Hi there:

I'm so sorry to hear about your struggle to treat your son's ADHD. Have you downloaded ADDitude's free Alternative ADHD Treatment report? It's full of ideas that don't require medication - some of them I'm sure you've tried, but this might open up some new avenues.

Best of luck, Anni

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Hi, I didnt read the alternate treatment so I dont know what is on there but our Dr suggested fish oil suppliments (vitamins) when I was scared to give my 4 yr old stimulants. It did help calm him down but it became difficult to get him to take them since you need to get the pure capsules which are big and he had to take quite a few to get the recommended 6000mg, it think it was 6-8 a day. It might be worth a shot. It always makes me so mad to hear that parents restrict what a child needs based on an uneducated bias. Tell your husband that he is likely to form a drug habit, fail in school, and suffer from depression and low self esteem if it goes untreated. Isnt there a free clinic in your area or low income free medical insurance? Sometimes Drs are also willing to help by providing ongoing free samples. If it is really out of control, I would suggest giving him something anyway, like mixing it in his food so your hubby wouldnt know. I know that sounds horribly devious but in my opinion the well being of my child trumps all else. Good luck to you!

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Hi,

I am newly join in this site.Sixty-three male inpatient alcohol and drug addicts and 34 of their female partners participated in a study of variables associated with physical and nonphysical abuse of women. Results suggest that domestic abuse by male addicts is not directly related to experience of violence or addiction in the family of origin, external locus of control, or severity of alcohol abuse.

http://www.substanceabusecenter.com

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Just a suggestion.......Try to have your's son's dad look at medication differently. Ask him if your son was diabetic would he allow insulin? People need to understand that if our children have an illness (and mental health issues are illnesses) they need to be treated.

As for the expense, I hear you. Thankfully we have insurance but some of the medications my son has been on were still $50 a month w/ insurance. You might want to ask your doctor about Tennex (guanfacine). It is a medication that is normally used to treat high blood pressure but they have been using it to treat ADHD as well. It has a calming effect and can help with focus and impulsitivity. My son has been taking this because he does not do well on the stimulants and it has helped. The reason I make this suggestion is the medication is not that expensive. Also, check in your state, there is likely to be some type of program for children to help with meds. There is also a bunch of websites you might want to check out that give info on how to get help paying for meds. Just google "help with medication costs". Good luck to you

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In my experience a person can get about 30% improvement by vitamins, diet, exercise, a self-disciplinary activity like yoga or karate, and ADD rules, tips, and education. However, 70% of effective treatment is only possible with the stimulants or ADD-care which is an all natural supplement alternative which has been shown to work as well as Adderall with Amen's brain scans and Conner's tests.

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and get medication at a much reduced cost if cost is the issue. As far as your husband you will need to appeal and have the statistics with you about untreated ADD/ADHD / Diet is yeah okay but some of us need more protein than Carbs etc and it not easy to figure out the specifics of diets. Exercise that is allot of running and jumping is good because it allows him to blow off allot of pending up activity. Caffeine is a stimulant so you can try it; if it works can be a strong indication he needs to be put on a stimulant. Fish oil 600 mgs a day can help. (Judi)

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Treatment for an add adhd children doesn't just relay on medications there are alternative way of taking care of your child having add adhd. It seems most meds are very expensive but some like me are practical. Why won't you try to use add adhd treatment through therapy or counseling. It seems to be a long process but for me it gives a positive outlook on what is the result. Here is something for you to know more on the treatment that you could see: http://www.add-adhd-teen-help.com/add-adhd/what-are-some-of-the-best-adhd-treatments.html

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I'm worried about medication myself. Eventually I would like to adjust my environment enough that the medication will not be necessary, but that just isn't an option for me right now.

I have no health insurance, so the medication I am taking (generic amphetamines) costs $91 for a thirty-day supply, AND the pharmacy just jacked up the price. My doctor tried me on methylyn (generic for Ritalin? I can't remember how it's spelled), which was only $8 without insurance, but it just made me too sick.

Also, my medication never counts towards those discount programs because "it's a controlled substance."

Are there any adults or teens here who work retail/attend college and have tried alternatives. I'm still living with my mom at the moment, so altering the way the household runs is out of my hands. Also, does anyone else here know of the pricing and effectiveness of other ADHD medications without health insurance? I've been hesitant to ask my doctor about other medications because of the issue of cost and side effects.

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Hello, Its understandable about not wanting to medicate a child. Have you ever heard of B12 and its connection with ADD? I recently posted an article about it. I hope you may find it informative. Heres the link for you: http://www.ideamarketers.com/?The_ADHD/B-12_connectiona_closer_look&articleid=688924&from=PROFILE

Thank you!

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