Ritalin Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Ritalin, also known by the generic name methylphenidate, is a psychostimulant drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system, and the generic methylphenidate was introduced in 1956. Ritalin can be used to treat children and adults aged six and older if they have symptoms of ADHD. For someone with ADHD, Ritalin may help them feel calmer, more focused and better able to concentrate. Despite the therapeutic uses of Ritalin, it can be habit-forming -both psychologically and physically. When someone is addicted to Ritalin, they typically started using it to achieve certain desirable effects. Some of these effects include euphoria, appetite suppression, increased motivation and an inflated sense of self-confidence. Ritalin addiction symptoms can include compulsive, out-of-control use of the drug, or the sense that one can’t function without it. Treatment options for Ritalin addiction symptoms can include a medical detox, outpatient treatment, or an inpatient residential program.

If someone is addicted to Ritalin, they are likely dependent as well. Someone who is dependent upon Ritalin may require a medical detox to safely, comfortably and successfully go through withdrawal from the drug. A medical detox includes supervision by medical professionals. Patients can be provided with the necessary medical interventions to ensure that they are not only comfortable, but that complications don’t develop. Not everyone requires a Ritalin medical detox -it ultimately depends on the level of dependence, how long someone has been abusing Ritalin and how much of the drug they regularly abuse. Most inpatient rehab programs do include a medical detox before actual addiction treatment begins.

The focus of a Ritalin rehabilitation program should be on helping the patient stop compulsively seeking and using the drug. There are a variety of settings, and rehab programs can last for varying lengths of time. There are different evidence-based addiction treatment programs that people can participate in. Some drug treatment programs focus primarily on behavioral therapy, which can include cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management. Other programs may focus on different types of treatments or approaches. Regardless of the specifics of the approach, most Ritalin rehabilitation programs will include a combination of individual and group therapy. Participants will often learn ways to deal with their drug cravings and how to avoid relapse.

Inpatient Ritalin rehab is also called residential treatment. Inpatient treatment requires that the patient live in a facility for a period of time, and it usually follows a medical detox. An inpatient Ritalin rehab tends to be intensive and it provides constant support and supervision -which can be helpful for people with severe addiction problems. The typical length of time that people stay in an inpatient rehab program is around 28 days, but it can be shorter or longer. Specific inpatient rehab programs can include therapy-based treatment, 12-step programs, or programs that combine several different approaches. Inpatient Ritalin rehab is usually best suited for someone who has underlying mental health conditions along with addiction, who has a severe addiction, who is addicted to multiple substances, or someone who has tried other treatment options without success.

Outpatient Ritalin rehab is a less intensive approach to addiction treatment. There isn’t the structure of a residential Ritalin rehab. Instead, patients can continue living at home and they can go to work, school or take part in other activities as they would normally. There isn’t around-the-clock supervision or structure. Outpatient Ritalin rehab usually involves weekly sessions. These sessions can include peer discussions, counseling, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, family therapy, or vocational support and therapy. Outpatient programs can also include participation in 12-step programs. Outpatient Ritalin rehab could be well-suited for someone with a mild addiction, a person who hasn’t previously tried any other type of treatment, or someone who has a strong support system at home.

There are different things to think about on a personal level when choosing a Ritalin rehab center. Not everyone may require comprehensive inpatient treatment. However, some people do. People that should likely consider inpatient Ritalin rehab include those who have co-occurring mental health conditions or other complicating factors. Cost could be a big consideration when choosing a Ritalin rehab center. The cost of an inpatient rehab facility can be quite expensive, but there are usually options to cover the costs such as insurance or financial aid.

The Recovery Village focuses on effective, individualized addiction treatment. Reach out to our intake and addiction team today to learn more.