Ritalin Addiction

Ritalin Addiction Statistics

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 5.1 million people ages 12 or older abused stimulants like Ritalin in the past year. That’s about two percent of the entire U.S. population.

Since 1990, American production and consumption of Ritalin have drastically increased. In fact, America produces and consumes 85 percent of the world’s supply of Ritalin and it continues to be a commonly abused drug in the U.S. today.

Causes of Ritalin Addiction

When Ritalin is taken as prescribed and intended, it is an effective way to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy because it can produce a calming effect while also increasing alertness and concentration. However, when it is abused, Ritalin can produce side effects similar to amphetamines and cocaine. As a result, it has a high potential for abuse.

Ritalin is most commonly abused by students, athletes, and professionals because it increases productivity. Since it is easily accessible, misuse of Ritalin is common and many students sell it or give it away to other students who may want to misuse it.

Most people who abuse Ritalin do so by taking larger or more frequent doses, using it without a prescription, snorting crushed Ritalin tablets, or dissolving the powder with water or alcohol before injecting it.

Signs and Symptoms of Ritalin Addiction

Some signs of Ritalin abuse may include:

• Seeing multiple doctors to get several Ritalin prescriptions
• Faking symptoms to get Ritalin
• Taking Ritalin more frequently or for longer than necessary
• Taking larger doses of Ritalin than prescribed
• “Losing” Ritalin prescriptions

Some common signs of Ritalin Addiction may include:⁷

• Wanting to cut back on Ritalin use but being unable
• Needing larger or more frequent doses of Ritalin to feel the same effects
• Spending a lot of time getting Ritalin, using it, or recovering from Ritalin use
• Having cravings for Ritalin
• Being unable to manage personal commitments due to Ritalin use
• Continuing to use Ritalin even when it causes problems in relationships
• Foregoing important activities and hobbies due to Ritalin use
• Continuing to use Ritalin even when it results in physical danger to oneself or others
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of Ritalin wear off

Effects of Ritalin Addiction

If you abuse Ritalin in the various ways described above, you are much more likely to experience negative side effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Headache
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Paranoia
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Suppressed appetite and weight loss
• Respiratory depression
• Panic attacks
• Nervousness
• Agitation
• Hypersensitivity
• Hallucinations
• Tolerance
• Addiction

Ritalin Addiction Treatment

Once you become addicted to Ritalin, it can be very difficult to stop using it without help due to the onset of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Ritalin withdrawal symptoms include:^8,9

• Anxiety
• Chills
• Feeling jittery
• Delayed movements
• Irritability
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Paranoia
• Increased appetite
• Memory problems
• Insomnia
• Strong cravings
• Muscle aches

If you’re addicted to prescription stimulants like Ritalin, it is highly recommended that you get professional help when trying to get sober. This is because Ritalin withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and may even become life-threatening. The psychological symptoms in particular (such as depression) can become very severe which can lead to relapse, violent behavior, or even suicidal behaviors if you try to quit without professional support.

Additionally, people with co-occurring mental disorders or substance use disorders may also experience more severe Ritalin withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, doctors and nurses at a drug detox center know how to treat and manage these symptoms to keep clients safe throughout withdrawal. Medical detox also provides personalized recommendations for ongoing treatment after detox to help clients achieve lasting sobriety.

Quitting Ritalin cold turkey may seem like the answer but it is highly discouraged, as it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and you are much more likely to relapse without support.

The treatment process for Ritalin addiction will vary from person to person, especially if you have been taking Ritalin from a young age. Additionally, if you have ADHD, finding another way to manage your disorder will be an essential part of the recovery process.

Detoxing is an important first stage of the addiction treatment process, but continued support and treatment are necessary for a full recovery. Ritalin addiction treatment often includes several episodes of treatment, including detox, residential or outpatient rehab, sober living, and/or an aftercare program.

A long-term addiction treatment process like this allows for a generous amount of time to heal and recover both physically and emotionally. It also provides extended professional support to help you deal with the challenges of early recovery, such as cravings, high-risk situations, and cultivating healthy relationships.

Whether you use Ritalin recreationally, to improve your performance at work or physically, or to manage your ADHD, a drug rehab program can help you address the root causes of your addiction. An addiction treatment program can also help you develop new, healthy habits and participate in group and individual counseling in a safe, supportive atmosphere.

A rehab program for Ritalin addiction may include some or all of the following aspects of evidence-based treatment:

• Group counseling
• Individual counseling
• Family counseling/workshops
• Educational lectures
• 12-Step Program, SMART Recovery, or similar recovery meetings
• Group exercise
• Life skills development
• Music therapy
• Art therapy

This type of treatment is intended to provide a comprehensive program that addresses a wide range of contributing factors for substance use disorders. Instead of just treating the substance abuse itself, it’s ideal to attend a treatment program that encompasses a whole-person approach, which is more likely to produce long-lasting life changes.

While cost can often be a barrier to treatment, most addiction treatment providers offer several different forms of payment to help reduce the burden, including:

• Health insurance benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Financed healthcare loans
• Credit cards
• Crowdfunding
• HSA funds

After drug rehab, additional treatment options like sober living programs and aftercare can help you sustain your sobriety and prevent relapse. Depending on your circumstances and needs, addiction treatment professionals may recommend one or more of the following options.

Aftercare programs are designed for rehab alumni or people who have been sober for several weeks, months, or years but need additional support. Aftercare consists of a series of weekly meetings that provide a safe and supportive space for discussion.

Aftercare groups provide social support, learning opportunities, and clinical support for people in recovery who are facing challenging circumstances or who need help adjusting to sober life after rehab.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Ritalin addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.