Ritalin Addiction and Treatment Options

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a prescription stimulant medication that comes in both immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms to help control symptoms of both pediatric and adult ADHD. It has also been indicated for the treatment of narcolepsy.¹ It is a schedule II substance, which means it has a high potential for misuse and may lead to severe dependence.²

Ritalin and other stimulants inhibit the uptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine thus increasing the activity of both these neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to increased energy, alertness, and attention.¹

Is Ritalin Addictive?

Yes, Ritalin is addictive. Chronic, long-term use or misuse of Ritalin can lead to dependence, even when taken as prescribed, which means a person will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug or significantly reduce the dose they regularly take.^1,3 This can make it more difficult to stop using Ritalin and may lead to stimulant use disorder. A stimulant use disorder, or Ritalin addiction, occurs when use becomes uncontrollable and results in negative consequences, like failing to meet responsibilities at work or home or health issues.¹

Signs of Ritalin Addiction

Ritalin addiction is known by the diagnostic term stimulant use disorder, which is outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).⁴ A diagnosis can only come from a doctor; however, the criteria laid out in the DSM-5 provide some signs to look for that may indicate the need for help. The criteria for a stimulant use disorder include:⁴

• Taking the stimulant in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended.
• Having a persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down on the stimulant.
• An excessive amount of time is spent trying to obtain the stimulant, use it, or recover from its effects.
• Craving the stimulant.
• Recurrent stimulant use that causes a person to neglect major obligations at work, school, or home.
• Continued stimulant use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems.
• Giving up or not participating in important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of stimulant use.
• Recurrent stimulant use that occurs in physically hazardous situations.
• Tolerance, where a person needs more of the stimulant to feel the desired effects.
• Withdrawal, where a person experiences withdrawal symptoms if they stop using or drastically reduce stimulant use.

The DSM-5 suggests that addiction would be the presence of two or more of these signs over the past 12 months.⁴ If you or a loved one is experiencing two or more of the signs listed above, you may want to contact your doctor or mental health professional for support.

Ritalin Effects and Risks

All prescription stimulants have similar short- and long-term effects, which may differ for each person. If you are experiencing concerning Ritalin effects, it is always best to contact your doctor.¹

Common Ritalin Side Effects

Common side effects of Ritalin include:³

• Increased heart rate.
• Palpitations.
• Headache.
• Insomnia.
• Anxiety.
• Sweating.
• Weight loss.
• Decreased appetite.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.

When higher doses are taken, Ritalin and other prescription stimulants can cause a feeling of euphoria or a “rush”, but may also be accompanied by:<sup1

• Hyperactivity and restlessness.
• Dangerously high body temperature.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Heart failure.
• Seizures.
• Anger.
• Aggression.
• Hostility.
• Paranoia.
• Psychosis.

People who inject Ritalin or other substances can be at increased risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis.¹

Can You Overdose on Ritalin?

It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.⁵ Overdose results from a person using enough Ritalin to produce a life-threatening reaction or death.⁶ Deaths from psychostimulant overdose (including methamphetamine, ecstasy, and prescription stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, which is a mix of amphetamine salts) have increased between 2010 and 2019.⁷ Over 16,000 people in the US died from an overdose involving psychostimulants (mostly methamphetamine) in 2019, which was a 28% increase from 2018.^7,8 Misuse of prescription stimulants like Ritalin continues in the United States, with about 536,000 people misusing methylphenidate products like Ritalin and a total of 3.7 million people misusing any prescription stimulant in 2021.⁷ Using other substances like opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines with a stimulant like Ritalin is potentially dangerous. Stimulants can modify or even mask certain effects of opioids and sedatives, which may increase the risk of overdose.

Symptoms of Ritalin Overdose

Ritalin has the potential to cause overdose symptoms; however, the effects experienced can depend on the individual and other factors, like if a person is using other substances.⁵ If you think you or a person near you has experienced an overdose on Ritalin or another substance, call 911 immediately. Your actions can save their life. Ritalin overdose symptoms may include:⁵

• Restlessness or agitation.
• Tremors.
• Muscle twitches and pains.
• Aggression.
• Panic.
• Mental confusion.
• Hallucinations.
• Weakness.
• High fever.
• Fast breathing.

Co-ingestion of Ritalin with opioids or CNS depressants may mask their effects and make it easier to overdose.⁵ Whether intentional or not, polysubstance use is never safe because of its unpredictable effects.⁵

Dangers of Quitting Ritalin Cold Turkey

Quitting “cold turkey” is a slang term for stopping a substance suddenly with little or no support. Ritalin withdrawal is the set of symptoms that occur when a person suddenly quits or reduces their dose of Ritalin after heavy or long-term use.^9,10 This is the result of a person becoming physiologically dependent on Ritalin.⁹ The discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, drug cravings, and feelings of depression, displeasure, and dissatisfaction associated with Ritalin withdrawal can make it difficult for people to stop using the drug.⁹

How to Quit Ritalin Safely

To minimize the risk of severe withdrawal-induced depression as well as increased supervision and other options to effectively quit Ritalin, several treatment options are available to help a person who wants to quit using stimulants. Since each person is unique, it’s important to receive a full assessment to create an individualized treatment plan that will help you to achieve your treatment goals.² Treatment settings may include:

• Detox centers.
• Inpatient facilities.
• Outpatient facilities.

Detoxification for a person with stimulant use disorder helps a person safely and comfortably rid their bodies of stimulants and establish a period of abstinence before entering other forms of treatment.⁴ Many people find that transitioning to drug rehab treatment after attending a detox program is helpful in learning essential relapse prevention and other skills to help support their treatment goals. There are currently no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of stimulant withdrawal or addiction.²

Get Help for Ritalin Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, support is available and may help prevent an overdose. Addiction can be challenging, but recovery is possible. Get help today by finding a treatment center by reaching out to one today.