Concerta Addiction, Stimulants Abuse & Treatment

What is Concerta?

Concerta is the brand name for the medication methylphenidate, used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some people abuse the substance for a strong high or other purposes such as improving school performance, staying alert, or losing weight.

Legal Status in the UK

Methylphenidate is classed as a Class B substance under the Misuse of Medications Act, categorising drugs that are recognised to have some medicinal benefit but are extremely likely to be abused. Methylphenidate is classified as a schedule II substance by the International Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

• Addiction in the Family: Someone who comes from a drug-abusing family is more likely to get addicted. This could be due to a person’s genetic propensity. A person with a blood relative who is addicted to drugs, for example, maybe at a higher risk of getting addicted.
• Mental Illness: Mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are known to enhance the risk of Concerta addiction. The psychoactive drug is abused primarily to cope with unpleasant feelings such as loneliness, stigma, anxiety, and sadness.
• Peer Pressure: Peer pressure leads to the overuse and abuse of drugs by a substantial percentage of young people.
• Lack of Family Involvement: Today’s hectic lifestyles provide parents with little time to watch and guide their children. Addiction is more likely for teenagers in such challenging familial conditions.
• Early Use: People who begin using drugs at a young age risk affecting their brain development and increasing their risks of further drowning in drug addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Concerta Addiction

A person who utilises Concerta runs the risk of developing a stimulant use disorder.

Symptoms of Concerta use disorder are outlined below:

• Concerta is frequently obtained illegally by the individual.
• The individual uses Concerta in ways that aren’t recommended, including grinding it up and snorting it, taking it in higher doses than recommended, mixing it with other drugs, etc.
• The person has phases of enhanced vitality, talkativeness, sociability and a decreased need for sleep, followed by periods of lethargy, sleepiness, isolation, and depression.
• Empty prescription bottles are frequently discovered on the person or in their possessions.
• When someone tries to talk to them about how they use Concerta, they become enraged or defensive.
• There are signs of snorting Concerta, such as a runny nose, redness around the nose, nosebleeds, etc.

Concerta Addiction withdrawal symptoms

Concerta withdrawal symptoms, sometimes known as ‘Concerta crash,’ appear in various ways. The symptoms, however, differ based on the amount of Concerta consumed and the length of time the client was addicted to it. Long-term users of the substance are more prone to have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Concerta’s common withdrawal symptoms include sadness, nightmares, nausea, abnormal heart rate, panic attacks, irregular blood pressure, irritability, anxiety, headaches, dysphoria, cloudy thinking, increased appetite, excessive exhaustion, and psychosis.

Because some Concerta withdrawal symptoms are unbearable and harsh, users are strongly encouraged to undertake a medically assisted detoxification process under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid relapsing and quitting.

Dangers and Effects of Concerta Addiction and Abuse

Although it is impossible to predict how exactly the drug will impact an individual, there are several potential side effects to be aware of.

Side Effects of Concerta use

When taken in low dosages and within therapeutic ranges, central nervous system stimulants like Concerta have vital medical applications; however, people who abuse them may have a variety of adverse side effects, including:

• Cardiovascular problems: Long-term Concerta abuse can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Other organ damage: Long-term usage of Concerta may cause stomach, liver, or kidney problems.
• Neurological problems: Long-term use of Concerta may cause tremors, repetitive but nonfunctional motor activities (e.g., tics), an increased risk of seizures, and cognitive impairments such as concentration, problem-solving, and memory problems.
• Psychiatric issues: In addition to developing a substance use disorder, people may experience extreme apathy or despair, delusional behaviour such as delusions of grandeur or paranoid delusions, increased aggressiveness, and hallucinations.
• Self-management neglect: People with chronic substance use problems frequently neglect their personal hygiene, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and disease.

How Concerta Abuse Affects the Brain and Body

Dopamine is involved in the brain’s movement, attention, learning, and pleasure system. In the brain, the chemical stimulates dopamine activity. When you misuse Concerta, it produces brain alterations that emerge as hostility, obsessive behaviour, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, mania, and disorientation, among other symptoms. Memory disorders and lifelong brain damage are also possibilities.

While the long-term consequences can be severe, the short-term consequences, such as decreased appetite and vomiting, might help weight loss. Vision issues, skin rashes, and an irregular heart rhythm that leads to a heart attack are all possible side effects.

Dangerous Effects of Concerta Addiction

Excessive use of this medicine can result in severe and sometimes fatal conditions. If you abuse substances by crushing and snorting tablets or any other method, your brain will undoubtedly experience negative consequences in the short and long term. You may acquire psychological difficulties if you use it frequently.

Physical repercussions of misuse and addiction, like overdose and toxicity, are not limited to the brain alone. Overdosing can cause hallucinations, confusion, toxic psychosis, and death. Other harmful effects of abuse and addiction include stroke, seizures, elevated heart rate, sleeplessness, psychological issues, and cardiovascular complications.

Abuse and addiction can have various effects on you or a loved one. While psychological and physical impacts are frequently highlighted, behavioural and emotional effects are also considered.

The emotional repercussions can often be more severe than the physical consequences. They’re especially problematic because they’re not often as obvious as bodily impacts. Even after overcoming addiction, emotional repercussions such as emotional trauma, low self-esteem, and a pessimistic attitude toward life might linger. We advocate seeking treatment in a rehab facility that includes therapy and counselling as part of the treatment plan.

Overdosing on Concerta

Concerta overdose happens when a large quantity of Concerta is consumed. Overdoes of Concerta cause convulsions, extreme perspiration, agitation, vomiting, muscle twitching, hallucinations, elevated heart rate, and profuse sweating. As a result, toxic levels in the body rise, potentially leading to central and sympathetic nervous system overstimulation.

Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Health and Concerta Addiction

There’s a chance you’re dealing with a dual diagnosis (that is, a mental condition that simultaneously occurs alongside your addiction). This could be the root of your addiction, particularly if you started taking Concerta to treat ADHD or Narcolepsy. Due to how Concerta modifies brain chemistry, your addiction could also cause the co-occurrent mental health disorder.

Concerta addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues or other substance addictions are addressed in dual diagnosis treatment. Because Concerta is frequently used with other drugs, this treatment is essential. If you’re taking Concerta with one or more other drugs – or using it during binges involving other medications – dual diagnosis treatment may be beneficial.

Concerta Addiction and The Impact on Relationships

Isolation is one of the side effects of misusing this chemical. This loneliness can cause significant social problems among your family, friends, coworkers, classmates, or even strangers. You probably don’t want anyone to know about your addiction, so you prefer to spend your time alone and away from people.

Isolation can harm your relationships just as much as other drug side effects like anger and violent behaviour. The individuals closest to you will undoubtedly suffer the most, but others may also be harmed as a result of your actions. This is why there are support groups for addicts’ families. It may begin with you, but addiction has far-reaching consequences for others around you.

Helping Someone with Concerta Addiction

Individuals suffering from Concerta addiction, abuse, misuse, or dependency can get help. When a person is diagnosed with Concerta addiction, it is recommended to get help as soon as possible. The type of treatment accessible to a person will be determined by the severity of their addiction.

Few people have the determination and inner strength to stop themselves from abusing Concerta. Most patients require a comprehensive rehabilitation programme with close supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms.

A proven track record of rehabilitation, abundant accommodation, and helpful staff are all things to look for. In such instances, finding an effective rehabilitation centre that offers inpatient or outpatient treatment is critical. Such facilities follow a tried-and-true procedure that includes activities that ensure successful addiction rehabilitation. The following are some of the advantages of such facilities:

• Detoxification under medical supervision.
• Individual/group therapy sessions
• Medical assessment
• Aftercare planning, such as moving into a sober living facility.
• The availability of a strong emotional support system as well as relapse prevention training.

Concerta Addiction Treatment

Individuals with persistent substance use disorders, such as methylphenidate use disorder, will almost always require professional help to recover. In the beginning, medical detox may be used to help them safely navigate the withdrawal symptoms they are likely to experience once they stop taking Concerta and prevent relapse from cravings that occur during withdrawal. Medical detox can assist an individual get through withdrawal more comfortably and avoiding relapse. However, it is useless to prevent relapse after the programme is over. Instead, the person must enrol in a professionally run substance abuse treatment programme. An effective treatment programme should include:

• Identification of any co-occurring psychiatric illnesses or health difficulties is usually done during the initial phases of treatment through a complete exam.
• Medical and psychiatric care might be needed, as well as treatment for any co-occurring illnesses.
• Standard substance abuse treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, helps people understand their addiction and change their thought patterns and actions to help them recover.
• Family support and participation in peer support groups, such as 12-Step meetings, provide social support.
• Any other specific interventions that may be required.

Concerta Addiction withdrawal and detox

Concerta withdrawal symptoms appear 24 hours after the last dose has been taken. However, in some instances, it may take many days. It usually takes fewer than seven days to complete the withdrawal process. Depending on the individual, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can last for months.

0-48h: The user will begin to suffer withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours after ceasing to use the medicine. The user experiences headaches, fatigue, difficulties concentrating, and cravings that can last for the first 2 days after taking the last dose.

Days 2-4: After 48 hours, the patient begins to experience mood swings as the symptoms worsen. Dysphoria, anxiety, and irritability may be overwhelming.

Days 5-14: As the body adjusts to the lack of Concerta, withdrawal symptoms fade, and the individual may easily manage them.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment Options

Clients with a milder Concerta addiction and minor withdrawal symptoms might consider outpatient treatment. This programme allows individuals to remain at home while receiving treatment and go about their regular routines. The majority of Concerta users are teenagers and young adults who are still in school or working. As a result, individuals may be resistant to the idea of giving up their jobs and staying in rehab.

Inpatient addiction treatment is the most intensive treatment option for Concerta rehab patients. The patient normally lives in the rehabilitation centre and has access to assistance and care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals who have a severe Concerta addiction or who have co-occurring mental health disorders should seek this type of treatment.

Therapy for Concerta Addiction

When you want to discontinue taking Concerta completely, several treatment and counselling choices are available. Your mental health history, if you’re misusing Concerta alongside other addictive substances, how determined you are to reach abstinence, and whether you have a good support network at home will all influence which programme is best for you.

Attending support groups and 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous, which gives a network of peers with similar experiences, can also be part of treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy are the most often used therapy strategies in treatment. If you’re looking for treatment for your adolescent, they can benefit from teen-specific behavioural therapies.

Statistics on Concerta Abuse and Addiction

• Psychiatric medicines have been prescribed to over 17 million youngsters worldwide.
• When people without ADHD misuse the drug, they feel an increase in energy and exhilaration.
• Concerta has been abused by around one-third of college students.