Ritalin rose to fame in the United States in the 1990s, coming on the scene as a way to treat children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It was hailed as a teacher’s best friend, and allowed otherwise rambunctious and difficult students to concentrate and study for long periods at a time. When used by non ADHD students, however, the drug’s powerful stimulant base has the effect of increasing energy levels and allowing for sustained productivity and alertness beyond what is normally possible. This has lead many individuals to abuse Ritalin on a regular basis, and consequently Ritalin addiction is a problem more and more frequently seen at drug rehab centers across the country.
Ritalin is the most commonly marketed variety of the drug methylphenidate, used primarily to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works on the central nervous system as psychostimulant. Unlike Adderall, however, Ritalin is not an amphetamine based product and in some cases has even been used as replacement therapy for those addicted to methamphetamine. Like all stimulants, though, Ritalin increases the level of dopamine in the brain and consequently is highly prone to dependence and abuse. In larger than therapeutic dosages, Ritalin has been reported to produce a high similar to that of cocaine-like high in some, and a euphoric high in others. The drug’s effect on the nervous system is essentially the same as cocaine – a statement that speaks volumes about its potential for abuse and addiction.
Beyond the simple recreational use to get high, there is another more common pathway to addiction. College students have long abused Ritalin in order to stay awake longer and be more productive while studying or writing. This usage is also becoming increasingly common among high school students at academically rigorous schools, due to increasing competition for admission into elite colleges. This use is dangerous not only because of the short term effects, like fluctuation in blood pressure and in rare cases cardiac arrest, but because of the likelihood of continued use. After the stimulant high wears off of the Ritalin user, energy levels crash rapidly and extreme mental and physical fatigue sets in. Especially in the case of those abusing the drug due to high workloads, this crash is delayed by simply taking more Ritalin. The cycle cannot continue endlessly, however, and the attendant built tolerance and increased dosages required to constantly push off the crash only makes the withdrawal more acute. In some cases, psychosis can set in due to the constant wakefulness, along with myriad other psychological problems associated with sleep deprivation.
Ritalin usage over the long term builds a powerful physical dependence that typically requires an inpatient rehabilitation. Monitoring is necessary to medically control withdrawal symptoms and therapy is frequently needed to help the patient cope with the issues that underlie their addictions. Though the addiction to Ritalin is powerful, proper treatment in a drug rehab facility can help an addict make a full and complete recovery. The best way to treat Ritalin addiction, however, remains to not abuse the drug in the first place.
