They are demanding that their pediatricians prescribe stimulants meant for Attention-deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children to ‘help’ their children do well academically in school even their child might not be suffering from ADHD. The parents want their doctors to prescribe Ritalin and Adderall for “academic doping” - the use of these stimulants to enhance focus, concentration and mental stamina. However, the parents forget about the potential for serious side effects from the use of these stimulants.
As a parent, I would also like to see my son do well in his studies when he goes to school. However, I’m in the opinion that there must be better ways to improve his grades than the use of stimulants (unless he really needs them because of a medical condition). Have these parents thought of the consequences? Yes, with the stimulant, their children might do well in their studies now. But there’s also the possibility that their children might still not do well in their studies even after taking the stimulants because there are other causes for them getting lower grades. What’s worse would be the children becoming dependent on the stimulants and develop a drug habit. It also inculcate the wrong values in the child - that drug taking is fine as it gives me a boost. Maybe that’s why there has been a increase in athletes being caught for using steroids to boost their performance.
What’s your opinion?
(via BoingBoing)
Related news stories: - The Boston Globe: The doping of everyday life
