[Kevin]

Tom, without these drugs, a lot of kids wouldn't have a chance academically -- especially in the early years of school which are extremely important. Others are simply unable to develop effective coping strategies to overcome their ADHD-ness. Again, the drugs can help there.

What's important (and what everyone has been saying here) is that we have to weigh the risks and the benefits, and if we do decide to medicate, we have to be conscious of the risks and side effects of the medication we're taking or giving to our kids.

A lot of people with ADHD without meds are unable to be productive, or worse, they self-medicate with more harmful addictive substances. Of course, no two cases/people are alike, so as I said, some of us don't need the meds while others do.