I don't share my addiction with anyone. Not even my wife. For years, I have abused Ritalin. It is prescribed by a physician, who seems to be clueless.
It's not uncommon for me to take close to 100 miligrams aday. It makes a dramatic difference in my life. When I take it, I feel passionate, energetic, and motivated. When I don't take it, I feel the exact opposite. I failed out of 3 schools prior to taking it, and once I started taking it, I graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I'm actually going to finish my MBA from a good University this Spring.
At work I am productive while on Ritalin, and a bum when I'm not on it.
The Drug takes it's toll. I often feel depressed at the end of the day from being on it. It makes my heart rate beat at 100 beats per minute, even when I'm just sitting at my desk. It can't be good for me.
What can I do? I don't want to go back to the failure that I was before taking Ritalin, but at the same time, I don't want to be addicted to drugs.
2007-02-20 01:51:33 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Unfortunately medications for children work the complete opposite on adults.-ie Ritalin slows down hyperactive children and hypes up adults,acting like SUPER SONIC SPEED !
FIRST OF ALL...
STOP! Stop taking more than you've been prescribed at a time.TAKE AS DIRECTED!
You are NOT alone as there are many others like you who have become addicted to it!
SECOND...SEE YOUR DOCTOR & SEEK PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH for help with your addiction & addictive behavior!Discuss this with them immediately!
Snorting Ritalin has been compared to drinking 5 cups of ESPRESSO ALL AT ONCE!
Taking enough by mouth or by snorting,Ritalin is very dangerous and can VERY quickly become deadly! It increases your heart rate which can lead to death!It can also cause fainting,dizzyness AND PSYCHOTIC EPISODES if the dose is high enough!
Do it for you, as well as your wife, and family!
NO ONE will look down on you for going to a professional for help in this! My own husband has been battling with substance abuse for over 20 years.Like alcoholism it's a day-to-day battle.He's gone through many psychiatrists until he found a "Good" one who was suggested by his Primary Care Physician to help him.It is ONLY a problem when you don't go for help. IF you have ties to a church, they will also be able to offer counselling or be able to give you a list of resources as well as your doctor- any doctor! The first and hardest step is asking for help, which you have done by asking us in this forum to help you.
But don't put off going to your doctor,whatever you do,PLEASE?
AND BTW... If you asked her,I'm certain that IF your wife doesn't know about your substance abuse that she atleast suspects it,so CONFIDE in her.??? She can offer you support beyond belief!
The "BUM" phase you remarked about is just your body coming down off of that constant high.Once you've cleaned it all out of your body, then you will not have that totally burned out feeling!You are taking a huge toll out on your body!
Take care and God bless!
FayAnn
I'm not a religious nut- just a caring Christian who will be praying for you!
2007-02-20 02:36:56 · answer #1 · answered by katznhat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have Attention Deficit Disorder? Ritalin is usually prescribed for that in young people. It seems that you now need this stimulant to do well in life. Has it always been so? Why did you start taking Ritalin?
For most people, caffeine is what they use to stay up and alert for the day. Three or four cups of cofee or tea a day is about the most you should do. I don't know how the strength of Ritalin compares with caffeine, but if you don't use caffeine, you might try substituting it for the ritalin. Caffeine is safer. It might also be that you need an antipdepressant like Wellbutrin.
See your docctor again, and describe this problem to him or her. Also, start an aerobic exercise program right away. I might also suggest that you try herbs like Siberian Ginseng or guarana ( an alternate kind of caffeine-like chemical) to boost your energy. And consider why a normal night's sleep is not refreshing enough for you. You might have a sleep disorder, which can be checked into, medically, and treated.
2007-02-20 10:03:39 · answer #2 · answered by DinDjinn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to kill yourself with the drugs if you do not get help. You need to get some inpatient treatment for your drug addiction and then start going to NA. You can get this under control if you care enough about yourself to try. Tell the doctor that is prescribing it the truth, this will effectively cut off your supply. Please tell someone and get some help today, your life depends on it.
2007-02-20 10:01:26 · answer #3 · answered by exiletheking 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get into counseling...no one has to know you are there...maybe they can suggest some other treatment option!!!
2007-02-20 10:00:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to rehab
2007-02-20 09:56:45 · answer #5 · answered by Lovin' Patrick Stump 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋