What is Concerta?

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What is Concerta?

Concerta is one of the brand names for the medication methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin. Concerta is used as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, it is easy to abuse when users are in search of a Concerta high.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant that helps with impulsive behaviors and can help with focus and concentration. Concerta is a form of methylphenidate that is an extended-release formulation, which allows patients to take it only once a day. It is made in a specialized capsule delivery system that slowly releases the medication over a slow period of time.

Concerta is thought to increase the amount of dopamine that is available in neurotransmitters. This allows for improved concentration and focuses on ADHD patients. Methylphenidate has well-known abuse potential. The product information states that those with a history of drug abuse or alcoholism are at high risk of abusing Concerta.

A brief history of methylphenidate abuse is available. Taken incorrectly, methylphenidate has similar effects to cocaine.

Increased education and awareness around the abuse and overdose potential of Concerta are needed. Concerta can be abused by teenagers, college students, and those with overextended jobs in an effort to improve concentration or wakefulness. It can also be abused by parents of children taking Concerta or by those who engage in risky, thrill-seeking stimulant behaviors.

Understanding Concerta Addiction

Concerta can be abused for the mistaken belief that it will improve the school, sports performance, or test-taking. It can also be abused with the goal to lose weight or stay awake during overnight shifts. Concerta can make people feel more focused, confident, and alert, which can be positive.

Some want this feeling to continue, so they end up taking more of the drug. With increased energy, users may also see weight loss and want more and more of that, resulting in taking more drugs in an attempt to solve a weight problem quickly. Chronic Concerta usage can result in physical dependence and mental addiction.

Some signs and symptoms include insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, increased body temperature, and high blood pressure. In times of withdrawal, you may feel anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and mood changes. Certain behaviors indicate use has developed into an addiction.

• Shopping around for a doctor to prescribe what you want
• Spending time trying to find more supply
• Troubles with family or other relationships overuse and behaviors
• Cravings
• Trying to stop using, but going back for more
• Unable to decrease dosing without withdrawal symptoms
• Relying on Concerta for big events
• Obsessive thoughts about getting more and when you will use it next

At Resurgence, we are familiar with a Concerta high and withdrawal. We will safety detox with a dose tapering program to avoid unpleasant side effects. We will determine your individual needs and whether or not inpatient or outpatient treatment will be effective.

You will learn other coping techniques other than drug use to deal with life’s stressors. A stable and balanced life without Concerta is possible.

Effects and Abuse

Can you overdose on this substance? The answer is yes. When taken at doses higher than prescribed or close together, it can result in significant and compounded stimulant effects. The body cannot metabolize the medication as quickly as the blood levels are increasing resulting in sensory overload. Some of the signs and symptoms of overdose are:

• Manic appearing behaviors
• Enlarged pupils
• Anxiety and panic
• Headache
• Disorientation
• Aggressive behavior
• Grinding of teeth/twitching
• Psychotic or schizophrenic behaviors
• Racing heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack or stroke
• High body temperature
• Seizure

If you believe someone has taken too much Concerta or has taken someone else’s and are concerned about their health and safety, you are encouraged to call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

There is no reversal medication for an overdose with this substance, but there are medications to treat the side effects and prevent permanent damage. You may not see all symptoms at once with an overdose. With its specialized release mechanism, the signs and symptoms may vary.

When it is snorted it has similar receptor effects as cocaine does. This reward and reinforcement potential of cocaine can also be seen in methylphenidate, making it a very high risk for abuse and addiction.

If Concerta is broken apart and snorted or smoked all of the 24 hours’ worth of medication can be ingested all at once. This can be extremely dangerous resulting in hospitalization, ICU care, or death. Bypassing the controlled release mechanism could result in overwhelming your ability to metabolize the drug, resulting in significant and potentially terrifying effects for you and your loved ones.

Treatment of Concerta Addiction

Concerta withdrawal and addiction can be managed effectively with proper medical oversight. The withdrawal may not be as bad as you might fear. Once detox is complete, relearning life without addiction is the next step. Depending on your individual situation, the treatment of this addiction may involve only outpatient therapy. If inpatient treatment is needed, a luxury or residential treatment plan may be appropriate.

A Concerta addiction may involve several different types of personalities and goals of abuse. Treatment should be customized to the individual parameters. It may be abused by parents of ADHD patients, by high performing executives, or by thrill-seekers who may have previously been addicted to illicit stimulants.

There can be a false sense of security in abusing prescription medication. Some may feel that because they are getting it from a doctor’s office, or that it is FDA approved that it is safe. You may feel taking a couple of extra doses can’t hurt. The truth is those addictive behaviors are universal regardless of the substance.

By artificially inducing a feeling and obtaining a medication that is not yours or using it in a way the physician did not order is abuse.  If you are engaging in any of those uses of Concerta you may be addicted and are most likely abusing Concerta. Professional help is recommended to help you realize the behavior of addiction and move towards a healthier life.

Payment Information

If you are addicted to Concerta and want help, do not delay due to fears of cost. We offer free insurance verification. We will assist you in determining the right treatment options for your budget. We understand the challenges with payments when already dealing with an addiction. Your sobriety is your best investment. We can show you options that fit within your budget.

How to Get Help

Do you feel like your Concerta use is beyond your control? Are you worried about what would happen if you stop taking it or what would happen if you cannot get enough of it? We can help you regain control of life without Concerta.

If you have a diagnosis of ADHD and are concerned about how to live without medical help, we can assist you in choosing safe and healthy options. Treatment of ADHD without the haze of addiction is possible.

We are experienced in assessing addiction and helping you safely detox. We will give you the tools for sobriety and regain the control and dignity of life on life’s terms. Stopping using Concerta is not recovery.

Long-term success is possible. Let us get you started on the path of life without Concerta.