About Ritalin Addiction
Signs of Ritalin Addiction
- Continuing to use despite wanting to quit
- Spending excessive amounts of money on the drug
- Strained relationships
- Ritalin Addiction Withdrawal
Common Signs and Symptoms of Ritalin Addiction
Effects of Ritalin Addiction
Ritalin has become a popular drug among people from all walks of life. Many individuals obtain the drug illegally. Others have been prescribed Ritalin to treat a condition, such as ADHD. Because Ritalin has the same effects of increasing alertness and concentration, similar to amphetamines, also known as speed or uppers, the drug is often abused by students, professionals and athletes to increase productivity. It is also abused by individuals who want to lose weight because it is known to suppress appetite. It is a Schedule II federally controlled substance because of its high potential for drug abuse and drug addiction.
Ritalin should only be used by those to whom it was prescribed. Dosage should be followed closely. When used properly, the effects of Ritalin last from one to four hours. Individuals who are suffering from Ritalin addiction often take larger doses to increase the effects of the drug and to make those effects last longer. Such abuse can lead to many negative side effects including:
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Grandiosity
- OCD-like behavior (repetitive actions)
- Auditory hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Violent behavior
Ritalin Addiction Rehab
Ritalin Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who suffer from mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can experience magnified negative side effects. Unfortunately, those suffering from Ritalin addiction don’t realize the seriousness of their addiction. If you know of someone who has a Ritalin addiction and are in need of drug detox in Huntington Beach, CA it is important for that individual to seek help. In order to safely and effectively taper them off the drug, rehab in Huntington Beach is necessary.
Individuals who are coming off Ritalin in a controlled manner under the supervision of a doctor often don’t experience drug withdrawal symptoms. However, those who have abused the drug by taking higher doses than prescribed, will often experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The most pronounced Ritalin withdrawal symptoms are:
- Depression
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Rapid return of ADHD symptoms
The factors affecting the severity of drug addiction withdrawal symptoms include the amount of Ritalin the individual took and the length of time they have been using the drug. Obviously, the longer Ritalin has been used along with a higher dosage, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be.
Ritalin addiction is different for each person who’s experiencing it. Therefore, the course of action that one takes to treat the addiction is going to depend on an individual’s family situation, addiction severity and psychiatric conditions. Ritalin addiction can be difficult to manage, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. The first step to breaking free from Ritalin addiction is to seek drug detox in Huntington Beach. When seeking rehab in Huntington Beach, you will receive the help of experienced professionals to monitor your withdrawal side effects and make the process as comfortable for you as possible. It is not an easy process, but with the right help, you can get your life back and be happy.