Ritalin Addiction | Definition, Symptoms and Effects

Introduced in the 1960s, Ritalin is a stimulant drug prescribed to treat ADHD to increase focus. Despite its benefits, this methylphenidate-based drug can lead to Ritalin addiction which can negatively impact your quality of life and those around you.

On this page, we will look at what Ritalin addiction is, the signs of Ritalin abuse, and explain how Ritalin addiction develops. Additionally, we will study the health risks involved and offer you guidance on the next step.

What is Ritalin addiction?

Addiction to Ritalin can be both physical and psychological. It typically begins with increased tolerance to the effects of the drug, which may then cause increased usage. When you grow a physical dependence on Ritalin, you could find that you experience a range of withdrawal symptoms whenever you try to stop using it.

Taking more of your medication will typically relieve these symptoms, but this can lead to a cycle of abuse that can be extremely difficult to break. You may feel as though you’re unable to function normally without Ritalin, and as your dependency grows, you might find other ways of enhancing its effects (such as mixing it with other substances). If you find that you try to stop taking Ritalin but are unable to, this is known as an addiction.

Signs of Ritalin addiction

Spotting the signs of Ritalin dependence on yourself can be a challenge, mainly because you are unlikely to want to see them. If you are getting relief from your medication, you’ll likely not want to consider the possibility that your use has crossed a line. Known as a “nootropic”, Ritalin is becoming an increasingly popular as a ‘cognition-enhancing drug’ to help people focus. You may not want to think about giving up this medication; you may believe that you will be unable to cope without it. But if you do identify with some of the below statements, it may be time to consider seeking support for Ritalin addiction.

Warning signs to look out for

Consuming more Ritalin than you planned to.
Feeling like you should cut down on your consumption, but then you are unable to do so.
Spending most of your time using and procuring Ritalin.
Experiencing Ritalin cravings and urges to consume it.
Continuing to consume Ritalin despite it harming your relationships.
You start withdrawing from social events and activities.
Building a tolerance to the drug (thereby increasing dosage).
You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming it.

Why am I addicted to Ritalin?

Self-medicating is the primary cause of Ritalin addiction, and once this occurs, a tolerance will quickly develop. When in your system, Ritalin will influence dopamine activity in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span. Ritalin increases the action of these neurotransmitters by blocking their re-absorption into your brain’s neurons.

Ritalin addiction is when you continue to use the drug, despite the consequences hindering your ability to live life as before. At this point, you should seek professional medical help. Many young learners get addicted to Ritalin without realising it. In general, people don’t consider the addictive nature of prescription drugs, often abusing the prescription.

Ritalin brand and street names

Brand names

Ritalin-SR
Concerta
Metadate ER
QuilliChew ER
Cotempla XR-ODT

Street names

Kibbles and Bits
R-Ball
The Smart Drug / Smart Drugs
Vitamin R
Nootropics

The health risks of Ritalin addiction

Circulation issues, including Raynaud’s disease, have been linked to the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin). If you experience loss of feeling or numbness in your fingers and toes, you should immediately contact a doctor. By taking more than the prescribed amount of Ritalin, you’re placing pressure on your heart, nervous system and immune system, which can have a multitude of health implications, including:

Short-term health impacts of Ritalin addiction

As a short-acting drug, Ritalin does not stay in your body for long. Therefore, all side effects usually occur while the Ritalin is in your system.

These include:

Agitation
An energised feeling
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping
Moodiness
Anxiety
Nausea
Reduced appetite

Long-term health impacts of Ritalin addiction

Taking Ritalin for a prolonged period is not recommended or actively encouraged. Long-term use of Ritalin can affect both mental and physical health, with side effects including:

Negative cardiovascular reactions (heart attack; stroke)
High blood pressure
Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Psychiatric reactions, development or worsening of a pre-existing condition
Poor blood circulation
Suppression of growth and weight loss
Delusions or hallucinations
Shaking or twitching
Paranoia
Panic attacks
Seizures
Confusion

Treatment for Ritalin addiction

As a pharmaceutical drug, Ritalin does not tend to attract the same degree of stigma as many other substances, especially illegal substances; nevertheless, the impact of Ritalin addiction can be just as devastating as that of any other drug on the market or the street.

However, do not despair: significant expertise has developed in drug addiction treatment. Every day a great many people set out on the road to recovery with the assistance of Ritalin addiction specialists like our team at Primrose Lodge. If you are ready to take the first step towards joining them and eventually towards the resumption of a happy and healthy life free of Ritalin addiction, reach out to us today.

Did you know?

Ritalin is one of a number of drugs linked to the “smart-drug” craze, in which students take medication to help them focus.
Ritalin addiction can stunt the growth of children.
There’s increasing evidence that Ritalin addiction precipitates self-harming behaviour in children.

Frequently asked questions

Will everybody who takes Ritalin become addicted?

No, not everyone who takes Ritalin will develop a Ritalin addiction but everybody has the potential to become addicted. Some of the factors which can increase your risk of Ritalin addiction include underlying mental health disorders, past trauma, genetics, a personal or family history of substance abuse and addiction, using Ritalin other than as prescribed and abusing the drug without a prescription.

How can I help a loved one with a Ritalin addiction?

If you believe someone you care about is suffering from a Ritalin addiction, there are a few things you can do to help. First and foremost, be supportive and understanding and talk with them in a non-judgmental way about your concerns and the benefits of treatment. It is also very important not to enable their Ritalin addiction by providing them with drugs or money or making excuses for their behaviour. While it can be difficult to see a loved one suffer from Ritalin addiction, enabling them will only prevent them from seeking the help they need.