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Ritalin Abuse and Addiction

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes

Learn about the risks and treatment options for Ritalin abuse, including its potential for addiction.

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Uses, Mechanism, & Risks

About Ritalin

The chemical methylphenidate is known as Ritalin, and it is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by altering the concentrations of certain natural compounds in the brain.

Stimulants are a type of drug that includes methylphenidate. It can help you improve your attention span, stay focused on a task, and manage behavioral issues. It may also aid in task organization and the development of listening skills. This drug also treats a specific type of sleep disturbance (narcolepsy).

It can be very addictive, especially if someone misuses or takes it differently than prescribed, like injecting or snorting it.

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Dangers of Ritalin Misuse & Its Consequences

Abuse of Ritalin

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classes it as a Schedule II narcotic, which means it has a high potential for abuse.

Ritalin addiction typically occurs when users take it for reasons other than medical necessity or over the prescribed dosage.

Those who abuse Ritalin often take it to:

  • Loss weight.

  • Improve alertness or stay awake.

  • Get up there.

Ritalin is often called a “smart drug,” even though using methylphenidate to improve school performance is still a hot-button issue (Frati et al., 2015).

Taken in ways other than what the doctor says, Ritalin users can get a “high” that isn’t there when the users take it directly. When users snort Ritalin, for example, the effects can be similar to those of cocaine, which makes people feel happy.

Indeed, Ritalin addicts often have a pattern of abuse that looks much like cocaine addicts. An intravenous drug dose can quickly cause a person to become dependent and addicted.

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Recognizing the Warning Signs

Signs and Symptoms of Ritalin Abuse

When you think you or someone you know might be a Ritalin addict, you need to know the signs of abuse and look for them.

The following are some of the indications and symptoms of Ritalin abuse:

  • Reduced hunger and weight loss.

  • In this case, pupils are getting bigger.

  • Dizziness or fainting.

  • Impaired sight.

  • The heart is beating quickly.

  • Stomach pain.

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Offers Treatment for Ritalin Addiction?

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Alarming Trends & Related Emergencies

Key Ritalin Statistics

Ritalin addiction is becoming more common because:

  1. ADHD and ADD diagnoses are becoming more common each year.

  2. Therefore, the availability of Ritalin also increases with the number of diagnoses. This means that more people are taking Ritalin.

The following statistics help to show how big the problem is:

A report from the Centers for Disease Control says that in 2011, 11% of children had ADHD in the United States.

The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) found that 1.3 million teens said they used Ritalin or Adderall in the 30 days before the study.

Report: In 2005, 13,379 people went to the emergency room because of side effects from ADHD stimulant use. By 2010, that number had grown to 31,244 people.

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In Conclusion

Treatment for Ritalin Abuse at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Ritalin abuse, while often starting with a legitimate prescription, can spiral into addiction with severe health impacts. At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, we provide individualized treatments that address both the physical and psychological aspects of Ritalin misuse.

Our program starts with a bio-psychosocial that helps develop an appropriate treatment plan, followed by individualized therapy that tackles the underlying reasons for drug use. Our therapists work with you to develop strategies for long-term sobriety and help identify possible non-stimulant alternatives to Ritalin.

If Ritalin abuse affects you or someone you know, Rolling Hills is here to help guide you towards a healthier life. Contact us today to explore our treatment options and take the first step towards recovery.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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