subject: Knowing Stimulant Drug Addiction [print this page] Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a type of developmental disorder characterized by inability to focus and attend to specific tasks. Impulsive behaviour is also common among ADHD patients and also hyperactivity. It is commonly diagnosed among children who show behavior far beyond what regular children do. We all know that children are active and love adventure. But ADHD patients are way much active and lack the ability to follow instructions when given. Recent statistics are showing that three to five percent of school aged children are diagnosed with this particular disorder. This is a problem especially to parents who only want the best for their children. Clinical breakthrough however, has provided medicines for this type of disorder.
Concerta, commonly known as methylphenidate, is a drug primarily intended for ADHD. It aims to improve attention and mental focus, a problem faced by ADHD patients. It stimulates the nervous system by increasing mental alertness and overcoming fatigue. This particular medicine is also advised to treat narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder. Narcoleptic patients have trouble staying awake even at daytime. Intake of concerta helps patients stay awake and focus during the day so that they can live productive lives. Some people use this drug also for obesity problems because it inhibits food cravings and thus lead to lesser food intake. This medication is a prescription medication which requires a doctor's approval before use.
Like many stimulant drugs, Concerta has addictive properties which are detrimental to the body. The incidence of concerta addiction has risen dramatically over the years. Many of its victims are young college students abusing the drug for studying purposes. Concerta gives the user with the ability to stay focus specially during studying for major examinations. That is why illicit use of this medication has been common among college students. It keeps them awake and focused all night studying.
Concerta addiction is developed when there is a prolonged use of the drug and usually starts with dependence. A greater need to feel the stimulating effects makes users long for this drug. Depression and physical weakness are often felt after the drug effects have lapsed. These reasons make users want to take the drug again and again in order to feel the same alert, active effects. Before long, the habit has been developed and difficulty of withdrawing from the drug is experienced. There's a way out for individuals with addiction. It starts with recognition and acceptance of the problem. Once identified and recognized, seeking therapy is much easier and smoother because the desire for change has started from within and not imposed.
