All About Ritalin Abuse

What is Ritalin?
It is the common name given for the drug methylphenidate. It is classified into the same category as cocaine and other deadly narcotics, although it is not completely banned. It is usually available as tablets that are white, pale green or yellow in color. It is taken orally but may also be snorted for stronger effects. As it is easily soluble in water, it may also be dissolved and injected with needles. It has many serious consequences on health.

It is a stimulant that is used as a prescription drug for certain disorders like ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), mostly for children. It is easily available in substantial quantities. When they are prescribed this drug, they stock up on it and may even sell it to friends and classmates who wish to concentrate better. It is available for as less as a dollar for a pill. This could be a reason why children as young as seven have been known to be regular users and abusers.

It is known by a lot of names by dealers and users. Some of its street names may be pointers to what this drug can actually do and how potent it is.

• Kiddie cocaine
• Smarties
• Vitamin R
• Poor man’s cocaine
• R-ball

Effects of Ritalin
This drug has many serious ill effects on health. These effects may last a long time and are both physical and psychological. It is a drug of dependency which makes it a very difficult drug when it comes to quitting.

Short term effects

• Increase I heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Hallucinations and panic
• Sleep disturbances
• Violent behavior
• Convulsions and seizures, even death due to overdose

Long term effects

• Permanent damage to blood vessels and heart, increasing chances of heart attacks and stroke at a very young age
• Excessive weight loss
• Exhaustion and depression
• Hallucinations and panic
• Damage to skin and risk of contracting infectious diseases due to improper use of injections
• Multiple organ damage
• Brain damage that may lead to epilepsy and stroke

This is a dangerous drug and as its users are mostly young, it has been known to encourage abuse of deadlier and more potent drugs as they grow older and develop tolerance to this drug. It is important not get dependent on this drug during weak moments and stay away from it for good.