Ritalin Abuse
Ritalin abuse and drug use among teenagers and college-aged students has always been a problem. However, now many of these teens are finding easy access to drugs in unusual ways. Many find that common prescription drugs can give them the “high” they are looking for and are easy to get. In addition, some of these teens even feel that because drugs such as Ritalin are a prescription, that it is safe.
Ritalin is safe, if it is used as intended—to treat common medical disorders such as ADHD or narcolepsy. It is not safe, however, when it is taken as a sports enhancer, to stay awake to study for finals, to lose weigh or suppress the appetite, or when taken with alcohol. Ritalin is a stimulant and its affects are similar to those found in cocaine and amphetamines. There are serious side effects from taking Ritalin when it is not prescribed and Ritalin abuse is rampant.
Ritalin is easy to come by on the street. Even though it may be a prescription drug, if it is not prescribed to you, then you should not take it. Common street names for Ritalin are “Smart Drug”, Vitamin R, and R-Ball. Pills can be purchased illegally for anywhere from fifty cents a pill up to five dollars. Ritalin abusers may choose to take the drug as an oral pill, crushed into a fine powder and inhaled or crushed and mixed with water to inject. In any of these cases, it is never safe.
In addition, Ritalin abuse may not sound like a big deal compared to other illegal drugs, but it can have the safe effect on your body as other drugs. There are side effects that you should be aware of. People who take Ritalin as a recreational drug can become “hooked” or addicted very quickly. It is a stimulant that can be compared to caffeine or nicotine. When you take it, your body wants more. This creates an addiction that is hard to kick. Side effect can be serious and can range from severe weight loss, chest pain, increased heart rate, dizziness, stroke, coma and even death.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to Ritalin and needs help, you should consult a health care professional for help. Ritalin abuse is serious and is never safe.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
