Marijuana as a replacement to Ritalin/Concerta/Methylphenidate

[Eric Facts]

I recently was linked to this website from a friend (to an article where Bryan dismissed the idea of using marijuana to treat ADHD).

For those of you who do not completely understand what ADHD is, I encourage you to watch the following video (it's from an ADHD conference regarding marijuana use as a treatment): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1820696077430281885

Some of you may not be aware, but chemically-speaking, ADHD has a lot to do with your natural endocannabinoid system. An ADHD brain naturally does not perform at its peak, which is why stimulants--such as methylphenidate--are prescribed.

Marijuana, however, has an abundance of cannabinoids which studies have shown actually improve focus as well or better than alternatives. It does not work for everyone, of course... but what drug does?

I am not here to convert you guys to marijuana, as it is not my place to recommend any substance. My only goal is to give you guys the ability to research for yourself alternatives with cited research and evidence.

If your medication works for you, awesome! But Methylphenidate doesn't work for everyone, such as my friend who developed an anxiety disorder due to it and has been successfully medicating with marijuana for well over a year now.

If you are interested in research, I implore you to check out: http://www.showmethefacts.org/medical-marijuana-facts/add-adhd/ .

[DANA]

I have read much about chronic pain since I do have fibromyalgia, which results in chronic aches & pains. In the material that I have read, I discovered that marijuana is used for pain control for a wide variety of patients, including cancer patients.

By the way, Eric, I had no idea that marijuana helps ADDer's to focus. I have not read up much about the topic, other than reading about it for pain control in a few books.

When I used to work in the medical field over seven years ago, I was told by the ENT specialists that the hospital pharmacies used to keep in stock cocaine to use for medicinal purposes, but they encountered a constant problem of theft.

The one holistic treatment that makes the most sense to me is an herb called Guarana. Here is some very interesting information regarding Guarana:

Like tea, coffee, and chocolate, Guarana contains alkaloids in the caffeine family, such as theobromine and theophylline. Caffeine is known to reduce pain, treat headaches, and fight fatigue. In addition, it may, under certain circumstances, increase stamina and physical endurance, improve mental alertness, and modestly aid weight loss.

As a stimulant, Guarana acts on the central nervous system to prevent fatigue and break down lactic acid from muscle stress. Guarana is reputed to discourage blood clots, stimulate the urinary system, and promote production of digestive juices. It is said to be a high energy source that slows the pulse, decreases the appetite, fights fatigue, and acts as an excellent mood elevator.

Guarana has been used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis. It has also been used as a nervine tonic for hangovers, neuralgia and menstrual headaches, leucorrhea, diarrhea, and fevers.

Guarana drinks and sodas are very popular in Brazil where Guarana is considered to be a health tonic. It is almost as popular as cola-based sodas.

Like any medication, check with your doctor before trying Guarana or any natural alternatives. Be aware that individuals with cardiac conditions should most likely not use stimulants without a physician supervising your health.

[Jeremy Dyer]

Marijuana worked for me, all I have to say :)

has been smoked by myself for 5 yrs without even thinking of it as a medication and ended up learning that it was infact the one medication that works for me. I have completed 15 consecutive semesters of overloaded course work in post secondary (meaning I haven't even had so much as a single summer off) I also have nearly no debt to school and all within 5 years like i said. :)

[DANA]

Jeremy, it sounds like this form of treatment is working in a beneficial way for you! That is so amazing that you have completed 15 consecutive semesters overloaded with course work and have not taken a break!!!! What are you studying and what are your goals?