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ADHD drug abuse

For about a year and a half, I was abusing an ADHD medication; specifically, a generic methylphenidate (10mg) that I would crush and snort.  There were some days when I would do 2 or 3 of them, but I would also sometimes go weeks without doing it at all.  I was going through a very hard time in my personal life, and I found (as I'm sure many people do) that this method of drug administration gave me a pleasant, energetic feeling.  I quit doing this about 3 months ago.  I am in otherwise good health; in fact, even during this unfortunate period of drug use, I was running 50 miles/week, going to the gym, and eating very healthy.

I also have severe anxiety issues, and now that I've quit, I am very worried about all sorts of things.  Is there any link between snorting this sort of drug and cancerous tumors?  Any other long-term health issues I should be concerned about?  Coincidentally, shortly before I quit, I had a CT Scan and an EKG for an unrelated matter, and both of them were all clear.  Does the clear CT Scan indicate that no adverse effects have occurred in my brain or nasal region (at least as of that time)?  Does the clear EKG indicate that my heart is functioning properly?  

I also had a physical a few months ago, and the doctor specifically said that the nasal tissue (that which was visible to her) looked perfectly healthy.  During the time I was using, I never once had a bloody nose, which I'm hoping means there was a minimum of damage there.

I can only find short-term health risks online, so I'm hoping that - having stopped doing this awhile ago - I'm more or less in the clear.  I'm reluctant to talk to my doctor about it.

Thank you.
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2126606 tn?1346345124
The body is very resilient and most permanent damages requires long term use. It sounds like you are lucky and did not cause any permanent damage to your system. It sounds like you have done all examination that could prove otherwise. Now that you have put the drugs behind you, put the worries behind you as well and live a healthy  and happy life. All the best…
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Sorry, if I can just ask a quick follow-up...most of what I've found online says that the worst-case physiological result of this is open sores; how would you know if you had these?  Would it be obvious?  And would they be able to appear after the fact, or is the fact that I've stopped mean that if they were going to happen they already would have?

(Last questions, I promise)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Helpful - 0

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