Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with over 15.5 million prescriptions being written in 2016.
Among the brand names that methylphenidate is sold under are Ritalin and Concerta. Methylphenidate is associated with a risk of abuse and dependence, so it is classified as a schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Regular methylphenidate use can rapidly lead to the development of tolerance, even when used as prescribed. Tolerance is characterized by a diminishing effect of the drug over time, which can prompt people to increase the dose or frequency that they take methylphenidate. Methylphenidate tolerance is associated with the development of physical dependence and the presence of withdrawal symptoms if its use is abruptly reduced or stopped altogether.
Methylphenidate addiction can develop if dependence is not appropriately managed. Drugs of addiction, including methylphenidate and other central nervous system stimulants, increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is a major event in the development of addiction. When drugs that artificially increase dopamine are regularly taken, activity in the brain’s “reward system” motivates additional use. Methylphenidate addiction is characterized by obsessive drug-seeking behavior even in the face of adverse health and social consequences.
Overcoming methylphenidate use disorders can be very challenging, especially if done without help. For many people, professional rehab programs that are designed to treat prescription stimulant use disorders may offer the most effective path to a successful recovery.