The majority of people who take medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will take a drug called a stimulant. Ritalin and Adderall both fall into that category. Ritalin and Adderall are both stimulant prescription medications that are used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, and they are both used to achieve similar symptom control. They do, however, have different main active ingredients. Adderall is made of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and Ritalin is made of methylphenidate. Both of these medications help to improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They achieve this by increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine. 
Ritalin and Adderall for ADHD
Ritalin and Adderall work in similar ways for those with ADHD. They also both have similar side effects. But there are also important differences between the two drugs. Ritalin and Adderall are both central nervous system stimulants. They work on the body by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
What Happens When You Abuse Ritalin or Adderall
This speeds up your brain’s activity. Besides having different main active ingredients, Ritalin acts sooner and reaches its peak performance much quicker than Adderall does, but Adderall stays active in your body longer than Ritalin. Ritalin peaks within 1 hour of being taken and Adderall peaks within 3 hours. Long-acting Adderall can last anywhere from 10-12 hours whereas long-lasting Ritalin lasts from 6-8 hours. Adderall and Ritalin are both effective to treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy. One option may be more beneficial than the other depending on how your body responds to the drug. Whether you use immediate-release or extended-release tablets, this can also affect how well it will work for you. It is shown that Ritalin may be more effective as a first-line medication in children and teenagers and Adderall is preferred for adult ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall generally have the same side effect and are pretty common. Side effects of both include headaches, insomnia, trouble sleeping, anxiety, increased perspiration, increased heart rate (tachycardia), dry mouth, heart palpitations, nausea, and loss of appetite. Both of these drugs are schedule II controlled substances ad either of these substances can lead to substance abuse, dependence, and addiction. If you or a loved one has an Adderall or Ritalin dependency or addiction, you can utilize one of the many treatment programs we offer at Evoke Wellness. According to the National Institutes of Health:
During the past decade, the illicit use of prescription drugs, including prescription stimulants, has become the second most common form of illicit drug use among college students in the United States.
If you are abusing Adderall, Ritalin, another prescription stimulant, or maybe both of them at the same time, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Stimulant abuse and addiction require clinical intervention and professional treatment that we are able to offer at the highest level.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar Treatment Programs for Addiction
We offer many different treatment programs to meet your specific needs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. It is important to remember the risks associated with Ritalin and Adderall, whether you are taking it because it is prescribed to you or not. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let Evoke Wellness at Miramar is here to help you or a loved one recover and live a meaningful, drug-free life.
