Concerta is a prescription medication commonly used to treat ADHD among other mental health conditions.
While effective for its intended purpose, the drug possesses a high potential for addictiveness when misused, and can result in a substance use disorder and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a person you love is struggling with this Concerta dependence, this guide will have you covered with everything you need to know to set foot on the right path, including information about the drug, signs of addiction, evidence-based treatment approaches, and more.
Table of Contents
A Brief Overview of Methylphenidate Abuse
Concerta is the brand name of an FDA-approved central nervous system stimulant medication, called “Methylphenidate”.
The primary indication for Concerta is to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children, but it’s also used to treat other conditions, such as necropsy (sleep disorder).
Similar medications to Concerta include Ritalin, which contains the same active ingredient, Methylphenidate.
The main difference between the two is that Concerta comes in the form of extended-release tablets, so their effects last longer than Ritalin throughout the day.
These medications work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which play a crucial role in focus, attention, controlling impulsive behavior, and managing hyperactivity.
Despite the treatment’s effectiveness when used as prescribed, it carries a high potential for abuse and dependence when misused, which includes:
- Taking the drug without a medical prescription as a form of self-medication
- Exceeding the daily dose or administering the drug in other forms than prescribed
- Continuing to use the drug after the intended period
Effects of Concerta on the Brain
Methylphenidate works similar to how amphetamine treatments (like Adderall) work, but are generally less potent.
Its mechanism of action mainly revolves around its ability to block the reabsorption of norepinephrine and dopamine, increasing their concentration and prolonging their effect on the brain.
These chemicals play a crucial role in regulating attention and reward pathways, so as their concentration increases, patients with ADHD can experience enhanced focus and alertness.
However, when taken in high doses or through improper methods, the drug’s effect on the reward center becomes more pronounced, producing an intense feeling of euphoria.
Over time and continuous use, the prescription stimulant can lead to drug abuse, especially after associating the drug with pleasure.
For that reason, the drug is highly regulated and classified as a Schedule II prescription drug under the Controlled Substance Act.
The Problem with Concerta Addiction
A lot of individuals suffering from Concerta dependence may try to downplay its impact. However, this allows addiction to take root and further disrupts the brain’s reward system, making it much harder to quit in the future.
Additionally, Concerta abuse puts immense strain on the body, which leads to a wide range of physical and mental side effects.
For example, unregulated Concerta use can lead to various cardiovascular adverse effects, including increased heart rate, high risk of hypertension as well as heart attacks (more about the drug’s effects in the following sections.)
Additionally, Concerta abuse may lead to becoming addicted to more dangerous drugs. This happens when individuals suffering from Concerta addiction resort to other addictive drugs to cope with the effects of Methylphenidate addiction.
This is common even among individuals who initially use Concerta to treat ADHD. As they develop tolerance to Methylphenidate, they end up seeking more potent drugs trying to manage their condition.
How Common is Concerta Misuse in New Hampshire?
The high potential for stimulant addiction makes it a problem all over the nation and not just in New Hampshire.
According to a national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 1.8 5.1 million people used stimulants in 2020 alone, with young adults making up a significant portion of the users.
Research also shows that the drug is abused in New Hampshire for its focus-enhancing properties, making it a popular “study drug” while ignoring its serious adverse effects on health.
The findings of these reports were also confirmed by other nationwide studies published through the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The Adverse Effects of Concerta Addiction
Concerta addiction leads to a wide range of effects that may vary depending on the severity of addiction and individual differences.
These far-reaching adverse effects can impact various aspects of the body and mind. Here’s a quick look at them:
Physical Effects
- Increased cardiovascular strain, which leads to high body temperature and increased blood pressure.
- High risk of strokes, arrhythmias, and heart attacks (especially in the case of Concerta overdose.)
- Chest tightness with noticeable discomfort and difficulty breathing
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- High risk of convulsions and seizures
- Restlessness
- Nausea with stomach pain
- Loss of appetite and significant weight loss
Psychological Effects
- Excessive chattiness and rebound hyperactivity
- Anxiety, psychosis, and paranoia
- Severe mood swings
- Aggressive behaviors
- Depression and developing suicidal thoughts
Behavioral Effects
- Engaging in risky activities
- Doctor shopping and preoccupation with obtaining concerta or any form
- Social isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities and personal hygiene
Concerta Addiction Treatment Options
Overcoming Concerta addiction requires a comprehensive treatment program that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition and Concerta withdrawal symptoms.
Luckily, various addiction treatment programs can help with that regard. Here’s a quick look at them:
Medical Detoxification
The first step in any form of addiction is medical detoxification. This is where the process of eliminating methylphenidate and its metabolites from the body completely.
This requires a structured approach to overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with this type of addiction.
Attempting to quit Concerta without medical supervision is highly discouraged because sudden cessation of the drug can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Instead, the drug dose is reduced gradually over a specific time frame to allow the body to adjust.
The duration of the process typically depends on how long the withdrawal symptoms last, which are directly associated with the intensity of addiction.
Doctors will also prescribe some supportive medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and adverse effects of Concerta. This is known as medication-assisted treatment.
Since substance use disorders vary in severity, there are different types of detox settings to suit different situations, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment includes full admission to rehab facilities to receive round-the-clock medical attention, supervision, and support.
This is the recommended approach for individuals with severe Concerta addiction in addition to those who suffer from co-occurring mental health conditions or have a history of relapses or failed attempts to fully recover.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient detox allows individuals to return home each night while receiving medical support during the day. As you can notice, this form of treatment is much more flexible, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
This is because doctors will only recommend it for mild cases of addiction that don’t need 24/7 supervision. It also requires a strong support system at home.
Outpatient treatment programs also vary in level of restrictions depending on the addiction severity. For example, intensive outpatient treatment allows residing at home during treatment but with extended sessions at rehab facilities during the day.
Behavioral Therapy
After detox, the core of Concerta addiction treatment focuses on behavioral therapy which works by addressing the underlying reasons that led to the addiction in the first place.
Through individual therapy sessions with a qualified professional, individuals learn to recognize the situations, emotions, and thoughts that trigger their desire to use Concerta.
One specific type of behavioral therapy has proven highly effective in addiction treatment, known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.
This evidence-based approach focuses heavily on understanding the negative thought pattern that leads to substance abuse and works on fixing it.
Other forms of behavioral therapy that also show effective results in treating many cases is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, also known as “DBT”.
Unlike CBT, this one focuses more on the emotional aspect of addiction in addition to acknowledging the validity of both acceptance and change.
DBT also allows recovering patients to learn essential communication skills to build and maintain healthy relationships while setting healthy boundaries.
Group Counseling
Group therapy is also effective in treating different types of addiction, as it provides a sense of community that overcomes the isolation associated with substance abuse.
Group sessions also allow patients to share and learn from each other’s experiences, which encourages them to grow a sense of accountability and connection during recovery.
Halfway Homes
After completing treatment, some patients may have a hard time returning to their normal life, especially if their recovery takes a long time.
In that case, halfway homes can bridge that gap and offer a drug-free intermediate residence to reduce the risk of relapse.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of a Personalized Treatment Plan
A successful recovery journey often incorporates a personalized approach that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
If you or your loved one is struggling with Concerta addiction, Live Free Recovery Services treatment center offers comprehensive and individualized treatment programs designed to support long-term recovery.
Published on: 2024-05-07
Updated on: 2024-05-07