Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to treat ADHD, ADD, and other conditions. It produces pharmacological effects similar to cocaine and amphetamines which makes it a target for misuse and abuse. Recent research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry explores the risks and rewards attached to using Ritalin to treat kids and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Read more about preventing teen substance abuse by clicking here.

Earlier research results suggested that prescribing Ritalin to teens offered a measure of protection against the abuse of other drugs. A Harvard study has found that when the teens reach early adulthood this protective effect is gone. They did not find evidence of an increased risk of substance abuse for teens who had been using Ritalin. The current thinking remains that prescribing Ritalin (or a similar stimulant) will reduce the risk of an adolescent developing a substance abuse disorder.

There are some side effects that parents should consider before using stimulants to treat ADHD or ADD. Kids and teens might lose a lot of weight and struggle to fall asleep. Some people are worried about how their kids growth rate is affected. Although the child will take longer to grow fully they will still grow to where they should have anyway.

Leaving ADHD untreated has also got consequnces. Children and adults with untreated ADHD are twice as likely to develop depression or anxiety disorders. ADHD compounds substance abuse disorders like drug and alcohol abuse. A residential teen addiction treatment center will address these issues integratively so that the co-occurring disorder is properly managed within the context of the addiction.

There is a fear that children will end up becoming addicted to their Ritalin and start increasing their doses to chase a high. This only happens in a very small proportion of kids and the majority of teens on Ritalin are using it to feel normal and not to get high. If they are not experiencing a high from the drug they are unlikely to become addicted to it.

ADHD is thought to help prevent substance abuse by helping teens to manage their impulsivity. Kids with ADHD often have poor impulse control. As teens this can translate into acting out in dangerous behaviours and experimenting with illicit drugs. Ritalin is thought to help reduce this risk.

There are alternative medicines to Ritalin and other stimulants that can be considered. They are generally less effective but 70-80% of children still benefit from using them. One such drug is Strattera. Non-drug interventions using cognitive-behavioural therapy can be a very powerful addition to a medication regime but are not yet able to fully treat ADHD independently.

Teens need to be treated in a specialist unit and ideally not mixed with adults in a drug rehab facility. They have unique needs and need to be protected from adult influences. If you are looking for a residential adolescent treatment program please contact us and we would be glad to help you.