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| Addiction to Ritalin |
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- Methylphenidate (MPH), most commonly known as Ritalin, ranks in
the top 10 most frequently reported controlled pharmaceuticals stolen from
licensed handlers.
- Abuse of MPH can lead to marked tolerance and severe psychic
dependence.
- Organized drug trafficking groups in a number of states have
utilized various schemes to obtain MPH for resale on the illicit market.
- MPH is abused by diverse segments of the population, from
health care professions and children to street addicts.
- A significant number of children and adolescents are diverting
or abusing MPH medication intended for the treatment of ADHD.
- In 1994, a national high school survey (Monitoring the Future)
indicated that more seniors in the U.S. abuse Ritalin than are prescribed
Ritalin legitimately.
- Students are giving and selling their medication to classmates
who are crushing and snorting the powder like cocaine. In March of 1995, two
deaths in Mississippi and Virginia were associated with this activity.
- DAWN statistics on estimated emergency room mentions indicate
that there were 271 mentions in 1990, 657 mentions in 1991, 1,044 mentions in
1992, and 725 in 1993 (of which 28% to 40% were associated with abuse for
dependence or psychological effects). The number of mentions for MPH was
significantly greater than mentions for Schedule III stimulants (6 mentions in
1992 and 1 mention in 1993 for all Schedule III stimulants).
- The U.S. manufactures and consumes 5-times more MPH than the
rest of the world combined.
- MPH aggregate production quota has increased almost 6-fold
since 1990.
- Every indicator available, including scientific abuse
liability studies, actual abuse, paucity of scientific studies on possible
adverse effects associated with long-term use of stimulants, divergent
prescribing practices of U.S. physicians, and lack of concurrent medical
treatment and follow-up, urge greater caution and more restrictive use of
MPH.
Get Help
Now! Fill out the information form
here
or call 770.317.4858 |
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