Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has been a controversial topic for the past decade, possibly longer. There are some who believe that ADHD is a common problem in children and teenagers as many suffer from hyperactive behaviors and poor concentration. Others believe the ADHD is a myth and that our youth is just simply energetic, not consumed with the stresses and trials of life just yet. Since there are no physical tests, such as a blood test, and no single cause, many doctors remain on the fence with this issue.
ADHD Medicine for our Youth
In our last video, Jef Gazley talked about how he believed that many people treating tobacco addiction are actually treating ADHD. In fact, many substance abusers seemed to be treating ADHD with Alcohol or drugs in order to calm themselves down and focus. This, in turn, typically leads them into becoming addicted to amphetamines.
“My experience is that 85 percent of people who are ADD and do not treat it become addicts.” Said Gazley. If someone has true ADHD, then their mind is like a kaleidoscope: chaotic, constantly shifting, and almost nonsensical. Because of this, someone with ADHD will have trouble focusing, which can be incredibly frustrating. As such, coming into contact with something that helps them focus and feel better is something they would likely keep around.
“Pot, Nicotine, Caffeine, Speed, Coke. Those are the biggies. If they find them they feel better, and by God, they want to feel better.” We all know what it’s like to have a million things on our mind at once: the stress adds up, the headache builds, the chest tightens, and we feel overwhelmed. For the most part, we tend to combat this overwhelming sensation with a hobby. For someone who has ADHD, on the other hand, this feeling is constant. So finding something capable of turning down the noise for long periods of time as opposed to a quick burst is immensely satisfying. This same satisfaction is what becomes substance abuse if it is not kept in check, or if the wrong substance is being used.
ADHD Drug Ritalin/Adderall Myth
“The general thought is that, with ADD, you put them on Ritalin and Adderall, therefore, you turn them into drug addicts. That is not my experience.” Said Gazley. There are a lot of myths surrounding the use of Adderall and Ritalin for ADHD treatment. One claims that Ritalin is just like Cocaine: while Ritalin is a stimulant, it is always prescribed in a low-dose, pill form which allows it to gradually release into the blood stream. This means there is no buzz.
Another myth states that Ritalin can “melt your brain” and turn one into an addict. This is also false. Anything can be abused, but using Ritalin properly helps to manage the chaotic symptoms of ADHD. While it does alter your brain chemistry, the drug helps to repair breaks in the path of neurotransmitters.
Read more about the connection of ADHD and Addiction
Natural ADHD Remedies
Medicine is, by far, the most successful way to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Gazley offers an example of his granddaughter growing up with ADHD: she couldn’t sleep until late into the night, and she exhibited many of the symptoms associated with the disorder. Instead of using medicine, Gazley worked with his granddaughter using a more natural, holistic approach.
“I knew that her mom wasn’t going to let me put her on meds… I would have done it because it would have been more helpful than negative.” By removing simple carbs from his granddaughter’s diet and using a Hollow Pressure Point, Gazley was able to treat her for the first five years of her life by helping her body to release endorphins. When she needed to sleep, Gazley applied pressure to the back of her ankle, beneath the outer ankle bone. This particular pressure point helped to release endorphins into her body when she needed to sleep and helped to relieve her insomnia.
Other studies have shown that ADHD can be combated by giving children a physical pastime at a young age. Michael Phelps is a supreme example, having been diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Phelps’ mother put him on the swim team, now he is a record-holding, Olympic swimmer. The key to natural management of ADHD symptoms is the endorphins, so physical activity can work wonders on their concentration.
