Ritalin is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant. Its generic name is methylphenidate. According to national Public Records on pharmaceutical drugs, "Methylphenidate comes as an immediate-release tablet, a chewable tablet, a solution (liquid), an intermediate-acting (extended-release) tablet, a long-acting (extended-release) capsule, and a long-acting (extended-release) tablet. The long-acting tablet and capsules supply some medication right away and release the remaining amount as a steady dose of medication over a long time." By nature, Ritalin is extremely habit-forming. Thus, it should only be taken as prescribed and for its intended purpose of treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) only. Unfortunately, Ritalin is not always taken as prescribed, obtained via a legitimate prescription, or used as directed. Users are also prone to ritalin addiction.
When use as directed, Ritalin acts as a stimulant, increasing the user's capacity to study, focus, concentrate, and sit still for extended periods of time - activities that are difficult for individuals with ADHD. Its side effects mirror those of Adderall, which is a commonly abused drug by young women for weight loss purposes. Additional side effects of Ritalin include:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness upon standing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Acid indigestion
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Muscle tightness
- Uncontrollable twitching in specific body parts
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Decreased sexual libido
- Painful menstruation
Ritalin abusers often combine the drug with alcohol to intensify euphoric effects. This results in the user taking on risks, however. Aside from the ability to consume more alcohol on Ritalin, thus raising risk levels for extreme intoxication levels, alcohol poisoning, and dehydration, mixing Ritalin and alcohol induces physical and health related risks.
Prescribing Ritalin for symptoms of ADHD is often a controversial subject. A recent article in US News entitled "Ritalin and the Risk of Substance Abuse" dated March 3, 2008, states
"A new report in this month's American Journal of Psychiatry adds to the ongoing debate about the risks and rewards of using stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to treat kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Previous research has suggested that the stimulant medications offer a protective effect against drug abuse during adolescence. The new study, by Harvard researchers, shows that when those adolescents reach early adulthood, any protective effect is gone-though there doesn't seem to be an increased risk of substance abuse."
Thus, being prescribed Ritalin at a young age has no effect on whether or not the child will abuse drugs later in life. Regardless, many people do become addicted to Ritalin.
When does a Ritalin user step over the line from Ritalin abuse to Ritalin addiction?
Red flags of an addiction vary, but they can be summarized in the following bullet points:
- Doctor shopping. This is when an individual books an appointment with a psychiatrist and reports experiencing symptoms of ADHD in a direct effort to obtain Ritalin with alternative motives, such as staying up late on weekends or cramming for an upcoming exam. ADHD is a common disorder and information on symptoms is ready available on the web. After studying ADD/ADHD symptoms online the patient bounces from clinician to clinician until they get what they want. Lacking awareness of the patient's intentions, psychiatrists may write the prescription for Ritalin.
- Buying Ritalin illegally online and from friends. Also, stealing from medicine cabinets is common.
- Boost energy levels. Ritalin use turns into abuse with the drug is sought and ingestion in preparation for a night out on the town. In addition, when it is combined with alcohol and other drugs, this is considered a form of abuse. The drug's indications explicitly state that alcohol should be avoided while taking the medication.
- Weight-loss tool. Many teenagers and young adults seek out Ritalin so that they can suppress their appetites and attempt to drop weight with very little effort.
- Crush and sniff. In anticipation of an exam or a party, Ritalin abusers may crush Ritalin or dissolve it into alcohol or other liquids. Users also can shoot the drug into their bloodstream intravenously. Administering Ritalin in different forms effects the rate in which Ritalin's effects are experienced.
- Graduating to other drug addictions. Combining Ritalin with other drugs such as alcohol and cocaine to heed varied results. Ritalin addicts also turn to downers so they can eventually sleep or rest after abusing Ritalin for long periods of time.
- An increased tolerance of Ritalin.
- Obsessive thoughts of Ritalin.
- Strong physical cravings for the drug.
- Vowing to stay away from Ritalin but continuously falling back to it despite efforts and intentions otherwise.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Drastic shift in personality when using Ritalin versus when not using Ritalin.
- Increased lying, manipulation, deceit, and acting secretive.
- Avoiding friends, family members, and activities that used to interest the addict.
- Physiological symptoms such as rapid weight loss, a flushed face, dilated pupils, and heart palpitations and increased body temperature.
Be wary if your loved one or friend is claiming to experience symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder when their personality and medical history indicates otherwise. If you notice weight loss, apathy, loss of interest in spending time with family, and odd sleeping patterns, this may be a sign that your loved one has fallen privy to an Ritalin.
A drug rehabilitation center will help the patient wean off Ritalin in a healthy and safe way. Medical professionals at a drug treatment facility will implement counter-indicative drugs into the Ritalin addict's detoxification regimen to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Cessation of regular Ritalin use can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Users who stop taking the drug after a period of dependence on Ritalin report experiencing:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Feelings of depression
- Gastro-intestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Panic-ridden, racing thoughts
- Nightmares and difficulty sleeping
- Sweating and fluctuations in body temperature
Following detoxification from Ritalin, Ritalin addicts undergo an emotional detox as well. This involves coming to terms with underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction. Examples include a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and an accompanying case of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Drug treatment facilities encourage patients to address both the Ritalin addiction and the underlying mental illness through a combination of individualized therapy, group therapy session, and other activities that help replace drug-related behaviors with healthy alternatives.
Addiction involves an obsession of the mind, a physical craving, and a spiritual sickness. Addressing the multifaceted impact Ritalin addiction has on the human body and soul is imperative to recovery from addiction. Ritalin addicts are often encouraged to attend meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous, a fellowship consisting of other drug addicts and alcoholics. Members share their experience, strength and hope in an effort to recovery from addiction. With help and support, an individual can recover from Ritalin addiction and sustain a life of drug-free happiness.
