Concerta Effects
Addiction & Rehab Treatment in New Jersey

What is Concerta?

Concerta is a prescription medication that acts on the central nervous system to increase attention span and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Concerta methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Although highly effective to treat these disorders, people may abuse it in the same manner as other stimulants. Concerta comes in tablet form to be taken orally, however, those who abuse stimulants will crush the pills to inject or snort. Brand names of Concerta include:

• Aptensio XR
• Ritalin
• Ritalin LA
• Ritalin SR
• Metadate CD
• Metadate ER
• Some street names of Concerta include Pineapple, Kibbles & Bits, Smarties, Kiddy Cocaine, Kiddie Coke, and Skittles.

Concerta Side Effects

Effects of Concerta include inducing calmness and increasing focus in those with ADHD. Using Concerta outside of a prescription is considered methylphenidate abuse and effects of Concerta in those without ADHD or narcolepsy include increased energy, euphoria, and excitement. Concerta works by slowly raising dopamine levels in the central nervous system. Common side effects of Concerta include:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Anxiety or irritability
• Blurry Vision
• Loss of appetite
• Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations
• Seizures

Signs of Concerta Abuse and Addiction

Individuals will commonly abuse stimulant prescriptions like Concerta for many reasons including weight loss, getting high, staying up late, or improving academic or professional performance. Signs of Concerta abuse and addiction include:

• Taking the medication other than initially intended, such as crushing it
• Taking more than the prescribed amount
• Withdrawal symptoms when not taking it
• Tolerance to Concerta (needing to take more of it to get the same effect)
• Inability to consistently fulfill their obligations
• A decline in school or work performance
• No longer participating in activities once enjoyed
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions

Concerta Withdrawal Symptoms

When Concerta abuse and addiction lead to physical dependence, the person can develop withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking it. Medical detox may be necessary for some who have long-standing prescription stimulant addiction and abuse to allow them to comfortably and safely go through withdrawal symptoms. When attempting to stop taking Concerta cold turkey, many relapses early on to stop the withdrawals. Some symptoms of Concerta withdrawals include:

• Dysphoria
• Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares and vivid dreams
• Psychomotor agitation
• Fatigue
• Significantly increased appetite

Every person’s addiction and recovery look different and there is no sure way to predict how someone’s drug detox will go. However, a general withdrawal timeline for Concerta may look like this:

• 12 hours to several days after you stop taking Concerta withdrawal symptoms start
• 3 to 7 days after the last dose, the peak of withdrawals
• After 7 days, individuals feel back to normal, however, more mild symptoms can linger for several weeks

Long-Term Side Effects of Concerta Abuse

When Concerta is prescribed and used as directed, it is fairly safe to use long-term. However, Concerta abuse over a long period of time can lead to several health effects including:

• Cardiovascular problems
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Malnutrition from decreased appetite
• Loss of ability to feel pleasure
• Anxiety and paranoia

Concerta Addiction Treatment Near Me

Drug rehab treatment centers offer the best treatment for Concerta addiction. Through professional treatment, you can address various aspects of substance abuse through addiction treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Addiction treatment can also include individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step programming, and family therapy.

The first step for drug treatment programs may be medical detox, which will help you go through Concerta withdrawal safely and comfortably. Many drug rehabs facilities in New Jersey offer various levels of care to help any type of addiction and abuse to fit the needs of each individual. Levels of care include inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient program (IOP), partial hospitalization program (PHP), and outpatient rehab. Inpatient treatment can give you the best chance of addiction recovery, however outpatient rehab has many advantages as well such as continuing to go to work or school and taking care of home obligations while getting addiction treatment. Treatment for Concerta may include a dual diagnosis program that can address co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, and depression that may have been brought on by substance abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with stimulant or Concerta addiction, substance abuse treatment is available. Check our Addiction Treatment Programs in New Jersey to learn more about Alcohol and Drug rehab treatment options. Call Us Now