How Is Dexmethylphenidate Abused?
There are many ways that
dexmethylphenidate is abused. Some people abuse dexmethylphenidate by taking it in the way it was designed to be taken (by mouth). Others may inject, smoke, or snort dexmethylphenidate
(see Snorting Focalin).
Because dexmethylphenidate is so commonly prescribed, it is usually not difficult to find ways to obtain dexmethylphenidate illegally. People often use the Internet to get dexmethylphenidate illegally
(see Focalin Without a Prescription).
The History Behind Stimulants and Their Abuse
Historically, stimulants have been used to treat
asthma and other breathing problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. As their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the use of stimulants began to decrease. Now, stimulants are prescribed for treating only a few health conditions, including
narcolepsy,
ADHD, and
depression that has not responded to other treatments. Stimulants may also be used for short-term treatment of obesity and for patients with asthma.
Stimulants such as dexmethylphenidate affect key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase the levels of these chemicals in the brain and body. This, in turn, increases
blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood sugar levels, and opens up the pathways of the respiratory system. In addition, the increase in dopamine is associated with a sense of euphoria that can accompany the use of stimulants.
Research indicates that people with ADHD do not become addicted to stimulant medications, such as dexmethylphenidate, when they are taken in the form and dosage prescribed. However, when misused, stimulants can be addictive.
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