Ritalin and Drug Addiction- Survey Confirms High Drug Abuse Rates

Prescription drug addiction- the fastest growing drug addiction trend, according to the DEA.

This is not surprising when analyzing a recent survey by Nature, the international weekly journal of science, which showed that a large number of adults abuse methylphenidate, the ingredient in Ritalin, and other mood enhancers: almost 1 in 5.

“What is surprising is that these adults don’t even know what Ritalin really is or what it can do,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “They only know that sometimes children are given this drug for the express reason of ‘helping them concentrate’.

“What they don’t know is that Ritalin is an addictive drug: take it long enough and you become drug addicted. And abuse of any drug, whether street drug or prescription drug, has the same consequences: drug addiction, unable to function normally without the drug, withdrawal, both physical and mental, when withdrawing from the drug, physical and mental injury when abusing the drug.

“The person would have the same short-term and long-term effect if they took any other stimulant- cocaine, methamphetamine, and the like. Just because Ritalin is made by a pharmaceutical company and not in some clandestine lab in the jungle does not make it safe. It is dangerous.”

What does the DEA say about Methylphenidate (Ritalin)?

“Methylphenidate, a Schedule II substance, has a high potential for abuse and produces many of the same effects as cocaine or the amphetamines...Binge use, psychotic episodes, cardiovascular complications, and severe psychological addiction have all been associated with methylphenidate abuse.

“The increased use of this substance for the treatment of ADHD has paralleled an increase in its abuse among adolescents and young adults who crush these tablets and snort the powder to get high. Youngsters have little difficulty obtaining methylphenidate from classmates or friends who have been prescribed it. Greater efforts to safeguard this medication at home and school are needed.”

“Most adults obtained the drugs by prescription or bought them on the Internet,” continues Ms. Rieser.  “Unfortunately, they are getting the same effect as if they had snorted coke or smoked methamphetamine. However, many people obviously perceive this as ‘safe’ since they did not buy it from a shady character in a dark alley.

“Don’t expose yourself to the possibility of drug addiction. Get the facts.”

If you know someone who is drug addicted, then call Narconon.  We have a 76% success rate.

Call Narconon Drug Rehab 1-877-413-3073 for more information on effective drug treatment.

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