Ritalin and other stimulant medications do help effectively manage ADHD. But research and lived experiences suggest these medications can be misused.

Prescription stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, have helped many children and adults manage their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. However, as Ritalin use has increased, so has the debate over whether the drug is being overprescribed.
Some medical professionals claim the increase in prescriptions is due to a greater understanding of ADHD and increased acceptance among parents of Ritalin’s effectiveness.
Others believe that medical professionals, perhaps under pressure from parents looking for urgent help in coping with their children’s symptoms, may not take the time necessary to properly diagnose the condition before prescribing stimulants.
Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system stimulant medication prescribed for people who have ADHD. It is also used for the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
Ritalin is thought to work by increasing attention and decreasing impulsiveness associated with ADHD. It does this by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
In addition, Ritalin is a
Still, according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than
More prescriptions than patients in the U.S.?
Additional data suggests the United States accounts for less than 5% of the world’s population but
The average prescription is 5 to 10 milligrams for kids and 20 to 30 milligrams for adults.
In 2016, Vermont ranked as the highest state for methylphenidate use. It was estimated that, based on the prescriptions of that year, there was so much that every Vermont resident could have taken 121.24 milligrams of methylphenidate.
For comparison, Nevada ranked as the state with the lowest consumption, with an estimated 19.70 milligrams per resident in 2016.
Stats on prescription
The exact numbers of children prescribed Ritalin are difficult to pinpoint. However, according to
kids (6–11) with ADHD prescribed stimulants | 69% |
teens (12–17) with ADHD prescribed stimulants | 62% |
adults prescribed Ritalin | 6.6% |
total estimated prescriptions for Ritalin in the United States (2019) | 14,233,405 |
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data estimate that in 2016, around 540,000 people ages 12 or older had a stimulant use disorder. Of those:
- 56,000 were adolescents ages 12 to 17
- 170,000 were young adults ages 18 to 25
- 315,000 were adults ages 26 or older
Ritalin misuse
The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that about
Interestingly, Adderall may be a more popular choice than Ritalin for misuse among young adults.
“Jared,” a 21-year-old college student who prefers to remain anonymous, told Psych Central:
“From what I’ve seen, kids in my generation get their hands on Adderall more so than Ritalin. They can go to a healthcare [professional] and claim to have symptoms and easily get a prescription.”
Jared adds, “It is also something that people can sell to other kids around them — which is a common occurrence among college students. During exams, half the room of kids are on Adderall typically… they either take the pills or crush the pills up and snort them for faster results.”
Elliot Reimers, a sports medicine certified nutrition coach in Idaho Springs, Colorado, says, “Studies have shown that those who took Ritalin and did not have ADHD suffered from less-than-ideal side effects, including sleep disruption and changes in brain chemistry.”
However, it’s worth noting that some
Despite the potential for misuse, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are considered an effective treatment option for people with ADHD. Still, there are a few things to consider before seeking a prescription for yourself or your child.
Pros
- It may help manage ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity, poor focus, and inattention.
- Research suggests Ritalin may continue to benefit children and adolescents with ADHD even after long-term use in study participants.
- One
scientific report suggests Ritalin may help with motivation and the willingness to complete complex tasks as compared to withdrawing treatment.
Cons
- Ritalin can cause severe side effects, including heart problems and the worsening of underlying mental health conditions.
- Research suggests that long-term effects of taking Ritalin are poorly understood on a broad scale.
- Use of Ritalin may lead to misuse and even substance use disorder.
- The ease of prescription access and surplus of floating prescriptions makes it easy for caregivers or teens to illegally sell or give away meds if they have a prescription.
“Medications like Ritalin can be life-saving for both children and parents alike, but it is important that they do not replace good nutrition and exercise,” Reimers says.
He suggests that healthcare professionals consider having their patients properly tested and seek a second opinion before prescribing Ritalin. Reimers points to Ritalin’s potential to increase a person’s risk of high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and the development of new mental health conditions.
Although Ritalin and other stimulant medications are generally safe for short-term use, their long-term effects aren’t fully understood.
However, a
Ritalin and other stimulant medications do help children and adults manage their ADHD symptoms. However, research and real-world experiences indicate that these meds are far too easily available in the United States and that people with and without ADHD misuse them.
These medications can cause harmful side effects and carry the risk of dependency or substance use disorder. So, it’s critical to go through the steps necessary to receive a proper diagnosis before obtaining a prescription.
For people who take Ritalin, it’s also important to follow up with the prescribing healthcare professional to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh the risks during treatment.
Resources to help yourself and others
The Food and Drug Administration has prescription take-back locations throughout the United States to keep unused meds out of circulation and away from the Black Market.
If you think you or someone you know may have an addiction to prescription stimulants, help is available. Consider talking with your healthcare team or contacting SAMHSA’s national helpline for free, confidential, 24/7 substance use disorder assistance or referral.