Ritalin (Methylphenidate, West Coast)

A stimulant prescribed to treat children with hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) and occasionally prescribed for treating narcolepsy. It's also used in combination with heroin, cocaine or both to produce a potent euphoria. Teens most often crush the tablet and inhale the drug or take the tablet orally. Some users dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture into their blood stream, which can easily cause blockage of small blood vessels, which can quickly lead to a stroke or death.

Possible Positives

  • A calming effect on ADHD hyperactive patients
  • An increased ability to focus for ADHD patients
  • Increases dopamine levels in children with weak dopamine signals in the brain.
  • Appetite suppression
  • Alertness
  • Euphoria

Possible Negatives

  • Inflexibility of thinking
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Decreased responsiveness
  • Reduced curiosity
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Inactivity
  • Lack of emotions
  • Lack of humor
  • Passive, submissive behavior

If Abused...

  • Addiction
  • Stroke resulting in brain damage if injected
  • Brain damage
  • Cardiovascular damage
  • High blood pressure
  • Obsessive compulsive behaviors
  • Movement disorders

  • Drug Topics

Related Info

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and National Hotline
Treatment & referrals
www.samhsa.gov/csat/csat.htm
 1-800-662-4357

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
www.health.org
1-800-729-6686

Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office in Los Angeles
An international, community-based association, holding weekly meetings for recovering drug addicts.
(818) 773-9999 To locate your local chapter
www.na.org/links-toc.htm

Alcoholics Anonymous
Group support for your addiction to alcohol
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group Headquarters
Group support for those with family members who suffer from alcoholism
www.al-anon-alateen.org

American Cancer Society Information on quitting smoking
www.cancer.org
1-800-227-2345

Smoking, Tobacco and Health Information Line
1-800-232-1311

Tips 4 Teens - Stop Smoking Help
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/osh/tipsteen.htm