It is a central nervous system stimulant that is used by adults and children who have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It has also been used to treat narcolepsy, mild depression, and when combined with other pharmaceutical drugs has been used in the treatment of chronic pain.
Ritalin is meant to be taken orally with a recommended dosage of 10mg to 50mg a day depending on its effectiveness on the individual.
Ritalin has become the new age “Kiddie Cocaine” with adolescents regularly abusing large doses of up to 200mg a day.
It is a prescribed schedule II narcotic and falls under the same classification as Cocaine, Morphine and Amphetamines.
Ah you didn’t know this, don’t worry not many do.
As mentioned earlier Ritalin is meant to be ingested orally, however when ingested intranasally the effects are typically similar to the intranasal use of Amphetamines, Crack Cocaine and Cocaine.
Unfortunately, Ritalin is quickly becoming a drug of choice for teens and adults alike generally because it’s highly accessible, relatively cheap and most importantly LEGAL (when prescribed).
Therefore the use of Ritalin is often unmonitored and perceived by parents and the public to be safe.
Adolescents are then able to freely use, sell and buy Ritalin just like a dealer would sell Cocaine or an addict would buy Crack.
Similar to Cocaine, Ritalin is a powerful stimulant that increases attentiveness and productivity.
The chemical structure of both Ritalin and Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain by blocking dopamine transporter proteins, which take up dopamine from the synapse.
With regularly elevated dopamine levels, the user's brain begins to associate Ritalin with an immense neurochemical reward.
By synthetically elevating the amount of dopamine our brains think is "normal," Ritalin creates a need that only it can meet consequently leading to Ritalin Addiction.
Step Away is a drug rehab centre in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
We are one of very few rehabilitation centres in Port Elizabeth to treat both male and female alcohol and drug abuse patients over the age of 18.
We offer our patients a safe environment free of judgement, where healing and acceptance are able to take place.
It is important to understand the effects long-term prescription medication abuse can have on your body and mind.
If you or someone you know is abusing prescription medication such as Ritalin please contact us.
Your life is the result of the choices you make, if you don’t like your life it is time to start making better choices.
Let us help you help yourself.
Illustration by Stephen Doyle
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