Over-Medication In Children

The amount of medical drugs that children consume is a delicate subject that many teachers, parents, and doctors can take offense to. However there are two sides to this topic. It is believed that children can overcome a behavioral and/or impulse action mindset by redirecting them through a positive angle. Although medication is beneficial to all ages, how well do these children understand that by taking this medication, it will change their personality and even their brain chemistry? Students are being prescribed these drugs that contain very powerful chemicals. The plan of action would be to control and reduce access to these drugs, followed by more specific and detail-oriented tests before releasing or prescribing these drugs, and educating …show more content…
Many parents are unaware of the harmful effects medications like Adderall or Vyvanse can have on their child. According to American Addiction Centers, “physical damage to the brain, internal systems, and organs are the results of a long-term abuse of an additive drug,” such as Adderall (http://americanaddictioncenters.org). Labels on this medication warn against high blood pressure, heart disease, weight loss, tachycardia, and even sudden cardiac death. Doctors should make parents aware of the side effects from their prescriptions, and potential long-term effects they could have on their kids. Not only can this medication be physically harmful, but it is also extremely addictive. The Addiction Center states that “over time, those habitually using Adderall develop a tolerance to the drug and are unable to function normally without it” (www.addictioncenter.com). When taking drugs such as Adderall, the brain produces a chemical called dopamine at unnaturally high levels. This makes users take higher doses and come crawling back for more, which ultimately leads to substance abuse. Addiction is extremely dangerous, and educating parents about the possible effects could steer them to try safer