-stimulants-and-benzodiazepines-are-greater-than-on-cocaine-300507566.html
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