Resolution in Support of Halting the Use of Ritalin

WHEREAS, African-American children are disproportionately recommended for Ritalin and other behavioral modification drugs by unlicensed medical professionals; and

WHEREAS, Ritalin's known side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, inability to sleep, heart palpitations, drowsiness, joint pain, nausea, chest pain, abdominal pain and serious systemic illnesses; and

WHEREAS, recent National Institute of Health (NIH) studies indicate that Ritalin usage contributes to the propensity for using serious narcotics such as cocaine, heroin and amphetamine-type drugs.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP join with the National Medical Association (NMA) to review existing federal and state regulations relating to the use of Ritalin and other behavioral modification drugs; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon the United States Congress, federal, state and local agencies to revise regulations to prevent placing children on Ritalin or similar behavior modification drugs in the absence of professional, medical or psychiatric diagnosis.