Maybe a doctor put you on Ritalin and you started taking more of it than you originally intended or maybe you started taking it as a performance enhancer. Grades, sports, homework, papers, all of these things might cause you to want to take more Ritalin than you need. They can also cause you to want to take it when you do not need it.
Since Ritalin is a dangerous drug when taken incorrectly it is important to tell someone when your use is out of control. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell your parents that your use is getting beyond what you can handle. There is a way to do it with the least amount of issues.
Select the Right Time
Selecting the right time is extremely important. You want your parents listening to you, not distracted by work or other things. Sit them down when they have time to listen, even if you have to make an appointment with them. Timing is everything when you want to get their attention and let them know that you are serious about the time to talk and about change.
They won’t be able to listen if you they are distracted. This is why you need to let them know that you have to have a serious talk with them.
Select the Right Place
Make sure your parents aren’t busy or distracted when you talk to them about your Ritalin addiction.
You want to also select the right place. A crowded restaurant or around other family members is not a good place. Pick somewhere you feel comfortable that is private. It also helps if the place does not have a lot of distractions. This way their attention will focus on you and what you are trying to say.
Tell them About Your Symptoms
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the symptoms of Ritalin addiction are:
- Decreased sleep
- Increased body temperature
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Malnutrition
- Cardiac issues
You might be feeling many more symptoms. Ritalin effects everyone differently depending on how much and how often they take it. Most people who take it as prescribed do not wind up addicted but those who misuse it or use it more than needed.
Be Honest about What you Feel
Honesty is the best thing that you can use when you talk to your parents. Recognize that there is a problem and that you want to stop it before it gets worse. Tell them what you are feeling and what your symptoms are.
If a conflict should arise over it, simply stop the discussion and save it for another time. Many people are upset when they find out that you’ve been taking more than the recommended amount. Fortunately, they will eventually listen after the initial reaction.
Talk to them as calmly as possible and ask for their help. It is extremely important to remain calm during any discussion of your drug use.
For help call us at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?). We can help give you ideas about how to talk to your parents as well as treatment options to discuss.
