What is Ritalin and what is it prescribed for?
The psychostimulant substance called Methylphenidate is more commonly known as Ritalin, a drug that has been approved for the treatment of ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and narcolepsy. Ritalin increases the brain’s level of dopamine and norepinephrine while the pharmacological affects of the drug are similar to what you would experience with cocaine. It is normally referred to as a “racemic” combination because of how it displays instant release characteristics.
Addictive tendencies and adverse effects
Despite the benefits that Ritalin provides the person suffering with ADHD, it is extremely popular as a recreational drug and can be purchased off the street along with many other addictive and harmful substances. The growing numbers of cases of serious illness and overdosing directly associated with this drug’s abuse have created the need for addiction treatment and recovery centers to implement Ritalin substance abuse treatment programs. Today, you can find these programs throughout the US.
Although insomnia and nervousness are the most common side effects, there are numerous adverse effects that Ritalin usage presents, including:
- abdominal pain
- Alopecia (loss of hair on the body or head)
- angina
- blood pressure /pulse rate changes
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
- dizziness and fainting
- drowsiness and fatigue
- Dyskinesia (movement disorder)
- headaches
- hypersensitivity
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- palpitations
- pupil dilation
- short-term weight loss
- stunted growth
- Tachycardia
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Recently, clinical, medical, and scientific research revealed that recreational use of Ritalin leads other known and suspected health risks associated with Ritalin abuse. Sadly, these statistics also revealed that 1.5% of children between the ages of 2 and 4 years were prescribed these types of medications to treat certain behavioral disorders.
The Delray Recovery Center is here to help
By using a combination of Holistic and traditional therapies, our facility can provide you with an effective Ritalin substance abuse treatment program that can be customized to address your specific needs. Our primary goal is the successful treatment of one’s body, mind, and spirit and to see you return home to your community where you can live substance-free for the rest of your life.
Additionally, we provide a number of activities and supplementary programs that will increase your chances of recovering successfully while at the same time enhancing the substance-free experience. Educational seminars, group and individual counseling sessions, life-skills workshops, and 12-step workshops are all part of our Ritalin substance abuse treatment program.
If you or a loved one is suffering with the effects of Ritalin abuse, we encourage you to contact us today at the Delray Recovery Center for further assistance with your situation.
