Ritalin Addiction Intervention Treatment in Florida
Prescription drug addiction is a common problem and impacts people from all age groups. Ritalin is a commonly abused prescription stimulant drug abused by teens, young adults, and even older adults. Ritalin addiction treatment and intervention resources in Florida help those struggling with a Ritalin drug addiction. There is a common misconception that using Ritalin promotes improved concertation, increased mental sharpness, helps a person manage a heavy workload, and stimulates weight loss. Individuals choose to misuse Ritalin for these reasons and others. Unfortunately, similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin acts on the neurotransmitter’s dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, reinforcing drug-taking behavior.
Ritalin drug addiction occurs when an individual uses the drug non-medically or in excess of prescribed parameters. Among young people, Ritalin is often referred to as a smart drug and abused for its reputation of improving school performance. Misusing the drug leads to dangerous addiction and results in significant damage to the mind and body. Treating Ritalin addiction requires multiple steps with drug detox, counseling, and aftercare support. Drug rehabilitation should be well-rounded, and treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the addict attending treatment.
What is Ritalin, and How is it Used?
Ritalin is a prescription central nervous system stimulant drug prescribed to treat different conditions and is commonly abused by teens that are prescribed the drug. Ritalin comes in the form of a small pill that bears the imprint of its pharmaceutical manufacturer. Ritalin is a trade name for the generic drug methylphenidate, a Schedule II narcotic per the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Schedule II classification means the drug has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological and physical dependence. The drug is taken in pill form orally, yet when it is abused, the pills could be crushed and snorted, or the drug is taken in excess.
Ritalin abuse causes stimulation of dopamine receptors in the brain, creating euphoria and triggering repeated use. Ritalin abuse often entails the use of large doses, which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Ritalin can also be abused by snorting the drug or taking it intravenously, causing effects similar to cocaine. Individuals who are abusing Ritalin are taking more than prescribed, doctor shopping, and using other drugs in combination with Ritalin.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ritalin Drug Addiction?
Noticing the signs and symptoms of Ritalin drug abuse is not always easy, and it is possible to overlook some of the early warning signs. The signs and symptoms of Ritalin abuse can include reduced appetite and weight loss, agitation, pupil dilation, dizziness, fatigue, depression, headaches, sweating, insomnia, impaired vision, rapid heart rate, and stomach pain. In addition, someone who is abusing Ritalin is taking more than was initially planned or intended. Like other drug addictions, the individual may feel like they should cut down on their Ritalin use but cannot. Someone addicted to Ritalin dedicates a lot of time to using, procuring, or getting over Ritalin use.
Families may also begin to notice behavioral changes as the individual may no longer be able to fully perform the needed tasks associated with family, school, or work due to their addiction. Someone who is continuing to take Ritalin even though it is causing problems in their life is likely addicted. In addition, Ritalin addiction causes the person to develop a tolerance to the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Drug rehab centers in Florida can help families determine if their loved one is struggling with a Ritalin addiction. Addiction treatment is the best option for Ritalin addiction. Drug rehab in Florida should involve drug detox, residential treatment, and aftercare support.
What are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Ritalin Abuse?
Ritalin abuse results in short-term and long-term effects that vary in severity depending on the extent of use. Someone who is abusing Ritalin will experience a high feeling followed by a crash. During the crash, the individual may feel mentally dull, depressed, and fatigued. These feelings are similar to other stimulant drugs. Some of the more common short-term effects include stomachache, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, agitation, dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations. Ritalin abuse can also result in serious side effects like seizures, blurred vision, eyesight changes, rapid pulse rate, high blood pressure, paranoia, suspicion, visual hallucinations, skin infection, viral infection, and urinary tract infection.
Abusing Ritalin can also result in an overdose. The signs of a Ritalin drug overdose include sweating, dehydration, vomiting, tremors, restlessness, hallucinations, aggression, high blood pressure, and delusions. Immediate medical attention is required for anyone experiencing a Ritalin overdose. The most common effect of Ritalin abuse is stimulant drug addiction. The long-term effects of Ritalin abuse include grandiosity, repetitive actions, paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and a tendency toward violence. Early intervention is essential to prevent short-term and long-term problems from becoming serious. Drug rehab centers in Florida are equipped to treat all severity of Ritalin drug addiction.
Ritalin Drug Addiction Treatment and Detox in Florida
Treating Ritalin drug addiction is done the same way as any other stimulant drug addiction. The first step is a drug detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Ritalin addiction withdrawal symptoms are not always severe and may not require a medically supervised drug detox. Clinical drug detox programs in Florida are equipped to treat withdrawal symptoms associated with Ritalin drug addiction. Drug detox should not be considered the only step to treat Ritalin addiction because it does not provide adequate counseling and therapy.
The next phase of treatment involves attending residential or outpatient drug rehab in Florida. Residential drug rehab centers are the better option to treat Ritalin addiction. Counseling and therapy approaches include traditional and non-traditional approaches. Behavioral therapies are the most common approach, and this includes cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, and individual or group therapies. Some drug rehab centers incorporate holistic treatment or faith-based therapy. In addition, aftercare support is important, and remaining connected to peer support groups or 12-step meetings contributes to successful recovery.
Family Intervention for Ritalin Drug Addiction in Florida
Prescription drug addiction becomes a dangerous problem without proper help or intervention. Someone addicted to Ritalin may not recognize they have an addiction or accept help when it is offered to them. Family intervention in Florida brings friends and family members together to confront the addict and convince them to accept help and attend drug rehab. The best way to plan and organize a family intervention is by hiring a professional interventionist. Certified interventionists help the family regain control, organize an intervention, and get the drug-addicted family member to the point of accepting help and attending drug rehab.
Sources-https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
