When our son was diagnosed with ADHD, it was eye-opening to discover the reasons behind his defiant behavior. Initially, we thought he was just a particularly rebellious child compared to his peers. However, the diagnosis also unveiled that he suffered from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a common dual diagnosis among boys dealing with mood and behavioral issues. Our journey included consultations with doctors and therapists, exploring options like play therapy, medication, and occupational therapy—an exhausting path, to say the least.
While my husband and I grappled with the notion of putting our son on medication, we approached the situation with an open mind. We don’t dismiss traditional medicine but prefer to find a balance between homeopathic and conventional approaches. The idea of administering a potentially addictive medication to our young child was daunting. Yet, as we prepared for his entry into first grade, we felt compelled to devise a plan to manage his impulsivity and anger, which often felt like a blender whirring without a lid. We also wanted to shield him from societal stigmas related to mental health.
After much deliberation, we opted for Adderall. However, a year later, a close friend suggested we explore CBD oil for our son. Intrigued, we read numerous articles and testimonials from adults and parents who reported success using CBD for ADHD. If you’re unfamiliar, CBD, or cannabidiol oil, is derived from hemp and contains minimal THC—legally capped at 0.3%—making it safe for children.
Despite the limited research on CBD’s effectiveness for ADHD, some studies indicated benefits for children with conditions like epilepsy or anxiety, prompting curiosity about its potential for ADHD management. As societal perceptions of marijuana evolve, there’s a growing enthusiasm for CBD oil as a treatment option. Families we’ve spoken to shared experiences of successfully reducing or even eliminating amphetamine medications for their children. We decided it was worth a try.
To begin, we purchased a low-concentration bottle of CBD oil from the grocery store, eager to start small. Immediately, we noticed subtle calming effects; for the first time in months, our boys slept soundly. While their behavioral challenges persisted, we remained patient. Our further research led us to a reputable CBD supplier, where we invested in a range of sublingual oils and gummies, including 500 mg and 1000 mg options.
Determining the right dosage for each child proved essential. We commenced with one dropper of the 500 mg oil for each boy, gradually finding the optimal dose over a month. Currently, our son Alex takes 2 droppers of the 500 mg oil three times daily, while little Ethan uses 2 droppers of the 1000 mg oil twice a day.
The transformation we’ve witnessed has been remarkable. Although Alex hasn’t completely discontinued his Adderall, we’ve successfully reduced his dosage. CBD oil has significantly benefited our family, helping not only the boys but also alleviating my husband’s and my own anxiety and stress levels. We’ve transitioned from struggling to maintain balance to experiencing newfound harmony.
With the combined support of our therapist and the integration of CBD oil, our children have shown notable improvements:
- Better sleep quality
- More stable moods
- Healthier appetites
- Fewer tantrums and quicker de-escalation
- Enhanced focus at school leading to academic progress
- Strengthened relationships with friends and siblings
As a family, we’re committed to filling our days with joy, supporting one another through the ups and downs, and utilizing tools like play therapy and CBD oil. Although the road ahead may be long, we now have hope where there once was none.
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