Attention ADHD Families: Has your doctor ever told you about a Medication Break?!

Hey, parents, are you tired of relying on ADHD medications to manage your child’s symptoms? Do you worry about the long-term effects of these drugs on your child’s health and development? Have you heard about families taking a “drug holiday” during the summer months in order to help their child’s brain and nervous system heal, recover, and get back to balance? If so, you’re on the right track because there are, in fact, natural, drug-free options available to help manage your child’s ADHD symptoms.

Did you know that over 6 million children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD, and many of them are prescribed stimulant medications to manage their symptoms? While these medications may seem effective in the short term, they come with a long list of potential side effects, including sleep problems, decreased appetite, and even heart issues. It’s no wonder you may be seeking alternative approaches to support your child’s health.

Each summer, we look forward to getting the opportunity to help and support kids struggling with ADHD. Summertime offers a unique environment that can provide quicker healing, with reduced stress from early wake-ups, school routines, and homework pressures. For families looking for a ‘medication break’ during these warm and sunny months, this period is ideal for diving into natural and holistic alternatives that can have a more profound impact compared to the busier, fully medicated seasons. 

The Root Cause of ADHD

The root cause of ADHD is often related to neurological dysfunction and imbalances in the brain and nervous system. Early life experiences, such as fertility treatments, maternal stress, birth interventions, and infant challenges (colic, reflux, constipation), can contribute to its development. A dysregulated nervous system, characterized by an overactive sympathetic (gas pedal) response and an underactive parasympathetic (brake pedal) response, plays a crucial role in ADHD. Subluxation, a state of repeated stress and tension in the nervous system, further disrupts neurological function, impacting bodily processes and neurotransmitter balance.  

ADHD medications do not address these underlying issues; instead, they simply mask the symptoms. By taking a break from these medications during the summer months or holidays, you can give your child’s body a chance to reset and heal naturally without the interference of drugs and their side effects.

During a “drug holiday,” it’s important to focus on lifestyle factors that can support your child’s health and development. This includes:

• Ensuring your child gets plenty of sleep
• Eats a nutrient-dense diet 
• Engages in regular physical activity and outdoor play 
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing. 

While these lifestyle changes can help calm and regulate your child’s nervous system, they may not be enough on their own.

The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes in. Chiropractic adjustments help restore balance and function to the nervous system, improving sleep, focus, attention, and behavioral and emotional regulation. By addressing the root cause of your child’s ADHD symptoms, chiropractic care can help reduce the need for medications in the long term.

As mentioned, the nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating your child’s “fight or flight” response and their ability to “rest, digest, and regulate.” So when your child struggles with focusing and regulating between the “gas pedal” and the “brake pedal,” it’s often a sign that their nervous system needs attention. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care aims to help the nervous system adapt and regulate, so your child doesn’t have to be stuck on the gas 24/7.

As a parent, you have the power to take charge of your child’s health and well-being.  So, if you’re ready to take a natural approach to managing your child’s ADHD symptoms, we can help! 

At Freedom Chiropractic, we specialize in helping children with ADHD and other neurodevelopment disorders thrive without relying on medication. Our approach focuses on helping the nervous system adapt and regulate, ensuring your child isn’t constantly running on overdrive. Our doctors are trained to identify and address the underlying causes of your child’s symptoms, paving the way for them to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. 

So, if you’re curious how chiropractic care can support your child during a “drug holiday” and beyond, please reach out to our team at Freedom today! 

This summer, help your child unlock their full potential and experience a summer they’ll never forget!