Ritalin is a brand name of methylphenidate, which is a stimulant widely used for treating ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as chronic sleep issues in both adults and children. It’s categorized as a controlled substance in the U.S. and has similar effects to the highly addictive amphetamine.
Is Ritalin Addictive?
When taken exactly as the doctor advised, Ritalin is safe, which is the main reason children could take under a doctor’s supervision. While it effectively increases the brain’s dopamine levels, much like similar stimulants, in controlled doses, it doesn’t induce the same euphoric effects of the most commonly abused illegal stimulants.
Ritalin abuse of individuals with legal prescriptions is not, in fact, common. But, abuse by individuals who get it through illegal means for its ability to imitate the euphoric effects of cocaine in high dosages is widespread. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Ritalin abusers are young adults and teenagers who use it for increasing concentration, euphoric effects, staying awake, enhancing performance, and losing weight.
Ritalin is extremely addictive when not taken under a doctor’s supervision and could result in serious psychological dependence since Ritalin addicts use it as a cocaine substitute, says a drug addiction recovery specialist in Sandy. These individuals are likewise used to crushing it and snorting it, or mixing it with water and injecting it. Ritalin addicts, who depend on the drug to stay alert and awake, take it orally, while those looking to get a high from it usually inject or snort it.
Is there a Way to Treat Ritalin Addiction?
Recovering from any addiction, regardless of the drug abused, is not easy, and this includes Ritalin addiction. Repeated and long-term use of Ritalin will result in physical dependence, triggering withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. Additionally, the severe withdrawal symptoms, including extreme fatigue and depression, could be severe and require a thorough detoxification program. But keep in mind that combating the physical symptoms is just one part of the recovery process, to ensure a successful recovery, the Ritalin-dependent individual would also need a behavioral therapy and support groups.