Ritalin or methylphenidate is a stimulant derived from the same family as cocaine. It is being dispensed with a speed and nonchalance compatible with our drive-through culture, yet entirely at odds with good medicine and common sense. Ritalin does help some people pay attention and function better. But an excessive amount of children and adults are being prescribed Ritalin. Is Ritalin over-prescribed in today's society?

The American Psychiatric Association has devised guidelines, which is stated in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for diagnosing, prescribing, and monitoring this disorder and sometimes-useful drug. There is no independent valid test for ADHD. There is not a laboratory test, or a physical examination that has been established to clinically assess this disorder. The guidelines for assessing the disorder are nothing but a list of disruptive behaviors (Clarke, 1997). Millions of America's children (Millions of American children) have been labeled with this disorder and put on Ritalin. Studies show that Ritalin prescriptions fluctuate dramatically depending on how parents and teachers perceive "misbehavior" and how tolerant

According to the DEA Briefing Book there has been a reported increase in teenagers who inhale this stimulant drug (DEA Briefing Book, 2001). While Ritalin is a different chemical from cocaine and amphetamines, it has almost an identical effect with two important differences. First, milligram per milligram, Ritalin is far more potent than cocaine or amphetamines. Second, the effects of Ritalin last longer than either cocaine or amphetamines (Clarke, 1997). In light of methylphenidate's abuse liability, it is important to note the tremendous increase in availability of this substance and the expanded population (adolescents and adults) receiving prescriptions for the treatment of ADHD. Another danger is that since Ritalin is related to amphetamines, it has almost the same physiological effects. A users body will build a tolerance to the stimulant, therefore requiring more drugs to sustain the same level of abuse. This is very dangerous since the side effects on a normal dose are already dangerous; it has the potential for addiction and overdose. Ritalin on the street is abused in two ways. One way is for recreational purposes. The abusers use the drug as a form of "speed" to pick themselves up. The second way this drug is abused is students use Ritalin as a study aid. They take a pill (either orally, or by crushing

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)