Now that New Scientist magazine and other studies are revealing the truth
about Ritilin["Ritalin may encourage drug abuse," Health&Science,April
17],hopefully we'll see a decline in the drug,s use. Better known as
Methylphenidate, a type of "speed," Ritalin has for years been labeled a
Class 2 drug with properties similar to cocaine.

It would be a great service to the community and concerned parents if the
Register would do some reporting on some alternatives to drugging our
children with this dangerous drug. There are many articles and reports
available showing poor nutrition, parasites and even unhandled study
problems as causes for ADHD/ADD, the main use for Ritalin. Even St. John,s
Wort is becoming well known as the natural replacement for Ritalin.

It's time parents wake up to the disaster which drug companies and their
pushers-psychiatrists- are perpetrating upon our children and the future of
America.

Mark Ferguson Tustin