Narcotic Educational Foundation of Nevada
Ritalin
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Ritalin |
Street
Names
- Vitamin R
- R-Ball
- Smart drug
Description
Ritalin is a prescription drug that doctors give to
people, mostly children, with
"hyper-activity" or attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is brand name
for the stimulant--Methyalphenidate hydrochloride.
Use
The use of Ritalin involves kids crushing it and
snorting it.
Dangers and Effects
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.
CNN News Alert: Ritalin abuse scoring high on
college illegal drug circuit
There's a popular drug on the streets with nicknames
such as "Vitamin R" and "R-Ball"
that's making its way into the college scene. But
it's not for kicks -- students use this drug to
improve concentration and study longer.
The drug is Ritalin, a mild stimulant commonly
prescribed for young children to treat attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
But on U.S college campuses, students are popping
Ritalin without a doctor's prescription -- which is
illegal -- before taking on all-night study sessions
or to boost alertness during an important test.
"People find this drug enticing because they
can get their academic work done quicker or do more
in a shorter period of time," said Dr. Eric
Heiligenstein, of the University of Wisconsin.
"So for students who have put off work or are
not very strong academically, we find some are using
it to kind of counteract or remedy their
problems."
It's not just college kids who are turning to
Ritalin. New reports suggest there is a growing
trend of Ritalin abuse among younger teens or even
adults bent on getting more done at work or keeping
with today's fast-paced lifestyle.
Federal drug officials said Ritalin is among the top
controlled prescription drugs reported stolen in the
United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration
also lists methylphenidate, Ritalin's generic name,
among a dozen or so "drugs of concern."
There are health concerns surrounding this trend.
Ritalin can increase a person's heart rate and blood
pressure, among other problems.
"What it means, in rare situations, is the
person is put at risk primarily for a cardiac
arrhythmia," said Dr. Lawrence Diller, author
of "Running on Ritalin." "Then
there's irregular beating of the heart -- which can
cause sudden death."
For additional drug information and street names
please visit http://www.streetdrugs.org
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