First off - thanks for the kind words regarding my taking my time with my decisions regarding my child and the whole methamphetamines idea. Secondly - I meant to mention the same factoid that you brought up in my post - about how kids with ADHD that go UNTREATED actually have a really high rate of abusing drugs later in life. I wasn't sure on the exact percentages, but knew that my decision to stay away from these drugs was a toss up in the risk dept. considering he may very well end up an addict because I DIDN'T treat ADHD. (Not too much of a concern now that ADHD has been ruled out though for my child) To me, I consider my children VERY HIGH RISK for becoming drug abusers in their teens - if not their whole lives - because of the statistics where I live, family history, and just plain dumb luck. So when I factor in the 'low risk' factor of hopefully correctly and quickly treating my child's psychiatric issues before his teens years, it all ends up leaving him at a "normal risk" level. Does that make sense? My problem with all of this - not Ritalin specific at all - is that ALL of the medications they have tried this kid on have NOT been tested with other outside street drugs, and while it may not be of concern to the typical mom, it is to me. I just want a lot more testing done. Maybe someday they will.

Thanks so much for the replies!