Ritalin Abuse

Ritalin, while immensely popular for controlling attention deficit disorder, is also immensely controversial. The latest lightening rod is a new study out of the University of California at Berkley that suggests that the use of Ritalin and other stimulants further raise the risk of drug abuse.

The study followed almost 500 kids for over a quarter of a century. The study concludes that Ritalin use can double the risk of addiction to other illegal substances like cocaine.

Critics of the controversial study are quick to point out that other studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse show Ritalin, taken orally and in properly prescribed doses, is not addictive. Still, those same surveys do admit that when Ritalin is snorted, taken intravenously, or abused it can produce a “high” and become addictive. Kids say Ritalin abuse is more common than most parents and physicians would like to admit. “It’s not hard to get a hold of it for free and for a free buzz,” says 17 year old Wes.

Experts say parents should make sure kids taking Ritalin are routinely monitored by a physician. Signs of abuse include moodiness, failure to improve on the drug, and unexplained loss of medication or continual need for early refills.

What Parents Should Know

There are several studies being done to determine if the prolonged use of Ritalin actually leads to drug addiction. While the verdict is still out, parents should keep a close eye on these studies to make their own determinations, especially if you have a child who uses Ritalin.

Some experts compare methylphenidate (Ritalin), which is a stimulant, to illegal stimulants such as cocaine, and believe that giving cocaine to hyperactive children would probably produce similar results. The drug’s likeness to cocaine and increased use have caused some to express concern. Gene Haislip, a retired deputy assistant administrator for the DEA states, “We have become the only country in the world where children are prescribed such a vast quantity of stimulants that share virtually the same properties as cocaine.”

Others disagree with this comparison and believe that Ritalin is safe and non-addictive if used as prescribed. It takes approximately one hour to reach peak concentration in the brain if taken orally, unlike cocaine which goes to the brain much faster. When used properly, the drug has a calming effect and enhances concentration.