There’s a new problem lurking in American households. Parents are taking their children’s Ritalin^® and other antidepressant drugs for a quick power fix.

The popular television program Desperate Housewives recently depicted this new trend that is causing its character Lynette Scavo — and America’s moms — to spiral out of control. One of America’s moms recently told her story to People magazine.

She began taking her child’s Ritalin after seeing an article about women who were taking the drug as a way to lose weight and increase energ y. She began crushing and snorting the pill, thinking of it as the “miracle cure.” She lost 50 pounds, her energy boosted and her self esteem drastically improved.

The more Ritalin she took, the more compulsive she became.

While cleaning, she would sometimes spend five hours cleaning the shower with a toothbrush. Then paranoia set in. She couldn’t even go outside without going into hysterics if she spotted a bug or if a bee flew near her.

Ritalin also took its toll on her physically. Her weight dropped to 98 lbs., her hair stopped growing and her period stopped. Her husband’s concern and subsequent questions only resulted in arguments.

After $600 kept disappearing from their checking account each month, her husband’s suspicions came to a head. He found her stash of hidden pills and was able to stage a family intervention, which put her in a five-month rehabilitation program where she shed her addiction and was able to get on the road to recovery.

More than 4 million people take Ritalin and Adderall. According to reports from U.S. treatment centers, the number of patients abusing these drugs has increased across the country.

SOURCE: People Magazine, December 20, 2004.