Ritalin
is the most common brand name for a formulation of Methylphenidate, or MPH, a
psychostimulant drug.
Ritalin
is prescribed to treat ADHD and sometimes narcolepsy. It could also be used to
treat lethargy, obesity and depression.
Due
to its abundance and its reputation, Ritalin is a commonly abused drug by young
people, especially high school and college students.
Alternative & street names:
Nicknames for Ritalin include “Vitamin R,” “study crack,”
“smart drug,” “R-ball.”
How is
Ritalin taken?
- orally, as
prescribed
- crushed
and snorted, if abused
- transdermal
patch, marketed as Daytrana
Effects of
consumption
Ritalin,
like other forms of MPH, modifies the levels of dopamine in the brain, giving
the user greater ability to control impulses, regulate emotions and sustain
attention.
MPH starts
working about 30 minutes after consumption. In an extended release formulation
like Ritalin, the effects should last all day long.
Impact on
the mind/body and health risks
Side effects of Ritalin
may include:
- increased
blood pressure
- decreased
growth rate in children users
- decreased
appetite
- changes
in vision
- increased
aggression
- akathisia
- motor
restlessness
Due to its effect on blood pressure, Ritalin users risk heart attack, stroke or death, as well as the
risk of convulsive episodes for users prone to seizures.
Ritalin abuse can lead to addiction. Here are some common
warning signs:
- buying
Ritalin without a prescription
- getting
a prescription by faking symptoms
- taking
Ritalin for non-prescribed reasons
- over-use
- using
as a “study drug”
- using
as a “party drug”
- using
as a weight loss drug
Ritalin has also been used as a performance-enhancing drug and
has been banned by organizations like the NFL.
Common
treatment options
Abusers
of “uppers” or amphetamines, like Ritalin,
can often become emotional, overwhelmed and confused in early sobriety, as well
as capable of healthy doses of denial about their condition.
Although
users often do have legitimate needs for a drug like Ritalin, it is also very easy for those users to turn those
symptoms into justification for Ritalin
misuse and abuse.
Consequently,
Ritalin abusers may require 24/7 medical and psychological care
in an inpatient detox and treatment facility.
Withdrawal/detox
symptoms
Symptoms
of Ritalin withdrawal could include:
- fatigue
- depression
- changes in heart rhythm
Ritalin
withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can quite uncomfortable physically
and psychologically. Consequently, some users continue to take Ritalin instead
of dealing with the effects of withdrawal.