odd pill
I found an odd white pill on the floor in our kitchen, right next to my two teenage children’s school bags. When I took it to a pharmacy to find out what it could possibly be or where it could have come from they told me it was Ritalin, the drug used to treat ADHD which my son nor daughter have. Why would they have that pill?
Ritalin is unfortunately a stimulant (like a type of speed).
It’s like an amphetamine. Kids use it to get high.
It’s definitely time for a talk about drugs with your children. Think of the reasons that people take speed – they are run down, overwhelmed. Take a close look at the motivation for your children to be taking a drug like this. They could just be trying it, or they could be overwhelmed with the things in their life.
While this may all be nothing, try to think worst case scenario. Do your best not to get mad. It’s really hard because you know the dangers of things. But, there’s a reason why it started in the first place. Find that reason and you’ll be on your way to helping.
Good Luck
You need to talk to your teen about the issue. Drugs are one of those topics, like sex, that your teen is going to learn a lot about whether you tell them or not. At least if you are the one to tell them you can control what angle you spin it from (i.e. ‘drugs ruin lives’ not ‘drugs are fun’) and what they learn about it. Do some research and find out exactly what harmful effects Ritalin can have long term if taken without need.
Ritalin is made from speed – it’s an amphetamine. Basically it’s a party drug that kids take to stay up all night, it gives you a lot of energy and you can stay up for days.
My daughter told me there was a girl who had them who did not have a prescription for them. Apparently if you have it once or twice then yes it is a party drug. But if you have it all the time you don’t get the energy bursts so much but you are still very much awake. Kids use it to stay awake and study. Is your son under a lot of pressure to perform at school?