26 Mar

What Happens When You Mix Ritalin and Other Drugs?

For many people, drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are the perfect study aid and there is usually a large market on college campuses for these drugs. These pills can fetch $10-$15 apiece, especially during midterms and finals. 

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is a drug designed to alter the production of certain chemicals in your brain, and taking it recreationally when you do not require it can be extremely dangerous (especially when they are mixed with other substances.) Ritalin is a stimulant prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy and it works by altering the production of certain chemicals to cut down on impulsive behaviors and increase focus in people who require it. Altering your brain when not needed is unhealthy and can cause serious health issues, especially following prolonged abuse.  

These types of medications are prescribed by psychiatrists who are familiar with how Ritalin or other prescriptions affect the brain. Because drugs like Ritalin target the reward centers in the brain and produce a sensation of euphoria, it is easy to develop an addiction. This addiction can then affect the brain’s production of certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine which regulate the pleasure centers, motor skills and attention span. And, being that any changes in the brain’s production of these chemicals can impair functioning, long-term problems can develop when Ritalin is stopped. 

Dangers of Mixing Ritalin and Other Drugs

When someone is mixing Ritalin and other drugs, the effects are both magnified and hidden. Being able to drink large quantities of alcohol is an added “benefit” of stimulant abuse, and users typically consume far more than they normally would. Alcohol changes the manner in which the brain processes the Ritalin and mixing it with other substances can cause unexpected results many of which are quite unwanted, like a heart attack, a stroke or death. Being that it can mask the effects of alcohol, a person mixing Ritalin and other drugs will not feel the effects of alcohol until it becomes too much, and they pass out, hopefully somewhere they can be monitored, at least by a friend. 

Oddly enough one of the most dangerous substances to mix with Ritalin is perfectly legal and extremely common and sold in bars everywhere — caffeine. Anything with lots of caffeine like chocolate, sodas, and coffee should be avoided at all costs. When these types of legal snacks can cause complications, other stimulants like ecstasy, methamphetamines, or cocaine can cause fatal interactions. 

Abusing someone else’s Ritalin and mixing it with other drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy can increase the risk of anxiety and panic attacks. It can also increase the risk of other problems associated with stimulant use, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and even substance-induced psychosis. Ritalin abuse has been shown to cause kidney damage, liver disease, renal failure, tics, glaucoma, seizure disorders, psychiatric disorders, panic disorders, and more. 

Drug Detox in California

If you or someone you know is addicted to Ritalin or another stimulant whether prescribed or not, and it is time to get straight and get clean, contact MD Home Detox as they are a nationwide company, specializing in treatment for addiction but in the comfort and security of your own home domicile. They have a full team from doctors, in-home nurses, sober companions, workout partners and even nutritionists. There is no facet of recovery that they do not treat, and better, they do it in your own home away from prying eyes. 

You can call MD Home Detox at (888) 592-7931 or, click here to email them and take control of your addiction, stop harming yourself and damaging your future and body. Contact them today!