Last Updated on May 14, 2021 by
Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Written by Diane Ridaeus Published May 13, 2020
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD
Ritalin addiction treatment has become a serious issue for many. The drug hit the market in the 1940s and 1950s when drugmakers first marketed Ritalin as a “pep pill” for adults. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the committee of the American Psychiatric Association voted ADD and later ADHD into existence as an “official diagnosis.” Immediately, they promoted the new term vigorously until authorities recognized (promoted) ADHD as a bonafide diagnosis. The ADHD label targets children in the main, but also adults.
Shockingly, In 2016, the CDC reported that about 10% of children in the US were diagnosed and labeled ADHD.2,3
Notably, psychiatric experiments with amphetamines carried out as early as 19371 turned “behavior problem children” into guinea pigs. The psychiatrists involved in these experiments drugged children with amphetamines ( i.e., Dexedrine, Benzedrine, etc.) As time went on, more psychiatrists repeated similar experiments using a wave of copycat stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and many others.
Astonishingly, the results of the experiments on children were reported as “spectacular.” Even though what was truly shocking, was that most of the children became emotionally subdued and disinterested in their environments. Voila, a one-shot treatment for rowdy kids. And, you don’t even have to hire any therapists, dieticians, tutors, educators, or other expensive and time-consuming specialists. History shows, expensive and expansive marketing and horrendous amounts of lobbying helped take the toxic drug Ritalin to the top of the charts in sales. This occurred all over the world.
In short, that is the history of how Ritalin came to be popularized so pervasively.2
The side effects of Ritalin include sudden death, heart attack, stroke, suicide, and many others. And yes, these happen even to children as well as to adults.
Ritalin or methylphenidate is a stimulant drug that produces similar side effects as cocaine, meth, and other amphetamines. Side effects can intensify over time. Some come on with no warning. Often, the side effects exhibited will lead to a physician prescribing a second drug, or multiple other drugs to suppress the additional side effects, putting the person on a very slippery slope toward chaos.
At Alternative to Meds Center, we know that labels and mood-altering drugs are poor substitutes for analyzing the root cause(s) of a condition or set of symptoms. Programs at ATMC are designed to assist a person in several different ways. Each person will be individually programmed according to their unique needs and profile. More information follows below.
As a first step, testing and other assessments help gather enough information to determine the underlying causes of unwanted symptoms. For instance, Ritalin is often prescribed to treat adult narcolepsy. Narcolepsy usually means the person isn’t sleeping well. Hence, the person will feel tired during the day. Simply taking chemical stimulants will awaken a person, but will not handle the sleep issues. We proactively address the sleep issues at ATMC. We do this using natural, effective, and non-invasive methods. These are based on the assessments and testing on arrival to the program.
For ADHD symptoms, ATMC applies the same principles. Assessments, testing, and analysis provide a clear path to isolating and eliminating unwanted symptoms. There is no guesswork involved.
Thus, these problems can be reduced and eliminated without resorting to simply masking these problems with drugs. As a result, withdrawal can be made much easier and much more tolerable.
Addressing unwanted symptoms with Ritalin alternatives means we are able to address Ritalin addiction much easier. In this way, a tailored program is designed to enable the person to gradually reduce their dosage, without significant discomfort. For example, the clinical team assigned to the person will provide a program using Ritalin alternatives. These steps in the program address Ritalin withdrawals comfortably. Thus, withdrawals are softened and more easily tolerated.
During treatment, the program will typically combine effective holistic therapies that include supplements, sauna, soothing physical therapies, cleansing the body of accumulated neurotoxic buildup, mild exercise, and many other treatments. The diet, exactly tailored, can facilitate and speed up necessary neurotransmitter repair. Many supportive actions such as counseling, life coaching, equine therapy, art therapy, stress reduction techniques, yoga, Reiki, nebulized glutathione, and others, greatly ease the process of reducing and eliminating the drug without harsh withdrawals. Additionally, comprehensive educational components empower each client in better methods of self-care, for life.
There is much more to learn about coming off Ritalin safely, Importantly, it is possible to improve one’s health in the process. And, please ask us about your insurance coverage. We look forward to your call about Alternative to Meds Ritalin addiction treatment programs.
1. Bradley, C “Behavior of Children Receiving Benzedrine” AM Journal of Psychiatry [Google Scholar online] 1937 issue, and from psychiatryonline.org [cited 2020 May 13]
2. Smith, M “Dr. Matthew Smith on ADHD and Ritalin.” Journeys Through Health History [INTERNET] N.D. [cited 2020 May 13]
3. CDC.gov, “Data and Statistics About ADHD.” US Dept of Health and Human Services [INTERNET] 2019 Oct 15 [cited 2020 May 13]
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!
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