Ritalin Abuse: Even among the Best and the Brightest
Ritalin burst onto the scene more than a decade ago as a cure for a "new" disorder called ADD and ADHD, which is to blame for the lack of concentration among school aged children. Suddenly, many children who had been having difficulty focusing in school were able to concentrate and to attain better grades than they had before. As Ritalin was being discovered as a "miracle cure," few people were aware of the darker side of Ritalin: that it could be abused and used as a recreational drug. Ritalin abuse is prevalent among kids from all backgrounds.
Ritalin is an amphetamine which stimulates the nervous system and allows children with ADD ADHD and hyperactivity to concentrate. However, it also resembles the street drug speed and has a reputation among those who abuse drugs as an easy way to get a steady supply. Ironically, Ritalin abuse can be common among the very best and the brightest. Many begin by using excessive amounts of the drug to stay awake while cramming for an exam. Once they succeed in getting a good mark, they will want to try the drug again for a term paper, and then the habit has already begun. Ritalin is often abused by "good kids" in order to achieve, and then can later be used for recreation. Ritalin abuse is also quite common on college campuses where many kids pull all-nighters to get their work done.
Extended Ritalin abuse can cause problems with the heart and other complications. Ritalin abuse, if caught early, can be very treatable, and many people have done well in treatment programs which aid in the cessation of the problem. Ritalin abuse is a growing problem today and there are many resources to deal with the issue. It is very important that if you or your child takes Ritalin to guard the medicine very carefully to ensure that unauthorized people do not get a hold of the drug. Ritalin abuse can occur among relatively young kids and should be guarded against.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
