Ritalin is a drug prescribed by physicians and when used as directed it is not addictive. However, almost half of the teenagers in drug treatment centers in the United States report abusing Ritalin. When Ritalin is abused it is very addictive. (Source: University of Utah Genetic Learning Center)
Ritalin is Methylphenidate, and it is a chemical substance prescribed to people who have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is assigned to people (usually children) who demonstrate very high levels of movement and inattentiveness. This usually shows in children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Thousands of kids are diagnosed as ADHD every year due to their excessive talking and physical movement, lack of attention, and unpredictable behavior. In most cases this type of behavior improves during adolescence or adulthood, but sometimes it can continue well into adulthood. Studies show that an estimated 3 to 7 percent of elementary school kids have ADHD. Narcolepsy is also reason why Ritalin may be prescribed.
Health Effects
Ritalin is a stimulant and it affects the central nervous system. Its affects are similar to amphetamines yet for those with ADHD, the affect can be soothing. Scientists have guessed that Ritalin increases the release of dopamine in the brain. They say that people with ADHD have weak dopamine signals in the brain, and the increase in dopamine brought on by Ritalin refines their attention and focus.
Ritalin seems to be a valued drug for kids and adults with ADHD. Treatment of ADHD with stimulants such as Ritalin and psychotherapy aid in improving the irregular behaviors of ADHD, as well as the self-esteem, thought, and social and family function of the patient. Study shows that people with ADHD do not get hooked on stimulant drugs when taken in the form and dosage prescribed by doctors. When people start to abuse the drug in a manner that is not prescribed it can become very harmful and addicting. People start abusing Ritalin because of its stimulant properties. It can suppress appetite and fatigue while giving the abuser increased attentiveness and euphoria. Addiction seems to occur when there are large increases in dopamine in the brain. Ritalin tablets are either taken orally or snorted when abused. Some addicts have been known to dissolve the Ritalin in water and inject it. This is very risky because some of the fillers in the drug do not break down and can block small blood vessels.
Fatalities
Between 1990 and 2000 there were 186 deaths from Ritalin reported to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Program. (Source: http://www.ritalindeath.com/)
How to Get Help for Ritalin Addiction
At Narconon Vista Bay Rehab, we believe that the best way to treat a Ritalin addiction is to first rid one’s self of all the chemical residues stored in the body. This can be done by cleansing the body of all traces of Ritalin with the Narconon New Life Detoxification Program. Here a person will get out all the drug residuals that have been stored in his body through a combination of perspiring in our Sauna, cardio-vascular activity, and supervised nutrition. The drug remainders often lay inactive in a person for years and can get recirculated into the system producing powerful urges for the original drug. Getting these out of the body is an enormous part of overcoming an addiction to Ritalin or any other drug. When someone gets addicted to a drug, it is usually because of an emotional reason of which addiction is just a symptom. Narconon Vista Bay drug rehab will teach a person to face his life and take responsibility and control of it. Narconon will help a person fix damaged relationships with family and friends which are the outcome of the person’s former lack of control. When a person gets to the point that he is in control of his life and he is happy and productive without drugs, the desire to use them diminishes.
If you or somebody you know has a problem with Ritalin that you feel like you are unable to help on your own you should look into Narconon Vista Bay Rehab. You are not alone. We care, and can help you to find an inpatient drug rehab center and get you or a loved one on the road to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Call toll free 1-888-292-4999 to talk with an expert Registered Addiction Specialist. Our job is to help you or the ones you love break-free from prescription drug use and addiction.