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Ritalin and the thin line between benefit and danger. PLEASE ADVISE

Updated on November 16, 2016 in Share Challenges
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1 on November 15, 2016

I used to be a frequent user of street drugs and alcohol. I used marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms, alcohol, DXM, pain pills, benzos, opium, and the list goes on and on.

Thankfully I have not used any street drugs or alcohol for over a year! However, I am currently battling the toughest chemical addiction I have ever experienced…Ritalin.

I was prescribed Ritalin several years ago for ADD. At first it was very helpful and I took it as prescribed. Then, the “drug-using, self-medicating, confused” part of me realized I could take more of the Ritalin and even snort it to achieve a cocaine-like high.

I have been abusing my medication on-and-off over the past 4 years, and it started to become a bigger problem this past year.

I had my SPECT scans done in Oct 2016. The results obviously showed damage from all of the illicit drug use, and also showed issues with my PFC (which is why I have symptoms of ADD). I am working towards a better brain, and my biggest roadblock has been the question of how to handle the Ritalin.

I need a stimulant to help my PFC functioning, so I’m glad that I have the Ritalin. BUT everytime I reach for that bottle of pills I’m faced with the temptation to take more than I need and/or snort it. And I’ll be honest, I fall to temptation more often than I overcome it… 🙁

If I don’t take Ritalin I don’t function well with work, social life, and even things like tidiness and hygiene.

Can anyone offer suggestions on methods of reforming my habits and learning how to be responsible with my medication?

(P.S.: I’ve been trying NA meetings, a rehab program, and will be starting ind. therapy.)

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Coach_Zoe 0 on November 16, 2016

Really glad you are seeking support for this, Terence. In addition to the individual therapy you are starting, which is wonderful, I would also suggest using the tools here, such as the One Page Miracle, to outline what you want for yourself long term. It is hard for us to focus on prevention, since it is out of our sights, and a “long way off” in many ways. We are used to “reacting” more to situations than preventing, but hopefully seeing the SPECT scan results was helpful in showing you want you the damage you want to avoid more of down the line that will likely come with misuse of Ritalin. Reminding yourself of what you want in terms of health, function, relationships, etc. can help you to be more mindful of the actions we are taking today to either bring us closer to our dreams or further away. 

Biologically, be sure to keep up with whole foods eating, avoiding sugars and processed foods as much as possible, having regular sources of protein every few hours for PFC function, and getting adequate hydration. When we eat well, we make better decisions, and cravings tend to reduce. You may consider Craving Control in addition to a multivitamin, B-complex, and others the doctor may have recommended during your evaluation. You may creave less of the stimulant when these other factors are in place. Additionally, sleep and exercise regimens are essential for optimal brain and body function.
Best to you!-Coach Zoe

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