How to Help a Methylphenidate Addict
Methylphenidate abuse is increasingly prevalent and can be an extremely hard habit to kick. Helping someone with an addiction can take time and several attempts. However, with the help and support of loved ones, along with the right treatment, recovery from methylphenidate addiction is possible.
How to Help Someone With Methylphenidate Addiction
Stopping methylphenidate or Ritalin use “cold turkey” can lead to a number of withdrawal symptoms, including depression and the emergence of underlying mental disorders. The symptoms elicited by sudden withdrawal can be so intense that they encourage the user to again seek out Ritalin and harm his or her own recovery efforts.
Many find that the high level of care and added level of accountability found in a substance abuse treatment program can help them to safely and comfortably traverse the dicey period of stimulant withdrawal and resist the urge to continue use long enough to make progress towards recovery.
Treatment programs for methylphenidate addiction can include inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient treatment, both of which may include at least some of the following aspects of treatment:
- Intake and evaluation.
- Safe, supervised observation and treatment during initial detox from methylphenidate.
- Group and/or individual therapy.
- Participation in other recovery programs, such as 12-step programs.
- Skills training.
- Aftercare planning, such as transfer to another facility.
Is Methylphenidate Addictive?
Methylphenidate, which is marketed under the trade names Ritalin and Concerta, is prescribed for the treatment of ADD and ADHD. While it is prescribed for legitimate medical use, methylphenidate abuse is a growing problem all over the world. This is especially true in the United States, where, according to the United Nations, 85% of the world’s methylphenidate is produced and consumed.
Drugs like Ritalin and Concerta are often taken for the cocaine-like effects they can produce, which include:
- Increased focus.
- Wakefulness.
- Talkativeness and increased activity.
- Appetite suppression.
When methylphenidate is not taken as prescribed by a doctor, or when it is taken without a prescription, the drug can be extremely addictive.
Methylphenidate functions as a stimulant by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they are prescribed the lowest effective dose and, while adhering to such a dose, are at minimal risk for experiencing a stimulant “high.” However, when someone abuses the drug—typically with doses well above those indicated on the prescription—the user is subject to the risks of addiction and overdose.
What Are the Signs of Methylphenidate Addiction?
When some develops a methylphenidate addiction—for example, through misuse of Ritalin or Concerta—they may experience an array of physical and mental symptoms which indicate methylphenidate abuse.
Methylphenidate Addiction Treatment
There are a variety of inpatient and outpatient options for methylphenidate addicts to choose from to get on the road to recovery.
Inpatient/in-facility treatment offers a number of benefits, which include:
- Supervised medical attention.
- 24-hour/day care.
- Those in treatment are separated from the everyday environment that may have been contributing to the substance abuse problem to begin with.
Outpatient care and treatment provides the benefit of taking the individual through the treatment process while allowing him or her to live at home and continue to work.
An addiction specialist or doctor can help you determine the right type of addiction treatment for your situation. However, it’s important to note that withdrawal can result in, or worsen, depression or other mental health illnesses. Inpatient care can prove especially beneficial for those recovering from addictions to methylphenidate, as concurrent mental health conditions and concerns can be treated simultaneously.
How to Find Help for Methylphenidate Addiction
If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you are not alone. Get started on your recovery right now with our free rehab locator tool, where you can find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and much more.