When I was a senior in high school my class had to take the ASVAB, which is one of the many standardized test we are forced to take as students. There was an essay question on the test that I remember so well. The question was along the lines of Americans and our need for fast results in every situation. Many years have past since I answered this question, but my answer still stands solid in my mind. Americans, as well as many other people in other countries, are all wrapped up in themselves. Every aspect of life must cater to our desires, needs, and wants as individuals with as little effort as possible. .
So how does this relate to the millions of children who are on prescription medication for behavior problems? Well, I personally think that many adults, including teachers and parents, do not want to put forth the effort to deal with these children, and the easiest way to get these children under control otherwise is to give them medication. When I was in grammar school, there was this boy who had ADD. At the time I did not know what this was, but I did know that when he begin to disturb the class the teacher would take him to the office and give him medicine. Sometimes I think about this boy and wonder why she just did not hug him up and tell him that it was going to be all right. I think that all he needed was a little extra attention. Although I do understand that some children really do need medication, but I also feel as if a lot of children just need extra attention. But a person might have to put forth little more effort and who wants to do that!.
The article stated that the treatment children sometimes get is "dangerously haphazard". I would think that this kind of information is common sense. Children can become addicted to drugs just as fast as adults can, so I would think that giving children medication half of their life would be dangerous. What happens to a child who has been taking medication for years and a doctor decides to take the child off of the medication? I would think that the child would experience some type of withdraw, and personally I do not feel as if a child should have to experience this.
