Ritalin is normally prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD, but because it contains methylphenidate and is related to the amphetamine family of drugs, some people abuse Ritalin for the euphoric affect it is capable of producing.
In some circles, Ritalin is used by students as a “study aid” because it can help to focus the mind far more effectively than large amounts of caffeine, but in higher doses, Ritalin has a similar effect to “speed”, although it is not quite as potent.
When taken for legitimate reasons, Ritalin is a very effective treatment for patients suffering from ADHD—by increasing the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain it helps to improve concentration levels and eases feelings of agitation and restlessness. This is obviously very helpful if you or your child has ADHD, but for those who do not have ADHD, Ritalin use can cause a sensation of euphoria and feelings of intense happiness.
Can Ritalin really get you high?
People abuse Ritalin in all kinds of ways in order to achieve a chemical high. The drug can be crushed into a powder and snorted; it can be taken as an oral tablet, or it can even be ground down, mixed with water and injected intravenously, although this is a particularly dangerous way of taking Ritalin due to the many dangers associated with intravenous drug use.
Why don’t ADHD patients get high from Ritalin use?
Even though Ritalin is classed as a stimulant drug, it actually has the opposite effect on ADHD patients. This is because it affects the part of the brain that is known to be underactive in ADHD patients, the area associated with attention and behaviour. Ritalin is not addictive if you have been prescribed it for ADHD, but when taken under any other conditions, it is possible to become addicted to the stimulant affect of Ritalin.
Is taking Ritalin to get you high dangerous?
Ritalin is not the most dangerous drug on the street, but there are many dangers associated with improper Ritalin use. Like a lot of drugs, the more Ritalin you take the less of an effect it will have, so over time you will need more and more of the drug in order to enjoy the same high. This inevitably leads to the user taking far greater doses of the drug that would be recommended by a doctor, thus increasing the risk of dangerous side effects.
What are the side effects associated with Ritalin abuse?
Addiction is a major problem with Ritalin abuse and once you feel that you can’t live without your next fix of Ritalin, you are on dangerous territory. There is also a number of serious health problems associated with Ritalin use, including heart palpitations and chest pain, psychotic behaviour (hallucinations, delusions and paranoia), depression and mood swings.
Can Ritalin be detected on a drugs test?
Yes, Ritalin will be detected by any type of drugs test, so if you are routinely subjected to random drugs testing at work and you start abusing Ritalin, you can expect to test positive for amphetamine use and will probably end up losing your job as another unwanted side effect.
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