Millions of people in the United States take prescription stimulant drugs to treat ADHD and other conditions. Some of these stimulants have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Ritalin is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs. People who take prescription Ritalin may abuse it, and some use it recreationally for its stimulant effects.
Ritalin abuse can lead to addiction and other complications. This article will explore how long Ritalin stays in your system after you stop taking it. You will learn:
- How Ritalin abuse and addiction occur
- How to recognize Ritalin abuse
- How long Ritalin may stay in your body
- How long drug tests can detect Ritalin
- Where to find Ritalin addiction treatment
If you or someone you love needs help to overcome Ritalin addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs at First Step Behavioral Health. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting us today.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the brand name for a drug called methylphenidate. Doctors may prescribe Ritalin to help patients manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions.
People with ADHD and other conditions may notice a decrease in their ADHD symptoms when taking central nervous system stimulant drugs. Some people also experience pleasurable side effects, including euphoria, when taking it. People may begin abusing it and become addicted over time.
Some people take Ritalin without a prescription. Recreational use of stimulant medications can cause severe medical and mental health complications, including addiction.
People who abuse Ritalin must stop. People who cannot stop on their own must seek professional treatment.
Understanding Ritalin Abuse and Addiction
Ritalin causes the brain to release more dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems. People may abuse Ritalin by:
- Taking higher doses
- Taking doses more often
- Using Ritalin longer than prescribed
- Ingesting it differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Taking Ritalin without a prescription
Over time, Ritalin abuse can change how the brain and body function. These changes can make it very hard for someone to stop taking Ritalin.
If someone attempts to stop taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. People may continue taking Ritalin even though it causes significant problems. Over time, people may develop physical dependence.
Some signs of Ritalin abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal pain or GI symptoms
- Heart palpitations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Depression
- Excessive sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation or mood swings
It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of Ritalin abuse.
How Long Does Ritalin Stay in Your System?
People with Ritalin addiction who want to stop taking it must go through a detoxification period. During detox, the body clears Ritalin and other substances from the system before returning to its natural, balanced state. This can take days, weeks, or longer.
There are several factors that affect how long Ritalin remains in the body. These include:
- The type of Ritalin you took
- Your metabolism
- Age
- Gender
- General health
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Weight and body composition
- Liver health
While these factors can impact how long it takes the body to eliminate the drug, drug tests can typically detect controlled substances for a set period.
How Long Will Ritalin Show Up on a Drug Screening?
Ritalin may remain in the body after its effects wear off. Certain drug screening tests can detect the presence of Ritalin and its metabolites for hours or days after people stop taking it.
Here is an overview of how long Ritalin may appear on a drug screening test.
Urine test
Urinalysis tests are the most common form of drug screening because they are inexpensive and non-invasive. This type of testing may detect Ritalin in urine for up to 48 hours after a person’s last dose.
Blood test
Blood tests may detect Ritalin up to 24 hours after their last dose.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests may detect Ritalin up to 3 days after their final dose.
Hair follicle test
Hair testing typically has a longer period of detection than other tests. The detection window for hair testing may be as long as 90 days.
Many factors can affect how quickly Ritalin is eliminated from the body. If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign you need addiction treatment.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
Prescription stimulant abuse can harm your physical and emotional health. It can be very challenging to overcome stimulant addiction, but having the right support and treatment can help.
If you or someone you love struggles with Ritalin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs, verify insurance, or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ritalin
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Methylphenidate
- Science Direct: Methylphenidate: Its Pharmacology and Uses
- NIH: PharmGKB summary: Methylphenidate Pathway, Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
