{"id":11939,"date":"2021-11-03T16:02:05","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T16:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/?p=11939"},"modified":"2024-06-10T04:06:10","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T04:06:10","slug":"ritalin-abuse-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/ritalin-abuse-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Ritalin abuse in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ritalin abuse in South Africa<\/h1>Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>
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Ritalin abuse in South Africa<\/h3>
03 November, 2021<\/span>Articles, News<\/span><\/div>\n

Ritalin is a medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder<\/a> (ADHD). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group<\/a> (SADAG) defines ADHD as a chronic condition of a combination of problems including the difficulty to sustain attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The main medications used in South Africa to treat ADHD are Ritalin<\/a> and Concerta. They have the same chemical structures (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and are similar in chemical makeup to stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. Ritalin can be just as addictive. Street names for Ritalin include diet coke, kiddie cocaine, kiddie coke, poor man’s cocaine, R-ball, rids, skittles, Smarties and vitamin R . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ritalin is primarily used as a stimulant medication to increase attention span and decrease hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The medication seems to have a positive impact on the treatment of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD but at the same time has opened up a panacea for potential abuse and there is a lot of controversy around the use of medication to treat the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD. In fact, there is huge controversy about the very existence of the above mentioned disorders, with the scientific experts suggesting a clear neurological basis for the disorders and some other more holistic proponents saying they are not diseases in the chemical sense at all but rather behaviourally based maladaptions. The jury is still out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dosage prescribed is based on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. The drug slowly raises the users dopamine levels in the brain, achieving a therapeutic effect for those with proper ADHD (and similar) diagnoses. However, if individuals who do not have ADHD take these medications, the result will be hyperactivity and overstimulation. Though it helps many people, this medication can be addictive. The risk may be higher if you have a related substance use disorder (such as overuse of or an addiction to alcohol). If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as :<\/p>\n\n\n\n