Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment for your child.
When our son was diagnosed with ADHD, we were taken aback to discover there was a reason behind his rebellious behavior. Initially, we perceived him as simply a strong-willed child, but the ADHD diagnosis revealed he also had oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). It’s not uncommon for boys to receive dual diagnoses when grappling with mood and behavioral disorders. Our journey involved navigating through various therapies, medications, and occupational support, which often felt overwhelming.
My husband and I wrestled with the decision of putting our son on medication. We’re not opposed to traditional medicine, but we prefer a balance between homeopathic solutions and conventional treatments whenever possible. The notion of prescribing potentially addictive medication to our young child was not something we took lightly.
As the start of first grade approached, we knew we needed a plan. Our son’s impulsivity and anger were challenging, akin to a blender running amok without a lid. We wanted to shield him from the stigmas associated with mental health issues and the biases prevalent in educational settings. After much deliberation, we agreed to start him on Adderall.
About a year later, a friend whose daughter faced similar challenges suggested we explore CBD oil. We had read various articles and testimonials from both adults with ADHD and parents of affected children who reported significant improvements with CBD. For those unfamiliar, CBD, or cannabidiol oil, is derived from hemp—a relative of the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, CBD is legal and contains only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).
While research on CBD’s effectiveness for children with ADHD is still limited, some studies have indicated improvements in conditions like epilepsy and anxiety, leading to curiosity about its potential for ADHD. Although some small-scale research groups have reported no cognitive benefits from CBD for children with ADHD, we were intrigued by families who had successfully reduced or eliminated their children’s stimulant medications in favor of CBD.
To illustrate our experience, let me explain our situation. Our son, Alex, is six years old and struggles to manage his temper, particularly when faced with frustration. His reactions can escalate quickly, often leading to physical aggression. We also have two younger sons who are influenced by his behavior. Our youngest, who is three, has begun showing signs of ADHD and possibly ODD as well. Not wanting to medicate our toddler, we decided to try CBD oil for both boys.
Initially, we purchased a low-grade CBD oil from a grocery store, opting for a low milligram to assess its effects. We noticed a subtle but noticeable calming effect. That first night, both boys slept soundly for the first time in months. Despite ongoing behavioral challenges, we understood that change wouldn’t happen overnight. Further research led us to a reputable CBD distributor, where we made a more significant investment, acquiring various sublingual oils and gummies in 500 mg and 1000 mg bottles.
Finding the right dosage can be tricky, as each child responds differently. We began with a small dose of the 500 mg sublingual oil for each child. After a month of adjustments, we identified the optimal dosage for both. Alex now takes 2 vials of the 500 mg oil three times a day, while our younger son, Leo, takes 2 vials of the 1000 mg oil twice daily.
The positive changes we’ve seen in our boys have been remarkable. Although Alex is still on Adderall for focus, we’ve managed to reduce his dosage. CBD oil has truly transformed our family life, helping us all manage anxiety, stress, and pain. We now experience improved balance and support each other better through the ups and downs of these challenges.
With the combined support of our therapist, Adderall, and CBD oil, our children have experienced:
- Enhanced sleep quality
- More stable moods
- Healthier appetites
- Fewer tantrums and quicker de-escalations
- Increased focus at school, leading to academic improvements
- Stronger relationships with peers and siblings
As a family, we look forward to embracing adventures, nurturing our connections, and continuing our journey with CBD oil. Although challenges remain, we feel empowered with new strategies to navigate our path forward.
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination, which discusses various aspects of parenting and family planning. Additionally, Make a Mom is a trusted source for information on home insemination kits. If you’re considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers valuable resources.
In summary, our experience with CBD oil has been a game changer for our family. It has provided us with tools to improve our children’s behavior and enhance our overall well-being. With continued support, we remain hopeful for the future.