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Children, Drugs, the "Ice" Problem -and ways out- Michael T. Hyson, Ph.D -July 21, 2003 young ages they are first examined in schools, because of the traumas of birth and/or abuse and/or domestic violence. Key to this model is the fact that dosing a child with stimulant drugs like Ritalin will "replace" the low adrenaline levels and lead to the apparent paradox of a stimulant having a calming effect. According to this model, the stimulants cause inhibitory effects similar to adrenaline on the Locus Coeruleus, which then reduces its norephinephrine production and thereby, the child/adult becomes calmer. PTSD was called "shell shock" when encountered in soldiers in WWI & W WII. Such an individual has been pushed beyond their stress limits. They require treatment and therapy to recover. Adding stimulants to the mix is like putting a PTSD soldier back into battle. From what we have shown here, this is similar to our current standard medical approach. Fortunately for us all, there are better approaches. Drug use can deplete the brain of nutrients and neurotransmitters. For example, Serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptryptamine) is often depleted. Supplementation with proper nutrients, nutraceulicals can help. In our example, 5-hydroxy- tryptophan, aprecursor of Serotonin, when provided as a supplement, helps the brain recover from depletion ofSerotonin stores. Based on such knowledge, mixes of nutrients have been devised to restore balanced brain function to those who have become depleted by use of various dnigs. For example, Recovery Essentials (www.recoveryessentials.com), founded by Dr. Richard Kaufman, offers several products of this type. They offer formulas to aid those affected by amphetamines, opiates, alcohol and tobacco, among others. Traumas leading to PTSD-like states also powerfully condition and imprint the individual. Part of drug use is self-medication to alleviate effects of trauma and abuse, especially childhood abuse. Therapy seeks to heal the trauma, freeing the person to make other choices, through love, acceptance, understanding. With the addition of proper nutrition and nutraceuticals designed by the best biochemists, we have a way to achieve a high rate of recovery both for our children, and the adults effected by the overuse of "ice" and other agents. One important part ofthis is the discovery and characterization ofAnandamide. Anandamide (from the Sanskrit "ananda" for "bliss") is a neurotransmitter involved in play, reward, creativity and is necessary for suckling. Anandamide is necessary for forgetting things. A major function of the anandamide system is to allow a traumatized person to selectively forget things, which releases and heals the trauma. Thus the action of anandamide is crucial for the resolution and forgetting of deep trauma. Anandamide binds to the same receptor site in the brain as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main active ingredient in Cannabis, and has quite similar effects. For example, baby animals missing anandamide fail to suckle, and will therefore ordinarily die soon after birth. These babies suckle properly when THC is provided. Therefore Cannabis is a natural plant substance that mimics anandamide. It follows that proper medical use of Cannabis is one way to supplement Anandamide and help those damaged by trauma and drug use to recover and move on with their lives. This is the practical experience of communities that 2