Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication sold under the trade name Ritalin or as a slow-release formulation, Concerta. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, narcolepsy.
Ritalin delivers high levels of energy, concentration, and the ability to suppress appetite, which provokes addictive use. Students and professionals often misuse Ritalin because it increases mental focus and attention. Paradoxically, when Ritalin is prescribed to patients with ADHD, it slows them down.
Understanding Ritalin addiction can help to find the right treatment for you or your loved one.
What Is Ritalin Addiction?
Ritalin addiction is the continued use of the drug despite the obvious negative consequences on your family, health, and even finances. Many people turn to deceiving their loved ones or friends and doctors in order to manage their addiction, which leads to isolation and the loss of positive relationships.
Ritalin has the effect of “waking up” the central nervous system for people who are not diagnosed with ADHD, which can also cause dopamine levels to increase. It can also cause a decreased appetite, which makes it popular among those who have eating disorders, according to recent studies.
We understand of the signs of Ritalin addiction, which include:
- Low appetite
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Suspiciousness
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Asking other people for their Ritalin pills
- Crushing and snorting Ritalin
- Stealing, lying, and/or doctor shopping for extra Ritalin pills
Looking for these behavioural changes can help you to choose the right treatment at our Ritalin rehab in Cape Town.
Ritalin Addiction Symptoms
The physical symptoms can help you to identify an addiction and find the right substance abuse treatment, especially if you are unsure if someone is addicted.
The symptoms include the following:
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Hyperactivity and the need to move around constantly
- Increased talkativeness
- Nervousness, restlessness, or irritation
- Feelings of paranoia and anxiety
- Irregular or rapid heart rate
- Raised blood pressure
- Muscle twitching or involuntary movements
Noticing these symptoms is the first step towards choosing a healthy recovery.
Ritalin Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
When entering our Ritalin rehabilitation clinic, withdrawal symptoms might be experienced.
The withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Mood disturbances and the inability to focus
- Intense drug cravings
- Headaches, body pain, and muscle aches
- Vivid, unpleasant dreams and disturbed sleep
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Increased appetite
- Memory problems
While withdrawal can be difficult to deal with, these symptoms are noticeably less severe than other drugs such as cocaine. However, it is important to monitor them for any signs of danger or relapse.
Ritalin Addiction Treatment Options
Ritalin addiction treatment can be a difficult time for someone suffering from an addiction, but with Tharagay’s guidance, you can forge forward to a brighter future.
Our Ritalin rehab in Cape Town provides a three-phase treatment process which starts with an inpatient treatment programme, as outlined below:
Take The First Step Towards Recovery
Recovering from Ritalin addiction is no small feat. Tharagay has years of medical and rehabilitation experience which we will leverage to make your experience a positive and successful one.
With our help, you can take the first step towards recovery and overcome your addiction.