Ritalin Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, and Detox

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Ritalin withdrawal is usually not a concern for individuals who take therapeutic doses of the drug as prescribed by a doctor. Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, is most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In some cases, this drug may also be prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy. When used medicinally, this drug is known to be extremely beneficial for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

However, some individuals consume Ritalin in higher doses than they are prescribed, or without having a prescription at all. This is known as Ritalin abuse, as it is taken recreationally to create increased attention and alertness. Sometimes, individuals who abuse Ritalin snort the drug to achieve a quicker and more intense high. Unfortunately, individuals who illicitly abuse this drug are at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms once they cease use.

Let’s take a look at the signs, symptoms, and detox process of Ritalin withdrawal.

Symptoms of Ritalin Withdrawal

Ritalin withdrawal may last for anywhere from a few days, to several weeks. There are many symptoms of withdrawal associated with Ritalin, however, different people will experience varying combinations of symptoms.

The most common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal include:[1]

Ritalin Withdrawal symptoms

  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Hunger.
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia.
  • Depression.
  • Vivid dreams and nightmares.
  • Cravings for Ritalin.
  • Inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia).

Symptoms of withdrawal may vary depending on individual physiology, the frequency of Ritalin abuse, and the dosage amount that was usually consumed. If you or a loved one have experienced the symptoms of Ritalin withdrawal, you should contact a medical professional immediately. Withdrawal is not something an individual should undergo without medical addiction treatment and detoxification.

The Withdrawal Timeline

A common question regarding Ritalin withdrawal is how long it will last. Physical symptoms of the withdrawal from this drug commonly remain for 1-3 weeks, depending on the severity and frequency of the abuse of Ritalin.

In the first couple of days, withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, mood changes including agitation, and cravings may occur. In the longer phase of Ritalin withdrawal, depression, severe fatigue, and anxiety may start to form, as well as disturbed sleep and increased appetite. Usually, by the fourth week, the symptoms of withdrawal will subside.

ritalin withdrawal timeline

The Causes of Withdrawal

Ritalin is often abused by students who are attempting to improve their grades, athletes trying to enhance their performance, or those who want to stay awake, avoid sleep, or achieve a high. Individuals may binge on the drug for several hours to days at a time, or engage in chronic and daily use.

Abusing Ritalin may cause the development of a tolerance, which means that a person requires increasingly higher doses of Ritalin to achieve the same effects they experienced at lower doses. This form of repeated, regular use, unfortunately, leads to physical dependence and addiction. People who heavily abuse Ritalin and those who abuse the substance intravenously are more likely to become dependent.[2]

Consequently, individuals who become dependent on Ritalin or chronically abuse this substance often experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop consuming the drug.

While Ritalin withdrawal is not life-threatening, the effects of withdrawal may be physically and psychologically uncomfortable. As a result, individuals may relapse to ease their symptoms. Lastly, people may experience depression and suicidal thoughts when withdrawing from Ritalin. Because of this, it is necessary to attend professional drug detox in New Jersey when ending your Ritalin use.

Treatment for Ritalin Withdrawal

When an individual is experiencing Ritalin withdrawal, they should be doing so under the care and supervision of a detox program. Detox from Ritalin may take place in an outpatient program if the symptoms of withdrawal are mild. However, severe symptoms of withdrawal must be treated within an inpatient facility.

It is important to note that recovery does not stop at detoxification. Oftentimes, the presence of withdrawal symptoms indicates a more concerning problem with Ritalin abuse that goes beyond occasional, recreational use. Seeking ongoing treatment will decrease the risk of relapse and prevent an individual from experiencing addiction consequences of Ritalin abuse.

Common treatments for Ritalin abuse or addiction in New Jersey include:

  • Detox centers.
  • Inpatient treatment programs.
  • Outpatient treatment programs.
  • 12-step support groups.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment programs.

In the above-mentioned programs, individuals with Ritalin use disorder will receive varying levels of care that include a variety of treatment modalities. Most notably, these programs include medical treatment for underlying conditions, detoxification from Ritalin, management of Ritalin withdrawal symptoms, individual therapy, group counseling, and aftercare support.

Therapies utilized in Ritalin addiction treatment may include:[3]

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy helps users learn to recognize how their thoughts contribute to their behaviors. Also, CBT teaches strategies for managing cravings and learning new, healthier behaviors as an alternative to Ritalin abuse.
  • Contingency management. This therapy method provides rewards such as vouchers for positive behaviors. Positive behaviors may include passing a urine drug screening or celebrating 30 days sober. These vouchers may be used to purchase certain items that promote health and wellness.
  • Matrix Model. This treatment modality is designed to help patients who are addicted to stimulants, such as Ritalin. The Matrix Model combines group and individual therapy, relapse prevention, addiction education, and family therapy.
  • Individual counseling. Individual therapy helps patients come to terms with their drug use and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of their addiction.
  • Group counseling. This collaborative form of counseling allows patients to explore the psychological and social aspects of their addiction within the support of a group. Many addiction professionals consider group therapy as an essential aspect of the recovery process.

Find Help Today

If you or a loved one are suffering from the effects of Ritalin withdrawal or addiction, please consider attending professional stimulant addiction treatment in New Jersey. At New Jersey Interventions, we can help connect you with a treatment facility that fits your every need. However, if your loved one is unwilling to attend treatment for Ritalin addiction, we can host an addiction intervention with the help of your friends and family. Contact us for more information on finding addiction treatment or how to host an addiction intervention.

References:

  1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
  2. Ries, R. K., Fiellin, D. A., Miller, S. C., & Saitz, R. (2014). The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine: Fifth Edition. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  3. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/what-drug-addiction-treatment

Medically Reviewed: December 1, 2020

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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