--- title: "The Best Alternative To Your Child’s ADHD Medication" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.focus4kids.com/blog/the-best-alternative-to-your-child-s-adhd-medication" markdown_url: "https://www.focus4kids.com/llms/blog/the-best-alternative-to-your-child-s-adhd-medication" lastmod: "2023-06-01T04:00:00.000Z" --- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children worldwide. As a parent of a child with ADHD, you may be wondering what the best treatment option is for your child. While medication is often prescribed for ADHD, it is important to understand how stimulant medications work, consider the cons of ADHD medication, and explore how natural treatments are tailored to your child’s unique needs and can achieve the same result. Medication alone is not always the solution for treating ADHD. In this article, we will discuss how taking a multifaceted approach can help parents to determine and treat the underlying root cause of their child’s ADHD. ## The Link Between ADHD and Dopamine If your child has ADHD, they may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. When dopamine is balanced, children are more likely to feel happy, attentive, and motivated. Low levels of dopamine can cause a child to feel unmotivated or sad, or have problems with memory and concentration. On the contrary, too much dopamine can cause children to feel too energized and make it harder for them to sleep, control impulses, or manage mood and aggression. While the exact cause of ADHD is not known, research has shown that it is often linked to changes in neurotransmitter activity. Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for managing ADHD. These stimulant medications increase dopamine and norepinephrine — the primary neurotransmitters associated with ADHD — in the brain. For some children, ADHD medications can be very effective in helping to improve focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, and in turn help to improve school performance, social interactions, and overall relationships. Additionally, parents typically report that their children have improved symptoms within the first few days of starting stimulant medication. ## The Link Between ADHD and Dopamine For some families, the pros to ADHD medication do not outweigh the cons. The long-term effects of ADHD medications are not fully understood, and there are concerns about the impact of prolonged use. Some studies have shown that long-term use can increase dopamine quinone, which can be toxic to the brain and lead to neurological disorders. Many families are hesitant to try ADHD medications because they do not want to expose their child to a substance that alters brain chemistry and has the potential to affect the growth and development. Some children and teenagers who use ADHD medication may feel as though they cannot function without it, which can lead to a reliance on the medication to get through the day. This can be a concern for parents who want their child to learn how to manage their symptoms without relying on medication. Additionally, since stimulant ADHD medications are controlled substances, there is risk for addiction and substance use disorders, especially in teenagers. Lastly, stimulant ADHD medications are known to have significant side effects; some children have adverse reactions including low appetite resulting in drastic weight loss and growth issues, insomnia, emotional lability, anxiety, agitation, headaches, rapid heart rate, and potential cardiac issues with long-term use. These side effects can be problematic and interfere with your child’s ability to focus, learn, and interact with others. When you consider the fact that ADHD can be a lifelong condition, stimulant medication is not the best long-term solution for treating ADHD. The way that ADHD medications work is that they change the way that dopamine is processed in the brain. If we can achieve this result via natural therapies, we can bypass the need for ADHD medication, support brain biochemistry long-term, and ultimately set children up for a lifetime of success! ## The Link Between ADHD and Dopamine Supplements are commonly thought to be a safe and effective alternative to ADHD medication. These over-the-counter “natural ADHD formulas” are typically a blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. However, these types of natural formulas tend to be minimally effective for most children because their individual biochemical imbalances are not being targeted and corrected at therapeutic dosages. Alternatively, homeopathy can be an incredibly effective option for treating ADHD symptoms. Homeopathy is very safe, which is especially important for developing children! Unlike ADHD medication, which often masks symptoms, homeopathic remedies stimulate healing and can be discontinued when ADHD symptoms remain consistently improved. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on symptoms, and can be customized to each individual’s specific ADHD symptoms. Because homeopathic remedies are targeted to a child’s specific symptoms, they can work very quickly. Within days to weeks, children can experience improvements with mood and behavioral disorders (like anxiety, depression, or rage) as well as improvements with their overall focus and concentration. Working with a well-versed physician can ensure that your child’s unique symptom picture is being addressed with the proper homeopathic remedies. ## Natural & Individualized Treatments for ADHD When it comes to ADHD treatments, one size does not fit all! Each child is so unique with their brain chemistry and symptom picture, which is why working with a physician who specializes in treating ADHD via natural therapies can help parents to determine the underlying biochemical imbalances and correct the way that dopamine is processed in the brain. The first step to optimizing brain biochemistry in children with ADHD is to determine what is causing the imbalance. Comprehensive lab testing can provide vital information on whether there are nutrient deficiencies, neurotransmitter imbalances (such as low levels of dopamine or norepinephrine), genetic patterns at play, or disruptions in digestive health (which can impact nutrient processing and neurotransmitter production). Additionally, utilizing assessments to evaluate a child’s cognitive functions including memory, concentration, reasoning, or verbal abilities, can provide valuable data on how their brain is processing and outputting information ## The Best Treatment for ADHD Taking a multifaceted approach is key to assessing, diagnosing, and treating ADHD in children and adolescents! The best treatment for ADHD is a customized, comprehensive plan which addresses both biochemical and foundational lifestyle factors (such as diet, sleep, exercise, screen-time, routine-building, and stress management) to support long-term optimal health. Changing the brain’s biochemistry isn’t an overnight event. It can take 1-3 months to see significant changes in ADHD symptoms and shifts in biochemical patterns. At Focus4Kids, we understand that healing takes time. Our year-long program approach enables us to dive deep into the health of your child, make and monitor changes in biochemical patterns, build upon lifestyle foundations, and ultimately formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that will set children up for a lifetime of success. If you’re looking for clear, effective, and natural solutions to help your child hone their high energy, make better behavior choices, and improve their overall focus so they can thrive at school, foster meaningful relationships, and feel confident in themselves, [schedule a Discovery Call with us today!](/become-a-patient)