Ritalin Addiction

[marley73]

I've been abusing my ritalin for a couple of months now, usually by snorting.  I really want to stop because it seems that I cant do any activity without a little bump of it, when I run out, im severly depressed, agitated and usually panic ridden. I take medications for anxiety and depression. I know I need to take them as prescribed but it seems i have no will power. Any suggestions for tapering off this stuff orally? Im addicted and i need help

[marley73]

Thanks guys, Today I took them orally as prescribed, feeling a little jittery and anxious but i just tell myself that I dont need to be high to have fun, im gonna plan my weekend activities so I can keep myself busy

[worried878]

ritalin causes a big surge of dopamine release so when u dont use it ur brain will retaliate...physically the withdrawal is not supposed to be too bad...it is a mental withdrawal which in a way is the bulk of most drug withdrawal i guess ....tapering off is a good idea and if ur doctor can help it would be a good idea....stopping snorting it now would be a great start...keep posting

[Rkk71]

I've had a lot of friends (and myself) go through the same thing. If it is really bad don't hesitate to seek professional help. But if you think you can do it on your own (which if you can is good, because once you have a record of substance abuse noted Dr.s are hesitant to prescribe certain meds) I'd really try to take the medication orally as prescribed and slowly decrease it every 3 days or  so slowly over the course of a couple weeks. Then maybe a small amount every other day. This is what I did.. I was on adderall at one point and time for about 6mo, I never snorted it but not after long I realized I was becoming addicted and decided to take myself off. Lucky for you you're realizing this after only 2 months. You would probably be fine to stop cold turkey, but just control yourself and slowly taper off, and it might be hell for a bit but it will pass. The small taper really helped me. I slept and ate a lot afterwards for like 2 weeks. But everyone is different. Good luck.