Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, is a stimulant medication that doctors frequently prescribe to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It works on the body by stimulating the chemicals in the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine, which are responsible for attention and control. When you have ADHD and take Ritalin, you will notice positive changes in your focus, control, and impulsiveness.
What Does it Feel Like?
As a stimulant drug, it will generally make you feel very “up,” and excited, alert, awake, and overly energized. Unfortunately, it can also cause you to become very aggressive and agitated due to overstimulation. It is said that not long after taking Ritalin, it will give you a feeling of clarity. You will find it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand and get more done. However, many people also report a tingly feeling. Almost as if there is an electrical current running underneath your skin. It will make you much more sensitive to touch. The higher the dose that is taken, the more intense this feeling is.
More About What Does it Feel to Being on Ritalin?
Talking a lot and being overly talkative and upbeat is also common with Ritalin use. If you are typically a quiet person or a bit of a wallflower, you certainly will not be when under the influence. This is because it caused the person to feel much more in control and focused on what is going on. It also means that you become more aware, logical, but also even more emotional. Ritalin causes a sense of a boost in confidence. While it is a chemical fix in confidence, it does not make permanent changes in confidence. It will also increase your stamina. Things that might normally tire you out may be much easier to finish while still having plenty of energy to spare. On the flip side, Ritalin can also cause a lot of nausea and a loss of appetite. It might make you feel queasy and light-headed. Even drinking a simple glass of water might seem difficult because of nausea. Many people also tend to experience hyperawareness to the point of paranoia. This is when someone might find themselves getting agitated and even aggressive.
Specific Ritalin Addiction Consequence
Ritalin addiction can happen before you even know it. It is addictive because of the way it interacts with dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for activating the brain’s reward system. So taking Ritalin basically becomes a source of happiness for your brain and you. A warning sign that you are addicted to Ritalin is continuing your use despite your desire to quit. Addiction has likely developed if someone is experiencing negative consequences for their use, like broken relationships or not having any money, but still cannot or do not want to quit.
Ritalin As One Of The Most Abused Drugs
Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, are quickly becoming one of the most abused drugs out there. If you suffer from a Ritalin addiction you should first enter yourself into a medical detox. This is where the drugs are expelled from your system in a controlled and comfortable environment. After that, you can choose one of many treatment options that best fit your situation and needs. This is where the real work begins.
Now is The Time to Change Your Life!
Addiction is a tricky thing, and you will need a lot of support and new tools to get through it. 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 us help you do it.