Methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant, is widely known for its treatment of ADHD under its brand names Ritalin and Concerta. As a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, methylphenidate has a high potential for abuse and severe physical and psychological dependence. Similar to the effects of other CNS stimulants like Adderall, methylphenidate abuse and addiction have continued to rise among young individuals in today’s society.
What Is Methylphenidate?
Methylphenidate is an FDA-approved prescription medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for both adults and children. This stimulant medication falls under the common brand-name drugs Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, and Focalin. In adults, methylphenidate has also been used as a second-line treatment for narcolepsy aside from stimulants such as modafinil.
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that blocks the brain’s reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine transmitters. This mechanism is what helps improve focus and control impulsive behaviors in individuals with ADHD.
The side effects of methylphenidate include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Increased alertness
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- High body temperature
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
When used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, methylphenidate is effective in managing symptoms associated with these conditions. Stimulant misuse and abuse with drugs like Adderall and Ritalin is widespread among teenagers and young adults, primarily college students. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) has the same drug scheduling as CNS stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, which are drugs with a high potential for abuse and dependence.
The Rise of Methylphenidate Abuse and Addiction
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses have been on the rise for several decades, leading to an increase in stimulant prescriptions. While methylphenidate, such as Ritalin or Concerta, has proven effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, its potential for misuse and abuse has become a public concern. Individuals are misusing stimulant prescriptions and sharing them with friends or obtaining them illicitly for their euphoric or “feel good” effects. Methylphenidate abuse and addiction are prevalent among preadolescents, teenagers, and young adults.
The Prevalence of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Prescription
The rise of ADHD diagnoses is most likely a result of improvements in diagnostic criteria and increased awareness surrounding ADHD and mental health acceptance. ADHD diagnosis is determined by the common signs and symptoms, which may lead to under and over-diagnosis of ADHD. ADHD has been associated with psychiatric comorbidities, including behavioral aberrances, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
As signs and symptoms are gaining more observation, more individuals are receiving ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions for methylphenidate (Ritalin). There is an increasing concern about the risks of overdiagnosis and overprescription of stimulant medications for ADHD.
More young adults and teenagers are seeing mental health-related content regarding ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders. This increased awareness and exposure is having more people questioning whether or not they have ADHD or another mental illness. With the rise in methylphenidate prescriptions, stimulants are becoming more accessible for misuse and abuse.
Factors Contributing to Stimulant Misuse
The prevalence of stimulant misuse among college students to enhance academic performance and overall productivity is a rising concern. Individuals are illicitly obtaining stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, either from friends or family members with prescriptions or through the illicit street supply. With the competitive nature of academic and professional environments, more young adults are misusing stimulants as performance-enhancing drugs.
In higher doses, methylphenidate can produce intense feelings of euphoria, further contributing to its recreational use and abuse. The euphoric effects of methylphenidate have led to severe paranoia, delirium, hallucinations, and psychosis. In severe cases, Ritalin abuse has led to depression and even suicidal ideation.
Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Ritalin Addiction
Recognizing the signs of methylphenidate abuse and addiction is critical for getting individuals the necessary treatment and care. Common signs of stimulant abuse include:
- Taking methylphenidate in higher doses than prescribed
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, and school
- Intense cravings or urges to use methylphenidate
- Social withdrawal
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Developing a tolerance to methylphenidate
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
Stimulant use disorders can develop from methylphenidate misuse and abuse, resulting in severe issues with physical and mental health. Many individuals may view prescription drug abuse to be safer than illicit drugs like cocaine or heroin. This misconception can lead to a false sense of security around stimulant misuse and the potential risks.
The Impact of Methylphenidate Abuse
Chronic abuse of stimulant drugs like methylphenidate can bring on severe health complications, including psychotic episodes, cardiovascular issues, and psychological addiction. Methylphenidate addiction can produce toxicity and symptoms similar to other CNS stimulant overdoses. Ritalin or Concerta abuse can lead to schizophrenic symptoms, psychoses, depression, manic-like states, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and aggressive behaviors. The side effects of methylphenidate abuse can resemble those of cocaine and amphetamines, including:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Suspiciousness
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Cognitive impairments
- Emotional instability
- Delirium
- Violence
- Suicidal ideation
- Homicide
Methylphenidate addiction extends beyond the physical and mental consequences of the individual with the addiction. Family members and friends may struggle with relationship strain and conflict as a result of their loved ones’s stimulant abuse and addiction. In addition, the broader society faces shortages of ADHD medications, lost productivity, higher healthcare costs, and increased crime rates associated with drug trafficking.
Addressing the Growing Problem of Stimulant Abuse and Addiction
Raising awareness about stimulant misuse and abuse is crucial for addressing the growing problem of methylphenidate addiction in today’s society. Promoting educational campaigns and programs in high schools, college campuses, and communities can help emphasize the risks associated with methylphenidate abuse and addiction. Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health concern involving opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Not only do CNS stimulants like methylphenidate have a high abuse potential, but they also hold the risk of stimulant overdose and death when abused. Drug overdose deaths involving stimulants more than quadrupled from 2015 to 2022, going from 12,122 in 2015 to 57,497 stimulant overdose deaths in 2022.
There are a range of addiction treatment options for those struggling with methylphenidate addiction or stimulant abuse. Drug detox programs for stimulant addiction, such as cocaine or methylphenidate, ensure patients receive 24/7 medical supervision and care throughout the withdrawal process. With addiction treatment methods, therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and recovery support groups, individuals can successfully tackle their stimulant addiction and achieve recovery.
Call Coastal Detox today for more information on our drug detox programs in Stuart, FL. Our South Florida drug detox facility in Stuart helps individuals overcome stimulant dependence and addiction, ensuring holistic healing in long-term recovery.
References:
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- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Scheduling.
- National Drug Intelligence Center, 2006. Ritalin Fast Facts.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants.
- Drug Enforcement Administration, 2019. Methylphenidate.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Misuse of Prescription Drug Research Report.
- Missouri Medicine, 2022. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?
- The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2016. Nonmedical Stimulant Use in College Students: Association With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Other Disorders.
- Pharmacotherapy, 2012. Illicit Use of Specific Prescription Stimulants Among College Students: Prevalence, Motives, and Routes of Administration.
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024. Drug Overdose Death Rates.