Ritalin is a central nervous stimulant typically prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). When abused, Ritalin is highly addictive for many reasons. Ritalin can become highly addictive and commonly abused for some because of the drug’s ability to:
- Increase ability to concentrate
- Increase mental sharpness
- Stimulate weight loss
- Create a “high” effect
Addiction to Ritalin can have serious health consequences. If you are abusing Ritalin, seek treatment. Recovery is possible.
Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Signs of Overdose
The list of side effects of Ritalin abuse is extensive. Abusing Ritalin has harsh impacts on the body. Some of the common side effects of Ritalin abuse include:
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Changes in eyesight
- Rapid pulse
- High blood pressure
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Skin infections
- Viral infections
- UTIs
Ritalin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Heavy sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Depression
Signs of a Ritalin overdose include:
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Muscle spasms
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Muscle pain
- Swelling
- Delusions
- Kidney damage
- Abdominal pain
- Psychosis
- Sudden heart attack
The side effects of Ritalin abuse and addiction can be severe, but recovery is possible. Substance abuse does not have to control your life. Rehab centers are available and ready to help you overcome addiction and take back control of your life.
Types of Treatment for Ritalin Addiction
Recovering from an addiction to any drug is not easy, but it is doable. Inpatient rehab is available to make this process as easy as possible. There, the staff will first assist you in drug detox, then help you learn relapse prevention strategies for when you are back on your own. While you are there, you will also learn skills to help cope with daily life. Other treatment options include intensive outpatient rehabilitation, sober living homes, 12-step programs, and support groups. Recovery is a life-long journey, but it is a journey worth taking. If you are struggling with an addiction to Ritalin, talk to a recovery center or a trusted health professional to see what treatment program is best for you.
