Perhaps you have been given a prescription for your child or yourself for Ritalin, but you don’t know much about it. Maybe someone close to you uses it. Now you want to know: what is it, and can Ritalin cause withdrawal?
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is a drug often prescribed to treat ADHD. It is an amphetamine, classified as a stimulant. It works just like other stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine by changing the amount of activity and substances produced in the brain. Ritalin can slow down activity for hyperactive people and help them increase their focus and behavior for those with appropriate disorders. But for people who don’t have this particular problem, it might cause increased focus and productivity beyond what is expected, much the same as increased productivity and focus achieved by other stimulants, coffee being a basic and healthy example. The effects of Ritalin last between three and four hours but only 2.5 hours in adults.
How is Ritalin Used?
Ritalin is prescribed as a pill, taken 2-3 times per day before meals. Ritalin is often abused at a higher rate than similar drugs like Adderall because the effects kick in much sooner. For this reason, people who are looking to achieve increased productivity or focus and do so by abusing drugs will choose Ritalin over Adderall.
For those who abuse a prescription or abuse someone else’s prescription, the effects can be much different such as overstimulating the brain of someone who doesn’t have ADHD. Like many amphetamines, colloquially called uppers or speed, Ritalin will increase concentration and alertness. It is a schedule two controlled substance because of its high risk for abuse. It is often abused by athletes, students, and professionals who don’t have ADHD in order to increase their productivity.
Even with a prescription, you should not avoid the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin or addiction.
Is Ritalin Addictive?
Yes, Ritalin is addictive. Ritalin is a Schedule II drug, meaning the United States government recognizes that it has legitimate medical uses, but also runs a risk of being abused.
Ritalin prescriptions increased dramatically through the 1990s and on word with a subsequent rise in Ritalin abuse and addiction. Recreational drug use results in larger doses with pills crushed and injected or snorted, enhancing the effects and the addiction.
People taking Ritalin with or without a prescription, in an abusive fashion can experience many symptoms and side effects like:
- Suppressed appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Agitation or mood changes
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Fatigue
- Depressed respiratory function
- Nervousness
- Hypersensitivity
- Panic attacks
People who are addicted to Ritalin will show some of the same behavioral and psychological signs as addiction to other stimulants or other drugs like irritability, dehydration, depression, panic attacks, lying or stealing in order to get extra pills, going to multiple doctors to request the same prescription, or trying to get Ritalin pills from other people. Given the addictive nature of Ritalin, many people wonder: can Ritalin cause withdrawal?
Knowing the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin will help you identify when an addiction is present.
Can Ritalin Cause Withdrawal?
So, can Ritalin cause withdrawal? Yes, it can. Like any other drug, misuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Exhaustion
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Exceptional hunger
- High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in the extremities
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
Ritalin withdrawal is serious and should not be handled alone.
Knowing the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin will help you determine when you should get help from a detox center.
How to Find Ritalin Detox Centers Near Me
Knowing the answer to the question, can Ritalin cause withdrawal, is just the first step. If you or someone you love is suffering from Ritalin withdrawal, it is important to get an appropriate detox center to help.
At Laguna View Detox, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment in a luxury facility steps away from the beach. We know that breaking free of addiction can seem impossible on your own. That is why we offer individualized plans for each person, complete with medically supervised detox from our professional and caring staff, and long-term life skills training through evidence-based practice and holistic treatment.
If you are ready to get help with your Ritalin withdrawal, let Laguna View Detox lend a hand. We want to aid you on your journey to recovery.