*Trigger warning: please note that this article mentions substance abuse, drugs and eating disorders.
Ritalin and Concerta are cognitive stimulants, prescribed to people diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the misuse of these substances and quick addiction to them, is something which doctors and counsellors claim is swept under the carpet far too often.
Ritalin and Concerta are cognitive enhancers which are used widely among the student population. These products are acquired with prescriptions, or are bought illegally from others.
This is according to Dr Richard Sykes, a psychiatrist from Pretoria. “It is a major problem, when these substances are being used without a prescription, or misused with one,” he said.
“It is a major problem, when these substances are being used without a prescription or misused with one.”
Both Ritalin and Concerta are prescribed to people diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), explained Sykes. They work by acting on the central nervous system, to increase levels of dopamine, he said.
Ritalin and Concerta are cognitive stimulants used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, the widespread misuse is a “major problem” according to Dr Richard Sykes. VIDEO: Erin Walls
People who are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, have a physiological difference in their brain compared to someone who is not, said Charlie Van de Erve from Cross Roads Recovery in Johannesburg.
“The differences [around brain size] and sizes in parts of the brain are the most noticeable,” said Van de Erve.
Informing yourself
Chris Olivier, a counsellor at Integrated Life in Stellenbosch, specialises in addiction and other life challenges. Olivier had his own problems with substance abuse when he was younger, and is on a mission to help people to recover from addiction.
“Because Ritalin and Concerta are made in a lab and are medically approved, it is not deemed to be problematic when misused. As opposed to using cocaine, which one would be horrified at. It should not be this way, it is still a mind-altering substance, and should be taken as seriously.”
“Prescription abuse on campus is more prominent than we think, and people seek help more than we think. It is always okay to ask for help,” said Chris Olivier. PHOTO: Erin Walls
Olivier claims that he believes Ritalin is prescribed too quickly, especially in schools. “If you fall outside of what is deemed to be “normal behaviour”, I find medication such as Ritalin is used as an immediate solution, as opposed to addressing what the real issue may be,” he said.
“No one will be able to tell someone what to do. The only thing people can do is inform themselves. If you are not diagnosed [with ADHD/ADD] and do not have a prescription, you do not know what it can do to you,” said Olivier.
To self-medicate or to not self-medicate
“Besides the mental and physical effects one may have from taking Ritalin or Concerta, there are legality issues. How did someone obtain these substances without a prescription?” asked Olivier.
A user of Ritalin who has not been prescribed this medication, and wishes to remain anonymous, claims they obtain Ritalin through various means.
“I often get it through family members who have prescriptions, or through my friends who sell it or have an excess amount,” they said.
Misuse of Ritalin and Concerta can stem from studying under pressure, or for recreational reasons to have fun, according to Chris Olivier. PHOTO: Erin Walls
The anonymous person claims they take it when studying under pressure, and uses it seasonally. “Many students, including myself, find that even though it may not be needed as we are not ADHD or ADD, it helps get the work done – especially during exam time,” they said.
Addiction happens quickly
Studies have found that Ritalin is far easier to become addicted to, as opposed to Concerta, according to Van de Erve. Despite both substances having the same ingredient, methylphenidate, Ritalin has an immediate-release form. Concerta has a long-acting releasing form, according to Van de Erve. Methylphenidate is the addictive component of the stimulants, he says.
Sykes explained that those who do get addicted to these stimulants, will go to lengths such as falsifying prescriptions and going to different pharmacies. “We find that people take a lot of Ritalin tablets a day, to curb another addiction such as cocaine, as they believe it is less severe,” he explained.
A sign of addiction is a loss of control, from not achieving goals or finding an intense reliance on these stimulants, when it is not prescribed, said Chris Olivier. VIDEO: Erin Walls
Ritalin, apart from being an immediate-release form, is also easy to crush and take through one’s nose, creating an even faster release – making it even more easily addictive, according to Sykes.
“If someone finds themselves questioning… ‘Do I have a problem?’, whether having been prescribed the medication or not, it is already problematic. The best way out is to ask for help,” said Olivier.
The signs one should look out for in terms of addiction, according to Olivier, could include:
- Loss of control, when someone takes more of a dosage than they intended to.
- An increase of tolerance towards Ritalin or Concerta.
- Taking more substances to cure a “hangover” as a result of too much Ritalin or Concerta.
- Forgetfulness.
- Taking it solely to curb your appetite to lose weight, which results in eating disorders.
- Hypervigilance.
- Poor impulse control.
Many people are not aware of the side effects of Ritalin and Concerta. “I am not bothered, it is prescribed so much– how bad can it be?” an anonymous source told MatieMedia. VIDEO: Erin Walls
Olivier explains that when someone comes to see him regarding misuse or addiction, he helps pinpoint the reason why they take it, or “the big lie” they tell themselves, which gives them a reason to take it, he says.
“I would not say I am addicted, per se. However, I do really enjoy the feeling of being on Ritalin. It makes you feel more focused,” said the anonymous person.
Misuse leads to stigma
The problem stems from people conning themselves into thinking they need Ritalin or Concerta to study or to achieve better marks, according to Olivier. He questions whether students struggle with the workload in university, or if they need to manage their time better.
“I find when people use it as a party drug, or as a once-off to study, it undermines those who really need it.”
“I cannot understand why people without prescriptions think it is a good idea to take Ritalin or Concerta. One needs to question what the lie is that they are telling themselves, which sustains this habit or addiction,” said Olivier.
The misuse and abuse of Ritalin and Concerta can lead to the stigmatisation of those with ADD and ADHD, according to Chelsey Ross, a BSc student from the University of Pretoria. “It fuels narrow-minded opinions,” she said. PHOTO: Erin Walls
Chelsey Ross, a BSc student from the University of Pretoria was diagnosed with ADHD in Grade 1. “My teacher told my mom I had learning difficulties, and I went for a range of tests and was diagnosed shortly after,” Ross says.
Ross explains that she finds the abuse and misuse of Ritalin and Concerta leads to the stigmatisation of those with ADD and ADHD.
“If someone finds themselves questioning, ‘do I have a problem?’, with a prescription or not, it is already problematic. The best way out is to ask for help.”
“I find when people use it as a party drug, or as a once-off to study, it undermines those who really need it. I also do not find it smart to be taking something unprescribed,” she said. “It fuels the untrue narrative that diagnosed people are stupid, and do not need it.”
According to the anonymous person, they “have used it recreationally – many times. It does eventually lead to harder drugs. I have experienced that and see the harm in that.”
*Accurate data regarding usage of Ritalin and Concerta could not be given due to patient confidentiality.
*If you find you are struggling with any form of substance abuse, please contact:
Narcotics Anonymous South Africa