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Ritalin
What is it?
Ritalin is a prescription drug that doctors give to people,
mostly children, with "hyper-activity" or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some people with the sleeping disorder narcolepsy also take Ritalin. But it's not meant to be taken by anyone
without a prescription and doctor's supervision.
What's it look like?
Ritalin comes as a pill. People who abuse Ritalin either swallow the pill, or crush and snort it, or it can be injected. Some abusers mix Ritalin
with heroin or cocaine.
What does it do?
No one completely understands how
Ritalin works. It has a stimulating effect on adults, but has a calming effect on hyperactive kids, and a "focusing" effect on ADHD kids. It affects the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord),
stimulating it mildly. NIDA
Unfortunately, Ritalin abuse by people who don't need it can cause damage to the nervous system. There's also a strong possibility that abusing Ritalin
can cause liver cancer, blood clots, infections, and skin and circulatory problems when snorted or injected. NCADI
Who takes it?
Only people whose doctors have diagnosed them as
having serious problems, should take Ritalin. But many people, mostly teenagers, abuse Ritalin, either snagging pills from siblings or friends with prescriptions, or buying them from dealers. Ritalin is most popular
in suburban areas.
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