Ritalin Addiction and Abuse

Drug Rehab Reports

Ritalin Addiction and Abuse is the subject of this Special Report by Siobahn Morse, the executive director of The National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. They work by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

Ritalin is used as part of a treatment program to control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactive disorder, also called ADHD.

ADHD is when an individual has more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age.

Ritalin is also used to treat narcolepsy which is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep.

What are the effects of Ritalin?

If Ritalin is used as directed by a medical doctor, it has no side effects. However, when obtained illegally and abused by recreational users, its improper use can lead to dependence and eventually addiction.

In the United States, Ritalin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, the designation used for substances that have a recognized medical value but present a high likelihood for substance abuse because of their addictive potential.

What is Ritalin addiction and abuse?

Ritalin has a high potential for drug abuse and drug dependence due to its pharmacological similarity to cocaine and amphetamine.

The main abusers of Ritalin are teenagers and young adults, particularly those in colleges and universities who use this drug as a study aid. They may introduce this drug into their bodies through injection, snorting or smoking.

Abusers often crush the tablets before using the powder. Some will mix it with cocaine and snort it while others smoke it together with illicit substances like marijuana.

There are also those who mix the powder with water and inject it into the body.

What are the side effects of Ritalin?

In high doses for an extended period of time, the Ritalin user may experience paranoia, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Psychosis symptoms include: hearing voices, visual hallucinations, and/or ideation to harm the self or others.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of Ritalin?

Tiredness, panic attack, psychoses, irritability, extreme hunger, depression, and nightmares.

Click Here to Download a PDF version of this report.

Do you have more questions about drug abuse and addiction?

Call our Toll-Free Recovery Hotline at 1-800-839-1682 and discover the best treatment options for you.

Our experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call and get you the help or information you need.

Our drug rehab center offers a unique and affordable holistic approach to addiction treatment.

Our holistic addiction and treatment program has helped addicts from all over the United States, Europe and Canada overcome their substance addictions and achieve long term recovery. We treat the individual's specific needs, including working with families.

Find the Original Post with Downloadable Podcast and Drug Abuse Fact Sheet Here: Ritalin Addiction and Abuse