More than 4% of American adults have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a mental health disorder that can impact your mood and make it difficult to concentrate. Doctors typically prescribe Ritalin or Adderall to treat ADHD symptoms. The prevalence of ADHD has made prescription medications used to treat the condition popular recreational drugs.
Ritalin and Adderall are central nervous system stimulants that improve cognition and concentration. However, both medications are prone to abuse and can lead to addiction, so you may need to enroll in prescription drug addiction treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers. If you’re experiencing signs of addiction, and need programs from intake to a relapse prevention program, contact us at 901-272-7751 today.
Ritalin vs. Adderall
Whether you use or abuse Adderall or Ritalin, you can develop a physical dependency, making it difficult to stop using without attending inpatient or outpatient prescription pill addiction treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers.
The main difference between Ritalin and Adderall is that Ritalin is not an amphetamine and is less potent than Adderall. Ritalin and Adderall are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, with Adderall being prescribed slightly more than Ritalin. Both medications block the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps improve cognition and concentration.
The cognitive-enhancing effects of Ritalin and Adderall also make them popular recreational drugs among young adults and college students. College students will use both medications to increase their academic performance, even without a prescription. Ritalin and Adderall come in a pill form, but many users will crush the pills and inhale them to experience an intensified high.
When abused or taken in excess, Ritalin and Adderall increase energy and can cause:
- Rapid speech
- Racing thoughts
- Decreased need for sleep
- Diminished appetite
- Mood changes
When you are addicted to Ritalin or Adderall, you can experience sleep deprivation and psychosis, which require immediate medical attention.
Ritalin Addiction and Adderall Addiction
Substance abuse disorders cause you to compulsively abuse drugs or alcohol despite adverse consequences or a desire to stop using. During addiction, your brain and body can become dependent on your substance. Drugs and alcohol create neurotransmitter imbalances in your brain and change your brain’s pleasure and reward center. Your brain begins rewarding your drug and alcohol use and punishing sobriety and abstinence by controlling the release of neurotransmitters.
When your brain depends on your substance of choice to release neurotransmitters, you can develop a depressed mood and intense cravings. You can also deal with troubling withdrawal symptoms when you stop using, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and malaise
- Disorientation, confusion, and mood changes
- Insomnia
- Aches and pains
- Dehydration
- Shakes, tremors, and seizures
These risks intensify the longer one uses these medications and can cause serious health complications.
Prescription Pill Addiction Risks
Misusing Ritalin and Adderall can lead to life-threatening side effects. Ritalin addiction increases your risk for cardiovascular complications, including heart attack or stroke, seizures, and sudden death. In addition to these risks, Ritalin and Adderall addiction decrease natural dopamine production and causes mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.
If you or someone you know is addicted to Ritalin or Adderall, the addiction specialists at Memphis Recovery Centers are here to help.
Some of the programs we offer include:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Detoxification
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare and ongoing support
We understand that Ritalin and Adderall addiction can be challenging to overcome, but we are here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us today if you or a loved one needs Ritalin or Adderall addiction treatment.
Finding Treatment Today for Ritalin vs. Adderall Addiction at Memphis Recovery Centers
Whether struggling with a Ritalin or Adderall addiction, reaching out for help is the first step in recovery. An inpatient or outpatient treatment center can offer medically supervised detox services, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning to improve your ability to stay clean and sober. Call us today at 901-272-7751 to learn more about our programs.
